**12.1 Genetic polymorphism in catalase**

CAT pathway plays a prominent role in the oxidation of ethanol in the brain [17]. A common polymorphism in the promoter region of the catalase gene CAT c.- 262C > T (rs1001179) influences the susceptibility to alcohol dependence and severity of alcohol dependence [65]. It was found that CAT levels were significantly higher in subjects carrying CAT -262 T allele [66, 67]. There is one study showing CAT activity and alcohol intake are interrelated [68], but the impact of this polymorphism in alcohol dependence needs to be investigated for proper conclusions [67].
