The principal enzymes responsible for alcohol metabolism are alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). ADH catalyzes the conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde, a highly toxic compound. Subsequently, ALDH converts acetaldehyde into acetate, which is further metabolized to carbon dioxide and water for excretion. Variations in these enzymes can affect an individual's ability to metabolize alcohol, leading to varying susceptibility to alcohol-related disorders.
