Objective: To investigate the genetic polymorphism of ADH3 and ALDH2 among Tibetan population in Qinghai and its relationship with drinking behavior.
Methods: Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism ( PCR-RFLP ) technique was used to detect the genotype of ADH3 and ALDH2. Drinking behavior was obtained by questionnaire.
Results: The frequency of ADH3*2 and ALDH2*2 alleles in Tibetan population was 7.79% and 22.21% respectively, the frequency of ALDH2*2 and ADH3*1 alleles in non-drinkers was higher than that in drinkers, and the frequency of ALDH2*2 and ADH3*1 alleles in risk drinkers was lower than that in safe drinkers.
Conclusion: ADH3 and ALDH2 are associated with drinking behavior in male Tibetan population.