Mexican Americans Carrying Haplotype H6 Of The CYP2E1 Gene Have A Greater Risk Of Alcoholism

Mexican Americans make up 66 percent of the U.S. Hispanic population and, when compared to other ethnic groups, show high rates of heavy drinking and alcohol-related problems. First-of-its-kind research that examines haplotypes — clusters of genetic polymorphisms — of the CYP2E1 gene among a Mexican-American population has found that carrying haplotype H6 may enhance susceptibility to developing alcoholism.

“The prevalence rate of heavy drinking among male Mexican Americans is three times higher than that of non-Hispanic male populations,” said Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan, professor of pharmacology and director of the Liver Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center. “Mexican Americans have also been found to have more alcohol-related problems — such as withdrawal, tolerance, and accidents — than Caucasians. Furthermore, Hispanics are more likely than Caucasians to continue their alcohol dependence once it begins.”"*

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