Aldehyde dehydrogenase polymorphism in North American, South American, and Mexican Indian populations

While about 40% of the South American Indian populations (Atacamenos, Mapuche, Shuara) were found to be deficient in aldehyde dehydrogenase isozyme I (ALDH₂ or E₂), preliminary investigations showed very low incidence of isozyme deficiency among North American natives (Sioux, Navajo) and Mexican Indians (mestizo). Possible implications of such trait differences on cross-cultural behavioral response to alcohol drinking are discussed.