ALDH2 and hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, familial, 4: In animal studies, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) deficiency has been shown to aggravate liver inflammation and fibrosis through increased exposure to acetaldehyde and its associated adducts after alcohol consumption [42]; although epidemiological studies reported a reduced alcoholic cirrhosis risk in individuals with ALDH2 deficiency [43], this is likely due to the substantially lower alcohol consumption in individuals with ALDH2 deficiency which inhibits heavy drinking.