Abstract

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.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.45 (40.2%) of 112 men 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 (28M [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).Our findings suggest genotyping ALDH2, coupled with alcohol cessation counseling, may improve semen parameters among men.

View details for DOI 10.1097/JU.0000000000002682

View details for PubMedID 35344413