Che-Hong Chen researches and educates about risks of alcohol in Asians
Posted on January 6th, 2026
‘Asian glow’ is a common condition brought on by drinking alcohol – but it’s not just skin deep. It’s the result of a genetic mutation in the ALDH2 gene “that prevents the body from fully breaking down alcohol, causing a buildup of toxins.” SPARKee Che-Hong Chen has researched aldehyde toxicity and the function of the ALDH2 gene in humans.
A New York Times article appropriately published on New Year’s Eve discusses the “Asian glow” effect and the risks of alcohol drinking in those with the ALDH2 mutation, which affects “around 500 million people, or as much as 8 percent of the global population,” with Dr. Chen featured in the story.
“Dr. Chen and other researchers say that people with the enzyme deficiency are at an even greater risk of a range of diseases like esophageal cancer, and recommend cutting back or even abstaining from drinking altogether. They say that taking antihistamines or other supplements only masks the symptoms but does not address the underlying toxins.
But the risks are not widely known, even among Asian Americans.”
Dr. Chen began as a SPARK scholar with a product development project, and expanded into public health as he realized many Asians were unaware of the propensity of this genetic mutation and its link to cancer. Dr. Chen now leads public health education in the US, Taiwan, and East Asia to increase awareness of health risks associated with alcohol drinking, including cancer awareness programs for prevention of alcohol-related cancer.