Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitors

Aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes oxidize aldehydes to generate carboxylic acids for use in the muscle and heart. Numerous aldehyde dehydrogenase genes exist, of which ALDH2 is best known for its role in alcohol oxidation.

Over 550 aldehyde genes have been identified across different species, which can be split into numerous families. There are 19 known human aldehyde dehydrogenase genes. ALDH2, a human mitochondrial enzyme belonging to family 2, is responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde produced by ethanol. Inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase therefore results in the build-up of acetaldehyde, a toxic metabolite which is thought to be responsible for 'hangover' symptoms.