What are the Toxicological Implications of Acetaldehyde Accumulation?
When acetaldehyde accumulates in the body due to impaired ALDH activity, it can lead to several adverse effects. These include the common symptoms of alcohol flush reaction, such as facial flushing, nausea, and rapid heartbeat. Chronic exposure to high levels of acetaldehyde is linked to liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and an increased risk of developing esophageal and liver cancers. From a toxicological perspective, acetaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
