East Asian variant of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 is related to worse cardioprotective results after coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVES: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 activity is associated with cardioprotection. Individuals carrying an East Asian variant of the ALDH2 genotype (ALDH2*2) have significantly reduced aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 activity. No previous studies have determined the effect of the ALDH2*2 genotype on cardioprotective results after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS: In total, 207 patients who underwent selective off-pump CABG were prospectively enrolled. Their baseline characteristics and clinical results were collected. Preoperative and postoperative circulating oxidative stress levels (serum malondialdehyde adducts and hydroxynonenal adducts) were measured. After genotyping, the oxidative stress levels and clinical results were compared between the ALDH2*2 carriers and non-carriers.

RESULTS: ALDH2*2 carriers exhibited higher levels of malondialdehyde (P = 0.02) and hydroxynonenal (P = 0.03) adducts after CABG. ALDH2*2 carriers had higher postoperative troponin I levels (P = 0.01) and 24-h inotropic scores (P = 0.02). The intensive care unit time (P = 0.03) and postoperative length of stay (P = 0.03) were longer in ALDH2*2 carriers. The postoperative pulmonary infection rate was higher (P = 0.03) in ALDH2*2 carriers.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with the ALDH2*2 genotype had higher postoperative oxidative stress levels and poorer clinical results after CABG. Special cardioprotective techniques should be considered for patients with a history of 'facial flushing' when performing CABG.