Meta-analysis of the influence of MDR1 C3435T polymorphism on digoxin pharmacokinetics and MDR1 gene expression

AIMS: Studies revealing conflicting results of the functional significance of MDR1 exon 26 C3435T SNP on the disposition of digoxin in different ethnic groups led us to perform a meta-analysis on published data investigating the influence of C3435T SNP on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin and the expression of MDR1. METHODS: Meta-analysis was performed on data from published studies investigating the influence of MDR1 C3435T SNP on digoxin pharmacokinetics, as well as MDR1 expression in Caucasian and Japanese populations. The following outcomes were included: exposures to digoxin measured by area under the concentration-time curve and maximum concentration, the mean intestinal MDR1 mRNA expression and P-gp expression in the absence of digoxin administration. RESULTS: The overall results of the meta-analysis in Caucasian and Japanese subjects suggested no major influence of the C3435T SNP on exposure levels of digoxin as determined by AUC(0-4 h) or AUC(0-24 h) although C(max) values for digoxin were lower in wild-type (CC) subjects compared with subjects harbouring TT genotypes. Subgroup analysis by ethnic populations showed the oral availability of digoxin to be lower in wild-type Caucasian populations compared with wild-type Japanese subjects. No causal relationships were detected between the C3435T SNP and MDR1 mRNA or protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis of available studies indicates that the synonymous MDR1 C3435T SNP does not affect the pharmacokinetics of digoxin and the expression of MDR1 mRNA. Future studies should focus on the impact of MDR1 haplotypes on the pharmacokinetics of MDR1 substrates rather than the C3435T SNP alone.     

MDR1 haplotypes do not affect the steady-state pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine in renal transplant patients

This retrospective study investigated the impact of MDR1 haplotypes derived from the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) 2677G>T (exon 21) and 3435C>T (exon 26) on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine in 98 renal transplant patients. Based on SNPs 2677 and 3435, four different haplotypes and nine different genotypes were identified in the study sample. Frequencies of SNPs, genotypes, and haplotypes were in agreement with previously reported values. Cyclosporine pharmacokinetics were characterized using a 2-hour AUC (AUC0-12), trough concentrations (C0), and blood concentrations 2 hours after cyclosporine administration (C2). No significant differences in dose-corrected AUC0-12, C0, or C2 values were observed between carriers of different SNP variants and genotypes (Kruskal-Wallis test), as well as between carriers and noncarriers of each haplotype (Mann-Whitney U test). Carriers of haplotype 12 (2677G and 3435T), which has previously been associated with increased digoxin AUC values, had a median AUC0-12 of 18.9 micro g*h*L-1 (range: 9.0-35.2) compared to 17.5 micro g*h*L-1 (range: 7.5-37.1) in the noncarrier group. It was concluded that MDR1 haplotypes derived from the SNPs 2677G>T (exon 21) and 3435C>T (exon 26) are not associated with cyclosporine pharmacokinetics in renal transplant patients.     

Frequency of the C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T MDR1 gene polymorphisms in the Serbian population

The multi-drug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene encodes for a P-glycoprotein (PGP), which acts as a gate-keeper against various kinds of xenobiotics. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MDR1 gene that may influence PGP level and function have been identified. The aim of this study was to simultaneously analyze the three most important MDR1 SNPs, C3435T, G2677T/A and C1236T, in the Serbian population and to compare the results with those published for other ethnic groups. A group of 158 unrelated, healthy subjects was included in the present study. For determination of MDR1 SNPs, a multiplexed mutagenically separated PCR was performed. The genotype frequency of the analyzed MDR1 SNPs was as follows: 3435 nt - 0.19 (CC), 0.54 (CT) and 0.27 (TT); 2677 nt - 0.26 (GG), 0.52 (GT), 0.15 (TT), 0.03 (GA) and 0.064 (TA), and 1236 nt - 0.23 (CC), 0.61 (CT) and 0.16 (TT). Our results for the Serbian population could be relevant for further investigation of drugs that are substrates of PGPand for studies of interethnic diversity in MDR1 polymorphism frequency.     

P-glycoprotein function in the elderly

Objective The MDR1-encoded P-glycoprotein (Pgp) represents the best-studied membraneous efflux pump defending the body against xenobiotics. Various polymorphisms (single nucleotide polymorphisms; SNPs) in the MDR1 gene have been identified, and a silent mutation in exon 26 (C3435T) has been correlated with duodenal expression of Pgp, which might affect the disposition of certain drugs. The C3435T SNP has been shown to be linked to another SNP (G2677T/A) in exon 21 which leads to an amino acid exchange. So far, the influence of age on Pgp function has been neglected. As the function of Pgp might be altered in advanced age, we investigated in groups of fit and frail elderly subjects whether the efflux of the Pgp-probe rhodamine 123 from CD56⁺ natural killer cells was age dependent and whether it was affected by the two SNPs.Methods Leukocytes were isolated from blood of 18 healthy elderly subjects (mean age 69 years) and 20 geriatric frail patients (mean age 78 years) and data compared with 21 previously studied young healthy Caucasian individuals (mean age 33 years). Subjects were homozygous for either CC- or TT-genotype (SNP C3435T) and additionally differentiated according to genotype GG or TT of the SNP G2677T. Using flow cytometry, rhodamine fluorescence was monitored in CD56⁺ cells.Results In contrast to the young controls, in both elderly populations no significant difference between the CC and TT genotypes (exon 26) could be observed in rhodamine fluorescence. Furthermore, only for the TT genotype (exon 26) did frail elderly demonstrate some reduced Pgp function (P=0.03) if compared with the young healthy subjects. If the three groups were compared independent of the genotype, no age effects were observed. For all assessed genotypes, there was no significant difference between fit and frail elderly subjects.Conclusion Aging and frailty have apparently only a minor impact on this validated cellular Pgp model and it could be assumed that function of Pgp is quite well preserved in patients of advanced age.     

MDR1 diplotypes as prognostic markers in multiple myeloma

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diplotypes of MDR1 polymorphisms at positions 2677 and 3435 on the clinical outcome of multiple myeloma, in terms of response to the therapy and overall survival (OS). METHODS: G2677T/A SNP was analysed by RFLP-PCR assay on 110 patients, treated with dexamethasone, doxorubicin (adryamicin) and vincristine regimen, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. RESULTS: Treatment efficacy was not related to G2677T/A SNP, whereas the OS of G/G carriers was significantly shorter than that of T/T or G/T patients. Similar results were previously reported for MDR1 C3435T polymorphism. Given that these two single nucleotide polymorphisms are in strong linkage disequilibrium, we analyzed the effects of the most frequent haplo/diplotypes and the survival probability was lower for GC/GC patients (55%) than for GC/TT and TT/TT carriers (>80%; log-rank test, P=0.03). Interestingly, the effect of MDR1 diplotype on the OS seems to be confined to autologous stem cell transplantation nonresponders. CONCLUSION: These results support the hypothesis that genetic variability of MDR1 should be considered as an important factor that influences the clinical outcome of multiple myeloma.     

Modelling the influence of MDR1 polymorphism on digoxin pharmacokinetic parameters

Objectives Digoxin is a well-known probe for the activity of P-glycoprotein. The objective of this work was to apply different methods for covariate selection in non-linear mixed-effect models to study the relationship between the pharmacokinetic parameters of digoxin and the genotype for two major exons located on the multi-drug-resistance 1 (MDR1) gene coding for P-glycoprotein. Methods Thirty-two healthy volunteers were recruited in three pharmacokinetic drug interaction studies. The data after a single oral administration of digoxin alone were pooled. All subjects were genotyped for the MDR1 C3435T and G2677T/A genotypes. The concentration-time profile of digoxin was established using 12–16 blood samples taken between 15 min and 72 h after administration. We modelled the pharmacokinetics of digoxin using non-linear mixed-effect models. Parameter estimation was performed using the stochastic approximation EM method (SAEM). We used three methods to select the covariate model: selection from a full model using Wald tests, forward inclusion using the log-likelihood ratio test and model selection using the Bayesian Information Criterion. Results The three covariate inclusion methods led to the same final model. Carriers of two T alleles for the C3435T polymorphism in exon 26 of MDR1 had a lower apparent volume of distribution than carriers of a C allele. The only other covariate effect was a shorter absorption time-lag in women. Conclusion The apparent volume of distribution of digoxin is lower in TT subjects, probably reflecting differences in bioavailability. Non-linear mixed-effect models can be useful for detecting the influence of covariates on pharmacokinetic parameters.     

MDR1 haplotypes derived from exons 21 and 26 do not affect the steady-state pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in renal transplant patients

AIM: This retrospective study investigated the influence of MDR1 haplotypes derived from the polymorphisms 2677G > T (exon 21) and 3435C > T (exon 26) on the pharmacokinetics of the immunosuppressant drug tacrolimus in 73 renal transplant patients. METHODS: Based on both variants of SNPs 2677 and 3435, four different haplotypes and eight different genotypes were identified in the study sample. Tacrolimus trough concentrations (C(0)) were compared between different SNP variants and genotypes, as well as between carriers and noncarriers of each haplotype. Additionally, CYP3A5 genotype (6956G > A) was determined. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between groups. Differences in mean tacrolimus C(0) values between carriers and noncarriers of each haplotype ranged from -0.04 microg/litre (95% confidence interval: -0.53 to 0.60) to -23 microg/litre (-1.07 to 1.53). No association was found between CYP3A5*1/*3 genotype and tacrolimus Co concentractions. CONCLUSION: MDR1 haplotypes derived from the SNPs 2677G > T (exon 21) and 3435C > T (exon 26) do not influence the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in renal transplant patients.     

Variable expression of P-glycoprotein in the human placenta and its association with mutations of the multidrug resistance 1 gene (MDR1, ABCB1)

The MDR1 gene product P-glycoprotein in the human placenta is important for protecting the fetus from unintended, harmful drug exposure, but also for limiting the access of therapeutic drugs to the fetus after maternal drug intake. A polymorphism in exon 26 of the MDR1 gene (C3435T) has previously been shown to be associated with reduced P-glycoprotein expression in the small intestine, kidney and lymphocytes. In the present study, we examined systematically whether MDR1 polymorphisms also have an impact on P-glycoprotein expression in the human placenta. MDR1 mRNA and P-glycoprotein were analysed in 73 full-term human placentas of Caucasians, as well as respective MDR1 genotypes/haplotypes, for the C3435T and G2677T/A polymorphisms of mothers and infants. MDR1 mRNA levels were not different between these genotype groups. However, P-glycoprotein expression was significantly lower when both mother and infant were homozygous for the 3435T allele (TT/tt) compared to maternal and fetal homozygotes for the C-allele (0.40 +/- 0.18 a.u. for TT/tt versus 0.66 +/- 0.30 a.u. for CC/cc, P = 0.01). Moreover, placentas from mothers carrying both polymorphisms (3435T and 2677T; TT/TT) also had a significantly lower P-glycoprotein expression (0.31 +/- 0.12 a.u.) compared to placentas of wild-type individuals (CC/GG, 0.71 +/- 0.31 a.u., P = 0.02). Taken together, the MDR1 polymorphisms C3435T and G2677T are associated with altered P-glycoprotein expression in the human placenta, and may have clinical consequences due to genetically determined, variable drug exposure of the fetus.     

MDR1 genotypes do not influence the absorption of a single oral dose of 600 mg valacyclovir in healthy Chinese Han ethnic males

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• The absorption of valacyclovir presents a highly negative correlation with the level of P-glycoprotein expression.
• It has been confirmed that a polymorphism of the MDR1 gene in exon 26 is related to the level of P-glycoprotein expression in intestine.
• This study was conducted to find the relationship between polymorphism of MDR1 gene and absorption of valacyclovir.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Linkage disequilibrium exists between G2677T/A in exon 21 and C3435T in exon 26, between C1236T in exon 12 and C3435T, but not between C1236T and G2677T/A of MDR1 gene in the Chinese Han ethnic population.
• Three single nucleotide polymorphisms of MDR1 gene do not influence the absorption of valacyclovir in the healthy Chinese Han ethnic population.

AIMS

To investigate the influence of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exon 12 (C1236T), exon 21 (G2677T/A) and exon 26 (C3435T) of MDR1 gene on the absorption of valacyclovir after a single oral administration in the Chinese Han ethnic population.

METHODS

Two hundred healthy Chinese subjects were genotyped for the SNPs of C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T in the MDR1 gene using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was analysed. Twenty-four subjects derived from a large random sample (n = 200) received a single oral dose of 600 mg valacyclovir. Plasma concentrations of acyclovir were determined up to 14 h after administration to obtain a pharmacokinetic profile.

RESULTS

LD existed between G2677T/A in exon 21 and C3435T in exon 26 (P < 0.001), between C1236T in exon 12 and C3435T (P < 0.001), but not between C1236T and G2677T/A (P > 0.05). C_max, AUC_{0–1.5 h} and AUC_0–∞ were used as indices of valacyclovir absorption. AUC_0–∞ for the 2677TA genotype was 17.45 ± 2.40 µg × h/ml, which was much higher compared with the 2677GG, GA and TT genotypes of 10.44 ± 1.00, 11.84 ± 2.83, 11.34 ± 2.32 µg × h/ml, respectively (P < 0.05). Similarly, a statistically significant difference of AUC_0–∞ was also observed for different linked genotypes at position 2677 vs. 3435, and 1236 vs. 3435 (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in valacyclovir absorptive pharmacokinetics between carriers and noncarriers of different haplotypes (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Three SNPs of MDR1 gene did not influence the absorption of a single oral dose of 600 mg valacyclovir in healthy Chinese Han ethnic subjects.     

Frequency of C3435T single nucleotide MDR1 genetic polymorphism in an Asian population: phenotypic-genotypic correlates

AIMS: To investigate the frequency of the single nucleotide polymorphism C3435T in exon 26 of the MDR1 gene in Asians and to determine the functional significance of this SNP with the clinical pharmacokinetics of oral cyclosporin (Neoral) in 10 stable heart transplant patients. METHODS: The MDR1 C3435T polymorphism was investigated in 290 healthy Asian subjects (98 Chinese, 99 Malays and 93 Indians). We also compared the MDR1 polymorphism between the Asian population studied here and the published data on Africans and Caucasians. The clinical relevance of this SNP on oral bioavailability of a known P-gp substrate, cyclosporin, was assessed in 10 stable Chinese heart transplant patients. RESULTS: The homozygous TT genotype was observed in 32%, 28% and 43% of Chinese, Malays and Indians. The homozygous CC genotype was found in 25% of Chinese and Malays compared with 18% of Indians. The Indians had a lower frequency of the C allele [0.38 (0.31-0.45)] compared with the Chinese [0.46 (0.39-0.53)] and Malays [0.48 (0.42-0.55)]. Chi-squared test showed that the distribution of allele frequencies between the Malays and Indians differed significantly (P = 0.04). In this Asian population, the overall distribution of genotypes (CC, CT and TT) and allele frequencies were significantly different from those in Africans (P < 0.001). The results were also significant when the Chinese, Malays and Indians were compared separately with the African group (P < 0.001). Compared with the Caucasian data, the overall distribution of genotype and allele frequencies in the Asian population were also significantly different (P < or = 0.05). However, when each Asian ethnic group was compared separately with the Caucasians, only the Indians were found to be significantly different (P < or = 0.004). Genotypic-phenotypic correlations of this SNP were assessed in 10 stable Chinese heart transplant patients. The median AUC(0,4 h) was 11% lower in patients with CC genotype compared with subjects with TT genotype. However, the interpatient variability in AUC(0,4 h) was high in patients, especially in those with CC genotype. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of the SNP C3435T in exon 26 in the Chinese and Malay population was found to be similar to the Caucasians whereas the Indians were different. The Asian population also differed significantly from the African and Caucasian population in the distribution of the C3435T SNP. The low frequency of the T allele in the Indian population implies lower expression of P-gp and may have important therapeutic and prognostic implications for use of P-gp dependent drugs in individuals of Indian origin.     

MDR1 (ABCB1) gene polymorphism C3435T is associated with P-glycoprotein activity in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C3435T in exon 26 of the MDR1 ( ABCB1 ) gene encoding the xenobiotic transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp, MDR1, ABCB1) may influence susceptibility to several diseases as well as clinical outcome of treatment with P-gp substrates. Exposure to environmental chemicals is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and P-gp-transported drugs are used in its treatment; however, little is known about the impact of the C3435T MDR1 SNP in B-CLL. In this study, 110 Caucasian B-CLL patients and 201 healthy controls were genotyped for the MDR1 C3435T SNP. Additionally, P-gp activity was assessed in malignant lymphocytes of 22 untreated B-CLL patients. We observed a higher frequency of carriers of at least one 3435T allele (3435CT and 3435TT genotypes) among B-CLL patients as compared to normal individuals (76% vs . 63%, p=0.027). The genotypes 3435CT and 3435TT were associated with B-CLL, (odds ratio=1.8, 95% confidence interval = 1.1-3.0). Moreover, P-gp activity in B-CLL cells depended on MDR1 genotype, with the highest P-gp activity in 3435CC homozygotes, intermediate in 3435CT heterozygotes and the lowest in 3435TT homozygotes (p=0.042). P-gp activity was also significantly lower in carriers of the T-allele (3435CT/TT genotype) as compared to the non-carriers (3435CC genotype), (p=0.029). Taken together, these data indicate that the MDR1 C3435T SNP may carry an increased risk of developing B-CLL, possibly by virtue of decreased protection against P-gp-substrate carcinogens. The differences in P-gp activity in B-CLL tumor cells related to MDR1 genotype may have implications to the response to chemotherapy with P-gp transported anticancer agents.     

江苏地区汉族儿童多药耐药基因3个单核苷酸多态性位点的单倍型研究

目的分析江苏汉族人群多药耐药基因-1（MDR1）的单核甘酸多态（12外显子1236C→T突变、21外显子2677G→T/A突变、26外显子3435C→T突变）及其构成的单倍型分布。方法通过多重单碱基延伸反应（SNaPshotSNP分型技术）对江苏地区170名健康儿童的MDR1C1236T、G2677T/A、C3435T的SNP位点进行基因分型,统计各基因型频率。UNPHASED软件对MDR1的SNPs（C1236T-G2677T/A-C3435T）进行单倍型分析。结果在170例儿童中,等位基因1236T、2677T、2677A、3435T频率分别为63.5%、37.4%、17.0%和35.0%。基因型频率分布符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡（HWE）,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。MDR1的1236、2677、3435三个位点间（C1236T-G2677T/A-C3435T）存在连锁不平衡性,以TTT（31.8%）、TGC（25.3%）、CGC（17.7%）和CAC（16.2%）四种单倍型为主。结论江苏地区汉族人群MDR1的单核甘酸多态及单倍型分布具有自己的特点。在临床应用相关药物时,进行基因型及单倍型检测,将有助于指导临床个体化用药。     

Effects of polymorphisms of MDR1, MRP1, and MRP2 genes on their mRNA expression levels in duodenal enterocytes of healthy Japanese subjects

In the present study, we examined whether polymorphisms in the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes, MDR1, MRP1 and MRP2, were associated with their respective mRNA expression levels in duodenal enterocytes of 13 healthy Japanese volunteers. MDR1 genotypes of T-129C, G2677(A,T) and C3435T, MRP1 genotypes of G128C, C218T, G2168A and G3173A, and MRP2 genotypes of C-24T, G1249A, C2302T, C2366T and G4348A were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) or direct sequencing. Mutations T-129C, G2677(A,T) and C3435T of MDRI gene were found at allele frequencies of 2/26, 16/26 and 12/26, respectively. Mutations G2168A of the MRPI gene and C-24T of the MRP2 gene were also found at allele frequencies of 1/26 and 6/26, respectively, whereas other mutations were not detected in MRP1 and MRP2 genes. The relative concentrations (mean +/- S.E.) of MDR1 mRNA to villin mRNA were 0.38 +/- 0.15, 0.56 +/- 0.14 and 1.13 +/- 0.42 in the subjects with C/C3435, C/T(3435) and T/T(3435), respectively, which supported the lower serum concentrations of digoxin after single oral administration in the subjects with the mutant T-allele at position 3435. Genetic collaboration between positions 3435 and 2677 was suggested, and those in G/G2677, G/(A,T)(2677) and T/(A,T)(2677) were 0.16 +/- 0.05, 1.10 +/- 0.40, and 0.63 +/- 0.16, respectively (p = 0.107). However, there was no remarkable effect of the G2168A of the MRP1 gene or of C-24T of the MRP2 gene on the relative MRP1 or MRP2 mRNA concentrations, respectively.     

MDR1 genotypes do not influence the absorption of a single oral dose of 1 mg digoxin in healthy white males

AIMS: A noncoding single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 26 3435C > T of the highly polymorphic MDR1 gene has been demonstrated to alter digoxin absorption after induction of the MDR1 gene product P-glycoprotein by rifampicin or after multiple oral dosing. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of the major known MDR1 SNPs on the absorption of digoxin after a single oral dose in a large sample without drug pretreatment. METHODS: Fifty healthy white male subjects between the age of 18 and 40 years were enrolled. Following an overnight fast, all subjects received a single oral dose of 1 mg digoxin. Venous blood samples were taken at intervals up to 4 h post dose to obtain a pharmacokinetic profile. RESULTS: AUC(0,4 h), Cmax and tmax, used as indices of digoxin absorption, were not significantly different in any of the genotype groups tested. In particular, there was no significant difference between homozygous carriers of the C and T allele in exon 26 3435 (AUC(0,4 h) 9.24 and 9.38 micro g l-1 h, Cmax 4.73 and 3.81 micro g l-1, tmax 0,83 and 01.14 h). CONCLUSIONS: This lack of effect of the major MDR1 SNPs on digoxin absorption might be explained by saturation of the maximum transport capacity of intestinal Pgp at the dose used.     

MDR1 genotypes related to pharmacokinetics and MDR1 expression

The multidrug-resistant transporter encoded by the MDR1 gene belongs to the ATP-binding cassette superfamily of membrane transporters. It is involved not only in the acquisition of multidrug-resistance phenotypes in cancer cells but also in normal tissues such as the brain, kidneys, liver, and intestines. This transporter has the potential to export unnecessary or toxic exogenous substances or metabolites, and in the intestine it is thought to play a role in limiting the oral absorption of a number of structurally unrelated drugs. In 2000, Hoffmeyer et al. performed a systemic screening for MDR1 polymorphisms and suggested that a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 26 of the MDR1 gene (C3435T) was associated with a lower level of intestinal MDR1 expression, and thereby with lower plasma concentrations of digoxin after oral administration. At present, over 20 SNPs have been found in the MDR1 gene. Clinical studies on the effects of C3435T on MDR1 expression and function in the tissues, and consequently on the pharmacokinetics, have been performed worldwide. In this review, the latest reports concerning the relationship of MDR1 genotypes with pharmacokinetics and MDR1 expression are summarized. Our experimental results demonstrate the importance of genetic polymorphisms at positions 3435 and 2677 in the MDR1 gene on pharmacokinetics and intestinal MDR1 expression. In the future, haplotype analysis of the MDR1 gene and subsequent classification of subjects are needed for individualized pharmacotherapy based on MDR1 genotyping.     

ABCB1 C3435T and G2677T/A polymorphism decreased the risk for steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head after kidney transplantation

Advances in transplantation technology have brought about great benefits to patients suffering from organ failure, but the problem still remains of complications induced by steroids used for post-transplant immunosuppression. Among the side-effects caused by steroids, non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONF) constitutes a serious problem. The same protocol for steroid administration induces ONF in some patients, but not in others, indicating the presence of individual difference in steroid sensitivity. We hypothesized that this difference might be mediated by the drug-transport protein, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and investigated the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the multidrug resistance gene 1 (ABCB1, MDR1) encoding P-gp and ONF. Subjects comprised 136 patients receiving kidney transplantation. Thirty patients developed post-transplant ONF. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood, and genotypes of ABCB1 C3435T (exon 26) and G2677T/A (exon 21) were determined by direct sequencing. Multivariate analyses based on clinical information were performed to determine the relationship between ABCB1 genotypes and ONF. The dose/concentration (D/C) ratios of tacrolimus were also determined to estimate the activity of P-gp in patients with different genotypes of ABCB1 C3435T (CC, CT, TT), and in those who did and did not develop ONF. The ABCB1 3435TT genotype showed a significantly lower incidence of ONF (adjusted odds ratio = 0.10, P = 0.034). The D/C ratio in the 3435TT genotype was significantly higher than that in the 3435CC genotype. The D/C ratio in patients developing ONF was significantly higher than in those patients who did not develop ONF. The results suggest increased activity of P-gp in patients with the 3435TT genotype and in those who did not develop ONF. The ABCB1 2677 homozygous variant type also showed a lower incidence of ONF (adjusted odds ratio = 0.26, P = 0.056). The 3435T and 3435C alleles were in linkage disequilibrium with the 2677T and the 2677G alleles, respectively, in the study population. An assessment of C3435T and G2677T/A polymorphisms preceding steroid treatment could be useful for predicting the resistance to ONF development.     

Human MDR1 polymorphism: G2677T/A and C3435T have no effect on MDR1 transport activities

The two most frequently observed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the human multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene are 2677G/T/A (893Ala/Ser/Thr) and 3435C/T (no amino acid substitution). In this study, six forms of MDR1 cDNAs with the SNPs were expressed in LLC-PK1 cells and their transport activities were determined. Nearly identical amounts of the recombinant MDR1 proteins were expressed in the established cell lines using the Flp recombinase, which integrates a gene of interest at a specific genomic location. Four structurally diverse compounds: verapamil, digoxin, vinblastine and cyclosporin A, were examined for transcellular transport activities and intracellular accumulation. No significant differences were observed between cells expressing five polymorphic types of the MDR1 cDNAs (2677G/3435T, 2677A/3435C, 2677A/3435T, 2677T/3435C, 2677T/3435T) and cells expressing the wild-type (2677G/3435C). These results suggested that the two frequently observed MDR1 SNPs had no effect on the transport activities of MDR1 proteins expressed in LLC-PK1 cells in vitro, and other genetic or environmental factors might control the expression of MDR1 and the in vivo activity of MDR1.     

Impact of ABCB1 (MDR1) gene polymorphism and P-glycoprotein inhibitors on digoxin serum concentration in congestive heart failure patients

Digoxin, a drug of narrow therapeutic index, is a substrate for common transmembrane transporter, P-glycoprotein, encoded by ABCB1 ( MDR1 ) gene. It has been suggested that ABCB1 polymorphism, as well as co-administration of P-glycoprotein inhibitors, may influence digoxin bioavailability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ABCB1 gene polymorphism and P-gp inhibitor co-administration on steady-state digoxin serum concentration in congestive heart failure patients. Digoxin concentrations as well as 3435C > T and 2677G > A,T ABCB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms, were determined in 77 patients administered digoxin (0.25 mg daily) and methyldigoxin (0.50 mg daily), some of them co-medicated with known P-glycoprotein (Pgp) inhibitors. Significant differences were noted in digoxin serum concentrations (C(min,ss)) between patients co-administered and not co-administered P-gp inhibitors: 0.868 +/- 0.348 and 0.524 +/- 0.281 for digoxin (p < 0.002), as well as 1.280 +/- 0.524 and 0.908 +/- 0.358 for methyldigoxin (p < 0.02), respectively. No influence of ABCB1 2677G > A,T and C3435C > T polymorphisms on digoxin concentration was noted. Although some of the previous studies have shown that digoxin pharmacokinetics might be affected by ABCB1 genetic polymorphism, those modest changes are probably clinically irrelevant, and digoxin dose adjustment should include P-gp inhibitor co-administration rather than ABCB1 genotyping.     

Effect of ABCB1 (MDR1) 3435C >T and 2677G >A,T polymorphisms and P-glycoprotein inhibitors on salivary digoxin secretion in congestive heart failure patients

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ABCB1 ( MDR1 ) gene polymorphism on P-glycoprotein model substrate, i.e. digoxin, salivary secretion. The study was carried out in 77 patients diagnosed with congestive heart failure administered digoxin, who were subdivided into two groups: 1) co-administered P-glycoprotein inhibitors and 2) without any known P-glycoprotein inhibitors. The ABCB1 2677G >A,T and 3435C >T polymorphisms were evaluated using PCR-RFLP methods. Steady-state digoxin concentrations were measured in blood serum as well as in unstimulated and stimulated saliva using FPIA method. It was found that values of Pearson's coefficient were significantly higher in patients co-administered P-glycoprotein inhibitors in comparison with subjects who were not administered any inhibitor both for stimulated (Pearson's coefficient r = 0.832, p < 0.01) and unstimulated saliva (r = 0.812, p < 0.01). Evaluation of the impact of ABCB1 2677G >A,T and 3435C >T polymorphism on salivary digoxin secretion revealed significant differences in digoxin stimulated saliva/serum ratio between patients stratified by 2677G >A,T genotype (TT, TA> GT, GA> GG, p < 0.01). The results from the present study suggest that administration of P-glycoprotein inhibitors as well as ABCB1 gene polymorphism may affect salivary digoxin secretion.     

Meta-analysis of the effect of MDR1 C3435T polymorphism on cyclosporine pharmacokinetics

The published data revealed conflicting results of the polymorphism of MDR1 exon 26 SNP C3435T on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine; thus, the aim was to conduct a meta-analysis of significant magnitude to investigate the influence of SNP C3435T on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine. A literature search was conducted to locate the relevant papers by using the PubMed electronic source from 1997 and onwards. The pharmacokinetic parameters, including AUC(0-4), AUC(0-12), AUC(0-inf), C(max), CL/F and trough concentration (C(0)), were extracted and a meta-analysis was performed by using Stata version 9.1. A total of 14 papers concerning 1036 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. The overall results showed no major influence of SNP C3435T on the pharmacokinetic parameters, including AUC(0-4), AUC(0-inf), CL/F, C(max) and C(0), although AUC(0-12) was lower in subjects with CC genotype. A subanalysis by ethnic population showed that C(0) was lower in Caucasian individuals harbouring CC genotype. In conclusion, our meta-analysis of available studies has thus far failed to demonstrate a definitive correlation between the SNP C3435T in MDR1 gene and alterations in P-glycoprotein function that can result in altered pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine, although it was indicated in this meta-analysis that the carrier of CC genotype of the SNP C3435T of MDR1 had lower cyclosporine exposure presented as AUC(0-12) than those with at least one T allele. There seems to be ethnic differences in the relationship between the SNP C3435T of MDR1 and cyclosporine pharmacokinetics.