ALDH2 1510 G/A (Glu487Lys) polymorphism interaction with age in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Recent molecular epidemiological studies have revealed a possible association of the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) 1510 G/A (Glu487Lys) polymorphism with various cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). To further elucidate the significance of this polymorphism in HNSCC development, the relationship between ALDH2 1510 G/A and clinicopathological parameters, cigarette smoking or alcohol intake was evaluated in patients with HNSCC. DNA samples from 192 patients with primary HNSCC and 192 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were genotyped and statistically evaluated. Although there was no significant difference in the genotype distribution of ALDH2 1510 G/A between cases and controls, we found that the frequency of the ALDH2 genotypes with the mutated A (Lys) allele was greater in patients aged