ALDH2 Expression, Alcohol Intake and Semen Parameters among East Asian Men

J Urol. 2022 Aug;208(2):406-413. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000002682. Epub 2022 Mar 28.

Abstract

Purpose: Inactivating mutations in mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) are highly prevalent. The most common variant allele, ALDH2*2, is present in 40%-50% of East Asians, and causes acetaldehyde accumulation, flushing and tachycardia after alcohol intake. The relationship between alcohol intake and ALDH2 genotype on semen parameters remains unknown.

Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the association between ALDH2 genotype, alcohol consumption and semen parameters among East Asian men. Volunteers completed a survey and submitted a semen sample for analysis. Participants were genotyped to determine ALDH2 status (ALDH2*1/*1, ALDH2*1/*2, ALDH2*2/*2), and immunohistochemical staining was used to determine protein expression of ALDH2 in spermatozoa.

Results: Of 112 men 45 (40.2%) were ALDH2*2 carriers. Among ALDH2*2 carriers, alcohol consumption was associated with significantly lower total sperm motility (median 20% [interquartile range 11%-42%] vs 43% [IQR 31%-57%], p=0.005) and progressive sperm motility (19% [IQR 11%-37%] vs 36% [IQR 25%-53%], p=0.008). Among alcohol consumers, ALDH2*2 carriers had significantly lower total sperm motility (20% [IQR 11%--42%] vs 41% [IQR 19%-57%], p=0.02), progressive sperm motility (19% [IQR 11%-37%] vs 37% [IQR 17%-50%], p=0.02) and total motile sperm count (28 million [M; IQR 9-79M] vs 71M [IQR 23-150M], p=0.05) compared to ALDH2*1/*1 individuals. Secondly, ALDH2 expression in human spermatozoa was significantly lower in ALDH2*2 carriers (ALDH2*1/*1 vs ALDH2*1/*2, p=0.01; ALDH2*1/*1 vs ALDH2*2/*2, p <0.001).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest genotyping ALDH2, coupled with alcohol cessation counseling, may improve semen parameters among men.

Keywords: ALDH2 protein; alcohol drinking; human; infertility; male.

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking* / genetics
  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial* / genetics
  • Asian People / genetics
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Semen*
  • Sperm Motility* / genetics

Substances

  • ALDH2 protein, human
  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial