PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Ingolf Cascorbi

Publications and source records attributed to Ingolf Cascorbi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Intestinal expression of P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), multidrug resistance associated protein 2 (ABCC2), and uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 predicts the disposition and modulates the effects of the cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe in humans.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ezetimibe is an inhibitor of the cholesterol uptake transporter Niemann-Pick C1-like protein (NPC1L1). Target concentrations can be influenced by intestinal uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) and the efflux transporters P-glycoprotein (P-gp) (ABCB1) and multidrug resistance associated protein 2 (MRP2) (ABCC2). This study evaluates the contribution of these factors to the disposition and cholesterol-lowering effect of ezetimibe before and after induction of UGT1A1, P-gp, and MRP2 with rifampin (INN, rifampicin). METHODS: Serum concentrations of ezetimibe, as well as its glucuronide, and the plant sterols campesterol and sitosterol (surrogate for cholesterol absorption) were studied in 12 healthy subjects before and after rifampin comedication. In parallel, duodenal expression of UGT1A1, P-gp, MRP2, and NPC1L1 was quantified by use of real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and quantitative immunohistochemical evaluation. The affinity of ezetimibe and its glucuronide to P-gp and MRP2 was assessed in P-gp- overexpressing Madin-Darby canine kidney II cells and P-gp-containing or MRP2-containing inside-out vesicles. RESULTS: Up-regulation of intestinal P-gp, MRP2, and UGT1A1 (but not of NPC1L1) by rifampin was associated with markedly decreased areas under the curve of ezetimibe and its glucuronide (116 +/- 78.1 ng.h/mL versus 49.9 +/- 31.0 ng.h/mL and 635 +/- 302 ng.h/mL versus 225 +/- 86.4 ng.h/mL, respectively; both P = .002) and increased intestinal clearances (2400 +/- 1560 mL/min versus 5500 +/- 4610 mL/min [P = .003] and 76.6 +/- 113 mL/min versus 316 +/- 457 mL/min [P = .010], respectively) and nearly abolished sterol-lowering effects. Intestinal expression of UGT1A1, ABCB1, and ABCC2 was inversely correlated with the effects of ezetimibe on plant sterol serum concentrations. Parallel in vitro studies confirmed that ezetimibe glucuronide is a high-affinity substrate of MRP2 and has a low affinity to P-gp whereas ezetimibe interacts with P-gp and MRP2. CONCLUSIONS: The disposition and sterol-lowering effects of ezetimibe are modified by metabolic degradation of the drug via intestinal UGT1A1 and either intestinal or hepatic secretion (or both) via P-gp and MRP2.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Role of pharmacogenetics of ATP-binding cassette transporters in the pharmacokinetics of drugs.

Interindividual differences of drug response are an important cause of treatment failures and adverse drug reactions. The identification of polymorphisms explaining distinct phenotypes of drug metabolizing enzymes contributed in part to the understanding of individual variations of drug plasma levels. However, bioavailability also depends on a major extent from the expression and activity of drug transport across biomembranes. In particular efflux transporters of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family such as ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein, P-gp), the ABCC (multidrug resistance-related protein, MRP) family and ABCG2 (breast cancer resistance protein, BCRP) have been identified as major determinants of chemoresistance in tumor cells. They are expressed in the apical membranes of many barrier tissue such as the intestine, liver, blood-brain barrier, kidney, placenta, testis and in lymphocytes, thus contributing to plasma, liquor, but also intracellular drug disposition. Since expression and function exhibit a broad variability, it was hypothesized that hereditary variances in the genes of membrane transporters could explain at least in part interindividual differences of pharmacokinetics and clinical outcome of a variety of drugs. This review focuses on the functional significance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCG2 in in vitro systems, in vivo tissues and drug disposition, as well as on the clinical outcome of major indications.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Simvastatin does not influence the intestinal P-glycoprotein and MPR2, and the disposition of talinolol after chronic medication in healthy subjects genotyped for the ABCB1, ABCC2 and SLCO1B1 polymorphisms.

AIMS: To evaluate whether simvastatin influences (i) the intestinal expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and MRP2, and (ii) the disposition of the beta(1)-selective blocker talinolol, a substrate of these transporter proteins. METHODS: The disposition of talinolol after intravenous (30 mg) and single or repeated oral administration (100 mg daily) was monitored before and after chronic treatment with simvastatin (40 mg daily) in 18 healthy subjects (10 males, eight females, body mass index 19.0-27.0 kg m(-2)) genotyped for ABCB1, ABCC2 and SLCO1B1 polymorphisms. The steady-state pharmacokinetics of simvastatin was evaluated before and after repeated oral talinolol administration. The duodenal expression of ABCB1 and ABCC2 mRNA before and after simvastatin treatment was quantified using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (TaqMan. RESULTS: Simvastatin did not influence the expression of duodenal ABCB1 and ABCC2. There was no significant pharmacokinetic interaction between simvastatin and talinolol. Duodenal ABCB1 mRNA content was significantly correlated with the AUC(0-infinity) (r = 0.627, P = 0.039) and C(max) (r = 0.718, P = 0.013) of oral talinolol. The ABCB1 and ABCC2 gene polymorphisms did not influence simvastatin and talinolol disposition. The half-life of the latter was significantly shorter in the nine carriers with a SLCO1B1*1b allele compared with the seven subjects with the wild-type SLCO1B1*1a/*1a genotype (12.2 +/- 1.6 h vs. 14.5 +/- 1.4 h, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Simvastatin does not influence the intestinal expression of P-gp and MRP2 in man. There was no pharmacokinetic interaction between talinolol and simvastatin during their chronic co-administration to healthy subjects.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B↗

Multidrug resistance 1 genotype and disposition of budesonide in early primary biliary cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Budesonide, which is a dual substrate of P-glycoprotein, the product of the multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene, and cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) has been proposed for treatment of early primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Recently, MDR1 gene polymorphisms have been discussed as a potential cause of glucocorticoid resistance. We tested the hypothesis that MDR1 gene polymorphisms affect absorption of oral budesonide. METHODS: In 21 patients with histologically proven early-stage (I/II) PBC and nine healthy subjects, we evaluated the impact of MDR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (2,677G>T,A and 3,435C>T) on disposition of a single oral dose of 3 mg budesonide. CYP3A5 gene polymorphisms (6,986A>G) were analyzed in parallel. RESULTS: In MDR1 2,677 GG and 3,435 CC genotypes, absorption and elimination of budesonide were not significantly different from those in corresponding homozygous variants. Peak plasma levels and areas under the plasma concentration time curves (AUC) of budesonide were not lower in MDR1 3,435 CC with putatively high intestinal expression of P-glycoprotein than in MDR1 3,435 TT. Interestingly, in two CYP3A5*1/*3 carriers with high enzyme activity, lower AUC was noted than in 28 CYP3A5*3/*3 carriers with a deficient enzyme. CONCLUSION: Common MDR1 gene polymorphisms do not affect disposition of budesonide in early PBC.

Administration, Oral↗

Genetic basis of toxic reactions to drugs and chemicals.

Inter-individual drug effects are subject to substantial variability. There are multiple reasons based on pathophysiological factors and environmental interactions, but also genetic characteristics. Groundbreaking successes have been achieved in the field of pharmacogenomics and toxicogenomics. In particular, the identification of hereditary polymorphisms in genes of the cytochrome P450 system and phase II-enzymes such as TMPT contributed considerably to the explanation of the individually varying pharmacokinetics of a number of drugs. Furthermore, hereditary variations in genes of membrane drug transporters were recently discovered. Along with these factors, which could influence pharmacokinetics, strong efforts have been undertaken to clarify the role of genetic polymorphisms in receptors or signal transduction proteins modulating drug efficacy. Particularly for malignant diseases such as bladder or lung cancer, polymorphic foreign compound metabolizing enzymes have been identified as susceptibility factors, modulating an individual's cancer risk dependent on the extent of environmental exposure. This review focuses on the role of the polymorphic phase I enzymes cytochrome P450 1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 3A5 and myeloperoxidase as well as on the phase II-enzymes arylamine N-acetyltransferases 1 and 2, glutathione S-transferases M1 and T1, and thiopurine S-methyltranferases as detoxifying but also toxifying factors, modulating pharmacokinetics and disease susceptibility.

Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase↗

A LC-MS/MS method to quantify the novel cholesterol lowering drug ezetimibe in human serum, urine and feces in healthy subjects genotyped for SLCO1B1.

Ezetimibe (Ezetrol) is a novel cholesterol lowering drug which disposition is not fully understood in man. We developed a selective and high-sensitive assay to measure serum concentration-time profiles, renal and fecal elimination of ezetimibe in pharmacokinetic studies. Ezetimibe glucuronide, the major metabolite of ezetimibe was determined by enzymatic degradation to the parent compound. Ezetimibe was measured after extraction with methyl tert-butyl ether using 4-hydroxychalcone as internal standard and liquid chromatography coupled via an APCI interface with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for detection. The chromatography (column XTerra) MS, C(18), 2.1 mm x 100 mm, particle size 3.5 microm) was done isocratically with acetonitrile/water (60/40, v/v; flow rate 200 microl/min). The MS/MS analysis was performed in the negative ion mode (m/z transition: ezetimibe 408-271, internal standard 223-117). The validation ranges for ezetimibe and total ezetimibe were as follows: serum 0.0001-0.015 microg/ml and 0.001-0.2 microg/ml; urine and fecal homogenate 0.025-10 microg/ml and 0.1-20 mg/ml, respectively. The assay was successfully applied to measure ezetimibe disposition in two subjects genotyped for the hepatic uptake transporter SLCO1B1.

Adult↗

Endothelial NO synthase polymorphisms and postural tachycardia syndrome.

Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by an excessive rise in heart rate and symptoms consistent with cerebral hypoperfusion in the upright position. NO produced by endothelial NO synthase is a significant factor in the regulation of blood flow. Genetic polymorphisms in the promoter region (T-786C) and exon 7 (E298D) of the NO synthase isoform 3 gene affect enzyme activity and have been associated with a number of cardiovascular diseases. Because some findings in POTS suggest aberrant NO-mediated functions, we postulated that the variant genotypes of these polymorphisms may increase the risk of developing POTS and correlate with more severe symptoms. We genotyped 136 patients with POTS (mean age 32.2+/-9.9 years; 46 men and 90 women) from Nashville, Tenn, and Vienna, Austria, and compared them with 191 healthy volunteers (mean age 29.1+/-8.0 years; 127 men and 64 women). Participants also underwent orthostatic testing with blood pressure, heart rate, and plasma norepinephrine measurements while supine and upright. The frequencies of the -786CC and 298DD genotypes were significantly lower in patients with POTS than in control subjects (odds ratio [OR], 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14 to 0.57; P=0.001 for -786CC; and OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.91; P=0.033 for 298DD). According to 2-locus genotype analyses, patients with -786CC and 298EE or 298ED experienced the largest changes in heart rate and plasma norepinephrine with standing. These results indicate that NO may influence the development of POTS and the severity of POTS symptoms.

Adolescent↗

The ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCG2 (BCRP), a marker for side population stem cells, is expressed in human heart.

Efforts to improve severely impaired myocardial function include transplantation of autologous hematopoietic side population (SP) stem cells. The transmembrane ABC-type (ATP binding cassette) half-transporter ABCG2 (BCRP) serves as a marker protein for SP cell selection. We have recently shown that other ABC transport proteins such as ABCB1 and ABCC5 are differentially expressed in normal and diseased human heart. Here we investigated localization and individual ABCG2 expression in 15 ventricular (including 10 cardiomyopathic) and 51 auricular heart tissue samples using immunohistochemistry, confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy, and real-time RT-PCR. Individual genotypes were assigned using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and subsequently correlated to ABCG2 mRNA levels. ABCG2 was localized in endothelial cells of capillaries and arterioles of all samples. Ventricular samples from cardiomyopathic hearts exhibited significantly increased levels of ABCG2 mRNA (ABCG2/18S rRNA: 1.08 +/- 0.30 x 10(-7); p=0.028 (dilative cardiomyopathy) and 1.16 +/- 0.46 x 10(-7); p=0.009 (ischemic cardiomyopathy) compared with 0.44 +/- 0.26 x 10(-7) in nonfailing hearts). The individual haplotypes were not associated with altered mRNA expression. ABCG2 is variably expressed in endothelial cells of human heart, where it may function as a protective barrier against cardiotoxic drugs such as anthracyclines or mitoxantrone. ABCG2 expression is induced in dilative and ischemic cardiomyopathies.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Mem↗

Metabolic gene polymorphisms and lung cancer risk in non-smokers. An update of the GSEC study.

BACKGROUND: Since genetic factors may play an important role in lung cancer development at low dose carcinogen exposure, non-smokers are a good model to study genetic susceptibility and its interaction with environmental factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the role of the metabolic gene polymorphisms CYP1A1MspI, CYP1A1Ile462Val, GSTM1, and GSTT1 in non-smoker lung cancer patients from the International Collaborative Study on Genetic Susceptibility to Environmental Carcinogens (GSEC). Non-smokers (defined as subjects who never smoked on a regular basis) were selected from the GSEC database. We pooled the raw data from 21 case-control studies for a total of 2764 Caucasians (555 cases and 2209 controls) and 383 Asians (113 cases and 270 controls). Tests of heterogeneity and of inclusion bias were performed. RESULTS: A significant association between lung cancer and CYP1A1Ile462Val polymorphism was observed in Caucasians (adjusted OR=2.04, 95% CI 1.17-3.54). GSTT1 deletion seems to be a risk factor for lung cancer in Caucasian non smokers only when the analysis was restricted to studies including healthy controls (adjusted OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.12-2.46). A protective effect on lung cancer was observed with the combination of CYP1A1 wild type, GSTM1 null, and GSTT1 non-null genotypes. None of the analysed polymorphisms were associated with lung cancer in Asian non-smokers. DISCUSSION: Our analysis confirms previous findings that CYP1A1Ile462Val polymorphism may play a role in lung carcinogenesis in Caucasian non-smokers.

Adenocarcinoma↗

'Comparison of extremes' approach provides evidence against the modifying role of NAT2 polymorphism in lung cancer susceptibility.

NAT2 (arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2) polymorphism, being a key determinant of individual variations in acetylation capacity, is suspected to modify the risk of carcinogen-related malignancies. As tobacco smoke and other inhaled hazards contain a variety of NAT2 substrates, the relationship between NAT2 phenotype and lung cancer (LC) risk has been a subject of intensive research, however different case-control studies produced controversial data. In the present report, we employed a novel 'comparison of extremes' approach, i.e. we compared the distribution of NAT2 genotypes in lung cancer patients (LC, n=178) not only to the population controls (healthy donors (HD), n=364), but also to the subjects with a putative cancer-resistant constitution (elderly tumor-free smokers and non-smokers (ED), n=351). Frequencies of homozygous rapid, heterozygous rapid and slow acetylators were 6, 39 and 56% in LC, 8, 32 and 60% in HD, and 6, 35 and 59% in ED, respectively. Comparison of the NAT2 genotype frequencies between affected and non-affected individuals did not reveal any statistical deviations, irrespectively of smoking history, gender, age, or histological type of LC. Adjusted odds ratio for rapid vs. slow acetylators was 1.12 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.73-1.74) comparing LC vs. HD, and 1.10 (95% CI: 0.74-1.62) comparing LC vs. ED. Similar distribution of NAT2 acetylator genotypes both in tumor-prone and in tumor-resistant groups suggests that, despite the presence of NAT2 carcinogenic substrates in tobacco smoke, NAT2 polymorphism does not play a noticeable role in lung cancer susceptibility.

Acetylation↗

Variable expression of MRP2 (ABCC2) in human placenta: influence of gestational age and cellular differentiation.

MRP2 (ABCC2) is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-type membrane protein involved in transport of conjugates of various drugs and endogenous compounds. MRP2 has been localized to the apical membrane of syncytiotrophoblasts and is assumed to be involved in diaplacental transfer of the above substances. It has been shown that both genetic and environmental factors can influence MRP2 expression. We therefore investigated whether gestational age, cellular differentiation, and genetic polymorphisms influence expression and localization of MRP2 in 58 human placenta samples. We detected a significant increase of transporter-mRNA with gestational age by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (MRP2 mRNA/18S rRNA ratio x 1000 +/- S.D.; 0.43 +/- 0.13 in early preterms versus 1.18 +/- 0.44 in late preterms versus 2.1 +/- 0.63 in terms; p < 0.05). MRP2 protein followed the mRNA amount as shown by Western blotting (mean relative band intensity +/- S.D.; 0.56 +/- 0.1 versus 0.7 +/- 0.18 versus 0.92 +/- 0.19; early preterms versus terms p < 0.05). In cultured cytotrophoblasts, MRP2 expression increased with differentiation to syncytiotrophoblasts, with a peak on day 2 (MRP2 mRNA/18S rRNA ratio x 1000 +/- S.D.; 0.06 +/- 0.01 versus 0.88 +/- 0.27 versus 0.24 +/- 0.02 on days 0, 2, and 4). Moreover, we studied the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (C-24T; G1249A, and C3972T) in the MRP2 gene on placental expression. One of these polymorphisms (G1249A) resulted in a significantly reduced expression of MRP2 mRNA in preterms. In summary, the expression of MRP2 in human placenta is influenced by gestational age, cellular differentiation, and genetic factors.

Base Sequence↗

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase Glu(298)-->Asp polymorphism, carotid atherosclerosis and intima-media thickness in a general population sample.

The Glu(298)-->Asp (E298D; 894G-->T) polymorphism of eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) has been related with cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we investigated the association of Glu(298)-->Asp with atherosclerotic plaques in different carotid vessel segments and with carotid IMT (intima-media thickness). The Glu(298)-->Asp eNOS polymorphism was determined by 5'-exonuclease assay among 2448 participants of the SHIP (Study of Health in Pomerania). Mean and maximum common carotid IMT, as well as carotid atherosclerosis, were measured by high-resolution ultrasound. The Asp/Asp(298) genotype was associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic plaques at the level of the common carotid arteries [multivariate odds ratio, 1.57 and 95% CI (confidence interval), 1.05-2.34; P=0.025], but not in the carotid bifurcations or internal or external carotid arteries. Glu(298)-->Asp genotype was not associated with carotid IMT in the whole sample. However, the Asp/Asp(298) genotype was independently associated with both higher mean [adjusted increase by 0.046 mm (95% CI, 0.013-0.078); P=0.006] and maximum carotid IMT [0.137 mm (95% CI, 0.064-0.209); P<0.001] in the low-risk group of subjects without carotid atherosclerosis. In conclusion, the Asp/Asp(298) genotype is associated with atherosclerosis in the common carotid arteries and, in a low-risk group, also with carotid IMT. This suggests that the association of the Glu(298)-->Asp genotype with atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries is site-specific and is modified by overall cardiovascular risk.

Adult↗

Influence of an insertion variant in the 5'UTR of the endothelin-1 gene on orthostatic intolerance.

BACKGROUND: Orthostatic intolerance is a multifactorial disease in which the genetic contribution is probably the result of a number of genes acting in combination. Recent work has shown that orthostatic intolerance is influenced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms. Since endothelin-1 (ET-1) is one of the most important vasoconstrictor peptides, a frequent adenine insertion polymorphism within the 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR), which is of functional importance for ET-1 expression, could influence orthostatic intolerance. The aim of this study was therefore to ascertain whether this frequent variant of the endothelin-1 gene influences the risk for orthostatic intolerance. METHODS: We studied 257 white patients (120 cases with orthostatic intolerance and 137 controls) for genotyping of the 5'UTR I variant. From this cohort, 111 patients and 99 control subjects underwent a tilt-table test or an upright posture study, including monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and plasma catecholamines, in the supine position and during 30 minutes of standing. Genotyping was performed in all participants. Chi tests of independence were used to test for associations between orthostatic intolerance and genotype. In addition, an association of the insertion polymorphism with hemodynamic variables (heart rate, supine and upright blood pressure) was ascertained using one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The 5'UTR I variant was significantly less common in patients with orthostatic intolerance (allele frequency 0.36 and 0.28, in controls and cases, respectively). Additionally, we found a significant decrease in the risk of orthostatic intolerance among people who were homozygous for the 5'UTR variant (I/I) compared with the wild-type variant (D/D) (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.17 to 0.97; P = 0.04). No association between the 5'UTR variant and heart rate or blood pressure regardless of diagnosis was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our current results suggest that the hereditary adenine insertion variant in the 5'-UTR of the endothelin-1 gene is protective for orthostatic intolerance. The increased ET-1 protein expression that has been linked with the I variant might be associated with a more efficient hemodynamic response to standing. This is likely one of several common genetic loci that may represent modifiers of orthostatic intolerance phenotypes.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase Glu298Asp gene polymorphism, blood pressure and hypertension in a general population sample.

OBJECTIVE: The Glu298Asp (E/D) polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene has been related to hypertension. Since several studies have produced contradictory results, this issue is still subject to ongoing debate. We investigated the association of the eNOS E298D polymorphism with hypertension and with blood pressure (BP) in a large population-based sample of Caucasian ethnicity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study in a random sample of the general population. METHODS: The eNOS E298D polymorphism was determined by 5'-exonuclease assay among 4219 participants aged 20-79 years of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). RESULTS: The percentages of the EE298, ED298 and DD298 genotypes were 49.2, 42.0 and 8.8%, respectively. The D allele frequencies did not differ between the groups of normotensive and hypertensive subjects (29.7 versus 29.9%, P = 0.812). Similarly, no association could be established between E298D genotype and prevalent hypertension, neither for D allele carriership (multivariate odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.83-1.12) nor for DD homozygosity (multivariate odds ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 0.84-1.43). Likewise, genotype groups did not differ as to the distribution of systolic (ANCOVA P = 0.917) or diastolic BP values (ANCOVA P = 0.657). Nearly identical results were obtained if the analyses were repeated sex-specifically or if subjects on antihypertensive medication were excluded. CONCLUSION: In a population-based cohort of Caucasians covering a broad age range, the eNOS E298D polymorphism is neither associated with prevalent hypertension nor with systolic or diastolic BP. These results do not support the hypothesis that the E298D polymorphism contributes to the genetic susceptibility to hypertension.

Adult↗

Drug-induced agranulocytosis: impact of different fcgamma receptor polymorphisms?

Drug-induced agranulocytosis is a rare but life-threatening side effect which is possibly based on immunogenetic mechanisms. Some studies regarding agranulocytosis induced by the atypical antipsychotic clozapine dealing with HLA subtyping and enzyme polymorphisms have been performed to elucidate its genetic background. To further screen possibly genetically based pathways of developing agranulocytosis, we assessed clinically relevant polymorphisms of immunoglobulin G or Fcgamma receptors in patients with clozapine-induced (n = 48), ticlopidine-induced (n = 11), thyroid inhibitors-induced agranulocytosis (n = 8), and controls (n = 75). We found significant age-related effects in each of the drug-induced agranulocytoses but no further associations that underline an effect of polymorphisms in FcgammaRIIa, FcgammaRIIIa, and FcgammaRIIIb genes on drug-induced agranulocytosis. Thus, Fcgamma receptors may not serve as a genetic marker to identify patients at risk for this life-threatening side effect.

Adult↗

Identification and functional analysis of genetic variants of the human beta-glucuronidase in a German population sample.

The deleterious consequences of total beta-glucuronidase deficiency, leading to symptomatic mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII), have been firmly established. However, the question of whether sequence variations in beta-glucuronidase of non-MPS VII patients affect expression of the enzyme, thereby explaining the wide inter-individual expression, has not been addressed in a systematic manner. In the present study, a population of 965 subjects were screened for enzyme activity and relevant fractions of the beta-glucuronidase gene were sequenced in those individuals belonging to the highest or lowest decile of activity. The study showed a substantial inter-individual variability of beta-glucuronidase in plasma (range 0.5-150.2 micromol/min) and confirmed the association of beta-glucuronidase activity with gender (P < 0.001), age (r = 0.218; P < 0.001) and body mass index (r = 0.311; P < 0.001). We were able to identify six beta-glucuronidase single base substitutions (-1026A > G, -72G > T, -12G > A, +7728C > T, +14 209C > T and +14 604A > G) in 193 non-MPS VII patients at a rate of one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) per 520 bp sequenced. The GG genotype of +14 604A > G and the CT genotype of +14 209C > T were associated with higher beta-glucuronidase activity (P < 0.05). Subsequently, reporter gene assays were carried out to elucidate the effects of the SNPs -1026A > G, -72G > T and -12G > A, and the combined genotype -1026A > G and -12G > A observed in one of the subjects. Variant -12G > A reduced the promoter activity (75%; 95% confidence interval 70-84%, P < 0.05). The present study demonstrates that three of the described SNPs influence the activity and/or expression of beta-glucuronidase. Taken together, the data indicate a rather limited influence of genetic factors on inter-individual variability in beta-glucuronidase activity.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

Should we use N-acetyltransferase type 2 genotyping to personalize isoniazid doses?

Isoniazid is metabolized by the genetically polymorphic arylamine N-acetyltransferase type 2 (NAT2). A greater number of high-activity alleles are related to increased acetylation capacity and in some reports to low efficacy and toxicity of isoniazid. The objective of this study was to assess individual isoniazid exposure based on NAT2 genotype to predict a personalized therapeutic dose. Isoniazid was administered to 18 healthy Caucasians (age 30 +/- 6 years, body weight 74 +/- 10 kg, five women) in random order as a 200-mg infusion, a 100-mg oral, and a 300-mg oral single dose. For the assessment of NAT2 genotype, common single nucleotide polymorphisms identifying 99.9% of variant alleles were characterized. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetics and compartmental population pharmacokinetics were estimated from isoniazid plasma concentrations until 24 h postdose by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The influence of NAT2 genotype, drug formulation, body weight, and sex on dose-normalized isoniazid pharmacokinetics was assessed by analysis of variance from noncompartmental data and confirmed by population pharmacokinetics. Eight high-activity NAT2*4 alleles were identified. Sex had no effect; the other factors explained 93% of the variability in apparent isoniazid clearance (analysis of variance). NAT2 genotype alone accounted for 88% of variability. Individual isoniazid clearance could be predicted as clearance (liters/hour) = 10 + 9 x (number of NAT2*4 alleles). To achieve similar isoniazid exposure, current standard doses presumably appropriate for patients with one high-activity NAT2 allele may be decreased or increased by approximately 50% for patients with no or two such alleles, respectively. Prospective clinical trials are required to assess the merits of this approach.

Acetylation↗