While the ALDH2 rs671 genotype that leads to acetaldehyde accumulation was previously thought to predispose individuals to reactive aldehyde and, thus, increase the risk for alcoholic cirrhosis, the accumulation of acetaldehyde and its associated unpleasant symptoms actually discourage alcohol consumption; thus, the genotype is, in fact, a protective factor rather than a risk. Here, ALDH2 is linked to alcoholic liver cirrhosis.