A research group at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has delved into a dataset of more than 3 million individuals from 23andMe, Inc., a direct-to-consumer genetics company, to explore the relationship between genetic factors influencing alcohol consumption and their connections to other disorders. Published in the Lancet eBioMedicine, the study classified individuals as European, Latin American, and African American to avoid the statistical genetics pitfall of population stratification. By analyzing genetic data from these individuals, they found certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are protective against excessive alcohol drinking and alcohol use disorder.
One of the rare alcohol-protective variants they identified showed up in a small number of individuals across the different cohorts analyzed. These variants impact how the body metabolizes ethanol, leading to negative effects like nausea that override any pleasurable effects of alcohol. The study revealed that these variants primarily influence the amount of alcohol consumption in individuals and reduce the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Despite the well-known influence of these SNPs on alcohol consumption, the researchers sought to explore other potential effects by taking a hypothesis-free approach to the data available in the 23andMe dataset.
Through their data-mining efforts and collaboration with 23andMe, the researchers identified various associations between the alcohol-protective alleles and different health outcomes. Individuals with these alleles tended to have better overall health, experiencing less chronic fatigue and needing less daily assistance with tasks. However, they also had worse health outcomes in certain areas, such as more tobacco use, emotional eating, Graves’ disease, hyperthyroidism, and unexpected conditions like more malaria, myopia, and certain cancers. The study raised questions about the interplay between genetic differences, alcohol consumption, and the development of various health conditions.
The researchers emphasized the need for broad, hypothesis-free studies using large datasets to gain a comprehensive understanding of genetic influences on various traits and behaviors. Sanchez-Roige highlighted the importance of including individuals from diverse ancestral backgrounds in genetic studies to address health disparities and promote more inclusive research outcomes. By identifying connections between alcohol-protective alleles and seemingly unrelated conditions, the study provides a foundation for further research to explore the underlying mechanisms and implications for treatments and preventive medicine.
The study pointed out potential connections between the alcohol-protective alleles and conditions not typically associated with alcohol consumption, raising questions about the complex interplay between genetic factors, alcohol use, and various health outcomes. The researchers expressed optimism about future research opportunities to uncover the mechanisms behind these effects and their implications for improving treatments and preventative measures. With a focus on addiction-related traits, the collaboration between the research group and 23andMe has enabled the exploration of diverse genetic influences on various conditions, laying the groundwork for future investigations.
