In aggregate it appears that alleles that increase CYP2E1 expression increase level of response to alcohol and risk for cancer, presumably by allowing the activation of procarcinogens or the production of ROS. Previous evidence for the involvement of CYP2E1 with alcohol metabolism and the incidence of several alcohol related cancers, strongly supports the conclusion that CYP2E1 alleles are associated with the level of response to alcohol and ultimately the development of alcohol use disorders. With multiple lines of evidence linking CYP2E1 to alcohol intake and subsequent outcomes, this gene can be an important predictor of risk for alcoholism and provide us with a better understanding of how the brain perceives alcohol. Drugs that affect the expression of this gene and, subsequently, the perception of alcohol, could reduce intoxication or limit consumption and thus moderate the development of alcoholism.
