The aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene is associated with heroin dependence

Background: Determining the influences of genes involved in metabolizing dopamine and encoding dopamine receptors, such as the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) and dopamine D2 receptor/ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 (DRD2/ANKK1) genes, is critical for understanding addictive behavior. Therefore, we investigated the association between the ALDH2 and DRD2/ANKK1 Taq IA polymorphisms and heroin dependence. Methods: Heroin-dependent Han Chinese patients (250) and healthy controls (312) were recruited. ALDH2 and DRD2/ANKK1 Taq IA polymorphisms were genotyped. Results: The frequency of ALDH2*1/*2 and *2/*2 genotypes was significantly higher in heroin-dependent patients than in controls, but the frequency of DRD2 Taq IA genotypes was not significantly different. Logistic regression analysis showed no significant interaction between ALDH2 and DRD2 Taq IA genotypes in patients. Conclusions: The ALDH2 polymorphism, but not the DRD2, was associated with heroin dependence.