Korean J Psychopharmacol.  2006 Jan;17(1):70-80.

Comparison of Effects of Alcohol on Daytime Sleepiness, Psychomotor Performance, and Subjective Response according to ALDH2 Genotype in Healthy Young Men: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study

• Shin HY
• Shin IS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the effects of alcohol on daytime sleepiness, psychomotor performance, and subjective response in healthy young men with different ALDH2 genotypes.
METHODS
A total of 24 males, half with the active ALDH2*1/*1 and the rest with inactive the ALDH2*1/*2, were selected through genotyping. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, each subject consumed either a 0.5 g/kg dose of alcohol or placebo in the morning on two separate occasions, a week apart. Multiple Sleep Latency Test, a battery of psychomotor tests (Critical Flicker Fusion Threshold, Choice Reaction Time, Compensatory Tracking Task, Digit Symbol Substitution), questionnaire for subjective response and modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale were administered.
RESULTS
Daytime sleep latency was significantly decreased after alcohol intake in the morning compared to placebo, and the decrease was much greater in subjects with ALDH2*1/*2 than in subjects with ALDH2*1/*1. Psychomotor function was significantly impaired after alcohol intake in the morning compared to placebo, in subjects with ALDH2*1/*2. Subjective response was significantly negative or intense after alcohol intake in the morning, compared to placebo, in subjects with ALDH2*1/*2. Subjective daytime sleepiness was significantly increased after alcohol intake compared to placebo, in subjects with ALDH2*1/*2.
CONCLUSION
These results supported that ALDH2 polymorphism might be one of important factors in determining the effects of alcohol on the various psychobehavioural functions as well as on patterns of alcohol use.

Keyword

Alcohol; ALDH2; Daytime sleepiness; Psychomotor performance; Subjective response

MeSH Terms

Cross-Over Studies*
Flicker Fusion
Genotype*
Humans
Male
Psychomotor Performance*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Reaction Time