RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Jews have lower rates of alcohol-related problems than other Caucasians. The ADH2*2 allele of the alcohol dehydrogenase 2 (ADH2 ) gene protects against alcoholism in Asians and is found in approximately 20% of Jews. We studied the relationship of ADH2*2 to DSM-IV dependence severity in a random community sample of Israeli Ashkenazis, recent Russian immigrants (also Ashkenazis), and Sephardics. METHODS: Subjects participated in a structured interview that included highly reliable questions on DSM-IV alcohol dependence symptoms. ADH2 genotype was determined for 68 subjects. RESULTS: Recent Russian immigrants had more past and lifetime DSM-IV dependence symptoms. Sephardics had a higher prevalence of ADH2*2 than Ashkenazis. Controlling for group and other potentially confounding factors, ADH2*2 was associated with a lower lifetime DSM-IV alcohol dependence severity, although this differed somewhat within groups. CONCLUSIONS: ADH2*2 protects against dependence severity in Jewish samples. Future work in larger samples should address genetic and environmental factors that affect the relationship of ADH2*2 to alcohol consumption and dependence.
