ALDHs play a major role in the detoxification of alcohol-derived acetaldehyde (Probable). They are involved in the metabolism of corticosteroids, biogenic amines, neurotransmitters, and lipid peroxidation (Probable). Oxidizes medium and long chain aldehydes into non-toxic fatty acids (PubMed:2831537). Preferentially oxidizes aromatic aldehyde substrates (PubMed:2831537). Comprises about 50 percent of corneal epithelial soluble proteins (By similarity). May play a role in preventing corneal damage caused by ultraviolet light (By similarity). an aldehyde + H2O + NAD(+) = a carboxylate + 2 H(+) + NADH H2O + NAD(+) + octanal = 2 H(+) + NADH + octanoate Homodimer. This protein can be induced by a number of chemical carcinogens during rat hepatocarcinogenesis. Belongs to the aldehyde dehydrogenase family.