Matsushita and Higuchi 7 describe the use of Asian samples to investigate genetic variations of alcohol metabolizing enzymes. The inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) and highly active alcohol dehydrogenase-1B (ADH1B) are unique to certain Asian groups and are considered to be protective factors against the development of AUD. The strong effect of the ALDH2 gene provides an excellent opportunity to also examine gene×environment interactions (GxE). However, many environmental and other social factors that may contribute differentially to Asian groups remain to be studied. Genetic studies conducted in Asian countries tend to focus on different environmental factors, sometimes unique to that country/culture, and have identified different environmental contributions from those studies conducted in the U.S.
