Influence of Acetaldehyde on Oral Epithelial Cells

Acetaldehyde, a product of alcohol metabolism, has been recognized a risk factor for carcinogenesis. To clarify the carcinogenic effects of acetaldehyde in the oral cavity and mechanisms involved, normal oral epithelial cells were incubated with several concentrations of acetaldehyde and assays of genetic and epigenetic changes were performed. Acetaldehyde induced malignant transformation of normal oral epithelial cells and demethylation of the erbB2 gene. In addition, regulation of DNA methylation was suppressed when cells were subjected to alternating exposure to medium containing acetaldehyde and medium without acetaldehyde. These findings suggest that habitual alcohol drinking increases the risk of developing oral cancer, and that an appropriate abstinence period may reduce this risk.