A drug transporter for all ages? ABCB1 and the developmental pharmacogenetics of cyclosporine

Evaluation of: Fanta S, Niemi M, J?nsson S et al.: Pharmacogenetics of cyclosporine in children suggests an age-dependent influence of ABCB1polymorphisms. Pharmacogenet. Genomics 18(2), 77-90 (2008). The clinical use of the immunosuppressive agent cyclosporine is complicated by its toxicity, narrow therapeutic window and highly variable pharmacokinetics between individuals. In adults, genetic polymorphisms in the genes encoding the cyclosporine-metabolizing enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, as well as the ABCB1 gene, which encodes the efflux-pump P-glycoprotein, seem to have a limited effect, if any, on cyclosporine pharmacokinetics. However, the authors have now reported for the first time an association between cyclosporine oral bioavailability and the ABCB1 c.1236C>T and c.2677G>T polymorphisms, as well as the related haplotype c.1199G-c.1236C-c.2677G-c.3435C, in children with end-stage renal disease older than 8 years of age. Carriers of the variant alleles had a cyclosporine oral bioavailability that was around 1.5-times higher compared with noncarriers. This association was not observed in children younger than 8 years of age. In addition, no relation between cyclosporine disposition and genetic variation in the CYP3A4, CYP3A5, ABCC2, SLCO1B1 and NR1I2 genes was observed. These data suggest that the effect of ABCB1 polymorphisms on cyclosporine pharmacokinetics is related to age, and thus developmental stage. Although further study is necessary to establish the predictive value of ABCB1 genotyping for individualization of cyclosporine therapy in children older than 8 years, an important step towards further personalized immunosuppressive drug therapy has been made.     

Frequencies and roles of CYP3A5, CYP3A4 and ABCB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms in Italian teenagers after kidney transplantation

The main genes involved in the pharmacokinetics of immunosuppressive drugs are those encoding cytochrome P450 (CYP) family enzymes and multidrug resistance 1 (ABCB1). In this study, 87 Italian teenagers with transplanted kidneys (mean age 11.6 ± 4.8 years) receiving calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) were genotyped for the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) CYP3A5*1/3 and CYP3A4*1B for CYP3A, and C1236T, G2677T/A, C3435T and IVS21+49 for ABCB1, and retrospectively evaluated for the influence of the screened SNPs on CNI blood level at different post-transplantation times. The CYP3A5*1 allele was present in 7% of the patients, and the CYP3A4*1B allele was present in 3% of patients. The ABCB1 C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T SNPs C, G and T occurred frequently (55%, 53% and 54%, respectively). The frequency of the T allele of IVS21+49 was 86%. The frequency of SNPs in both genes was comparable with that reported in other European Caucasian populations but different from that found in Asians or Afro-Americans. None of the cyclosporine (CsA) pharmacokinetic parameters were associated with the CYP3A5 genetic polymorphism, whereas the presence of the A allele in some patients was responsible for the required administration of a significantly increased dose of tacrolimus (Tac) that was necessary to reach therapeutic target levels. None of the Tac pharmacokinetic parameters were associated with ABCB1 SNPs, but ABCB1 SNPs had early effects on the CsA exposure index and dose requirements. In conclusion, because SNPs of the CYP3A and ABCB1 genes may be associated with CNI pharmacokinetic parameters and exposure indices, pre-transplant genetic screening should be considered in order to avoid immunosuppressant-related adverse events.     

The pharmacogenetics of calcineurin inhibitors: one step closer toward individualized immunosuppression?

The immunosuppressive drugs cyclosporin (CsA) and tacrolimus (Tac) are widely used to prevent acute rejection following solid-organ transplantation. However, the clinical use of these agents is complicated by their many side effects, a narrow therapeutic index and highly variable pharmacokinetics. The variability in CsA and Tac disposition has been attributed to interindividual differences in the expression of the metabolizing enzymes cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and 3A5, and in the expression of the drug transporter P-glycoprotein (encoded by the ABCB1 gene, formerly known as the multidrug resistance 1 gene). Variation in the expression of these genes could in turn be explained by several recently-identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Determination of these SNPs in (future) transplant recipients has the potential to identify individuals who are at risk of under-immunosuppression or the development of adverse drug reactions. Ultimately, genotyping for CYP3A and ABCB1 may lead to further individualization of immunosuppressive drug therapy for the transplanted patient.     

Population pharmacokinetic analysis of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone with genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6 and ABCB1

This study estimated the population pharmacokinetics of risperidone and its active metabolite, 9-hydroxyrisperidone, according to genetic polymorphisms in the metabolizing enzyme (CYP2D6) and transporter (ABCB1) genes in healthy subjects. Eighty healthy subjects who received a single oral dose of 2?mg risperidone participated in this study. However, eight subjects with rare genotype variants in CYP2D6 alleles were excluded from the final model built in this study. We conducted the population pharmacokinetic analysis of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone using a nonlinear mixed effects modeling (NONMEM) method and explored the possible influence of genetic polymorphisms in CYP2D6 alleles and ABCB1 (2677G>T/A and 3435C>T) on the population pharmacokinetics of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone. A two-compartment model with a first-order absorption and lag time fitted well to serum concentration-time curve for risperidone. 9-hydroxyrisperidone was well described by a one-compartment model as an extension of the parent drug (risperidone) model with first-order elimination and absorption partially from the depot. Significant covariates for risperidone clearance were genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6*10, including CYP2D6*1/*10 (27.5?% decrease) and CYP2D6*10/*10 (63.8?% decrease). There was significant difference in the absorption rate constant (k ( a )) of risperidone among the CYP2D6*10 genotype groups. In addition, combined ABCB1 3435C>T and CYP2D6*10 genotypes had a significant (P?T as covariates was successfully constructed. The estimated contribution of genetic polymorphisms in CYP2D6*10 and ABCB1 3435C>T to population pharmacokinetics of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone suggests the interplay of CYP2D6 and ABCB1 on the pharmacokinetics of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone according to genetic polymorphisms.     

Pharmacogenetics of toxicity, plasma trough concentration and treatment outcome with nevirapine-containing regimen in anti-retroviral-naïve HIV-infected adults: an exploratory study of the TRIANON ANRS 081 trial

Abstract: The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate in a homogeneous population of anti‐retroviral naïve HIV‐1‐infected adults, the relationships between genetic polymorphisms involved in nevirapine metabolism [CYP2B6 516G>T, 785A>G and 1459C>T; CYP3A5 6986A>G (CYP3A5*3)], transport (ABCB1 2677G>T/A and 3435C>T), and antigen recognition (HLA‐DRB1*0101), and the hepatic and/or cutaneous toxicity occurring within the first 8 or 72 weeks of treatment, plasma trough concentrations (C_trough) at week 8 and immuno‐virological response to nevirapine at week 24. Associations between genetic polymorphisms and toxicity, C_trough and response to nevirapine were performed in a population of 72 HIV‐1 positive and nevirapine‐treated patients followed during 72 weeks, as part of the previous study called: ANRS081 ‘Trianon’ trial. Among the 18 patients who developed toxicity events during the 72 weeks of the study, 12 patients exhibited early toxicity before week 8. No significant association could be evidenced between any of the analysed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and nevirapine early or global toxicity, pharmacokinetics and immuno‐virological responses even though a possible association between CYP2B6 516G>T and 1459C>T and the trough level of nevirapine was suggested.     

Effect of intestinal CYP3A5 on postoperative tacrolimus trough levels in living-donor liver transplant recipients

It has been reported that hepatic and intestinal cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4, CYP3A5 and P-glycoprotein affect the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus, and that these proteins are associated with the large inter-individual variation in the pharmacokinetics of this drug. We previously showed that the concentration/dose ratio of tacrolimus tended to be lower in recipients of living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with a CYP3A5*1/*1-carrying graft. However, the effect of intestinal CYP3A5 remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined the CYP3A5 genotype in both recipients and donors, and the effect of the recipients' polymorphism on the concentration/dose ratio of tacrolimus in patients after LDLT. The CYP3A5*3 allele frequency was 80% in recipients and 77% in donors. The intestinal CYP3A5 mRNA expression level was significantly associated with genotype. The tacrolimus concentration/dose ratio was lower in recipients with the CYP3A5*1/*1 and *1/*3 genotype (CYP3A5 expressors) compared to the CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype (non-expressors). Amongst the combination of CYP3A5 genotypes between the graft liver and the native intestine, CYP3A5 expressors in both the graft liver and the native intestine had the lowest concentration/dose ratio of tacrolimus during 35 days after LDLT. Patients with the intestinal CYP3A5*1 genotype tended to require a higher dose of tacrolimus compared to the other group with the same hepatic CYP3A5 genotype. These results indicate that intestinal CYP3A5, as well as hepatic CYP3A5, plays an important role in the first-pass effect of orally administered tacrolimus.     

CYP3A5、ABCB1基因多态性对中国肾移植患者服用他克莫司剂量和血药浓度的影响

目的：研究肾移植患者CYP3A5、ABCB1基因多态性对肾移植术后患者他克莫司（TAC）血药浓度及给药剂量的影响。方法：采集83例中国肾移植患者术后3个月内TAC的常规监测的谷浓度（C0）。测定受试者CYP3A5*3（rs776746）、ABCB1 1236C＞ T（rs1128503）、2677G＞ T/A（rs2032582）、3435C＞ T（rs1045642）位点的基因型，分析基因多态性对TAC的C0、剂量的影响。结果：患者CYP3A5、ABCB1基因型频率均符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡（P ＞ 0.05）。在移植后3个月期间，CYP3A5*3/*3型患者相较于携带*1等位基因患者，具有更高的C0和更低的剂量（P ＜ 0.05）。ABCB1 2677GG基因型的C0显著低于GT、GA、AA、TT、AT型（P ＜ 0.05）；3435CT型的C0显著高于CC、TT型（P ＜ 0.05）。根据ABCB1的单倍型进行分组，并与CYP3A5进行了联合分析，结果发现，发现CYP3A5*1/*1与*1/*3组与*3/*3组中，不同ABCB1单倍型对TAC血药浓度影响的差异无统计学意义。术后随时间延长，CYP3A5*3/*3型患者的TAC剂量逐步降低，而携带*1基因患者的剂量则呈增加趋势。结论：CYP3A5比ABCB1基因多态性对肾移植受者TAC血药浓度的影响更显著，若达到相同的血药浓度，CYP3A5*3/*3型患者每日所服用的剂量更低。根据CYP3A5基因型制定给药方案，有助于尽早达到浓度标准，达到精准治疗的目标。     

The effect of CYP3A5 and MDR1 (ABCB1) polymorphisms on cyclosporine and tacrolimus dose requirements and trough blood levels in stable renal transplant patients

Cyclosporine and tacrolimus are immunosuppressive drugs largely used in renal transplantation. They are characterized by a wide inter-individual variability in their pharmacokinetics with a potential impact on their therapeutic efficacy or induced toxicity. CYP3A5 and P-glycoprotein appear as important determinants of the metabolism of these drugs. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of CYP3A5 and MDR1 (ABCB1) polymorphisms on cyclosporine and tacrolimus dose requirements and trough blood concentrations in stable transplant patients. Stable renal transplant recipients receiving cyclosporine (n = 50) or tacrolimus (n = 50) were genotyped for CYP3A5*3 and *6, and MDR1 C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T. Dose-adjusted trough blood levels (ng/ml per mg/kg body weight) as well as doses (mg/kg body weight) required to achieve target blood concentrations were compared among patients according to allelic status for CYP3A5 and MDR1. Dose-adjusted trough concentrations were three-fold and 1.6-fold higher in CYP3A5*3/*3 patients than in CYP3A5*1/*3 patients for tacrolimus and cyclosporine, respectively. In the case of tacrolimus, the difference was even more striking when considering CYP3A5*1/*1 patients showing dose-adjusted trough concentrations 5.8-fold lower than CYP3A5*3/*3 patients. For both drugs, no association was found between trough blood concentrations or dose requirement and MDR1 genotype. Multiple regression analyses showed that CYP3A5*1/*3 polymorphism explained up to 45% of the variability in dose requirement in relation to tacrolimus use. Given the importance of rapidly achieving target blood concentrations after transplantation, further prospective studies should consider the immediate post-graft period and assess the influence of this specific polymorphism. Beside non-genetic factors (e.g. steroids dosing, drugs interactions), CYP3A5 pharmacogenetic testing performed just before transplantation could contribute to a better individualization of immunosuppressive therapy.     

Association of CYP3A polymorphisms with the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine A in early post-renal transplant recipients in China

Aim:

To evaluate retrospectively the association of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (ABCB1) gene polymorphisms with the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine A (CsA) in Chinese renal transplant patients.

Methods:

One hundred and twenty-six renal transplant patients were recruited. Blood samples were collected, and corresponding clinical indices were recorded on the seventh day after the procedure. The patients were genotyped for CYP3A4*1G, CYP3A5*3C, ABCB1 1236 C>T, ABCB1 2677 G>T/A, and ABCB1 3435 C>T polymorphisms. Whole blood trough concentrations of CsA at time zero (C₀) were measured before the drug administration. A multiple regression model was developed to analyze the effects of genetic factors on the CsA dose-adjusted C₀ (C₀/dose) based on several clinical indices.

Results:

The CYP3A5*3C polymorphism influenced the C₀ and C₀/dose of CsA, which were significantly higher in patients with the GG genotype than in patients with the AA or GA genotypes. No significant differences were detected for other SNPs (CYP3A4*1G, ABCB1 1236 C>T, ABCB1 2677 G>T/A, and ABCB1 3435 C>T). In a univariate analysis using Pearson''s correlation test, age, hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen and blood creatinine levels were significantly correlated with the log-transformed CsA C₀/dose. In the multiple regression model, CYP3A5*3C, age, hemoglobin and blood creatinine level were associated with the log-transformed CsA C₀/dose.

Conclusion:

CYP3A5*3C correlates with the C₀/dose of CsA on the seventh day after renal transplantation. The allele is a putative indicator for the optimal CsA dosage in the early phase of renal transplantation in the Chinese population.     

Influence of CYP3A5 Genetic Polymorphism on Tacrolimus Daily Dose Requirements and Acute Rejection in Renal Graft Recipients

Abstract: Tacrolimus is a widely used immunosuppressive drug in organ transplantation. Its oral bioavailability varies greatly between individuals, and it is a substrate of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and P‐glycoprotein. Our objective was to determine the influence of CYP3A5 and ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms on tacrolimus daily requirements and on transplantation outcome. One hundred and thirty‐six renal graft recipients treated with tacrolimus were genotyped for CYP3A5 (6986A>G), ABCB1 exon26 (3435C>T) and exon21 (2677G>T/A) single nucleotide polymorphisms. Genotypes were correlated to tacrolimus daily dose at 1‐week, 1‐, 6‐ and 12‐month post‐transplantation and with transplantation outcome. At 1‐month post‐transplantation, tacrolimus daily dose was higher for patients with CYP3A5*1/*1 genotype compared to CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype (0.26 ± 0.03 versus 0.16 ± 0.01 mg/kg/day, respectively, P < 0.0001). Similar results were obtained at 6‐ and 12‐month post‐transplantation. Furthermore, CYP3A5*1 homozygotes were associated with increased risk of acute rejection episodes compared to patients with CYP3A5*1/*3 and CYP3A5*3/*3 genotypes (38% versus 10% and 9%, respectively, P = 0.01). CYP3A5 genetic polymorphism was not associated with tacrolimus‐related nephrotoxicity. ABCB1 polymorphisms were not related with transplantation outcome. CYP3A5 genetic polymorphism appeared in our study to affect tacrolimus daily dose requirements and transplantation outcome. Screening for this single nucleotide polymorphism before the transplantation might be helpful for the selection of adequate initial daily dose and to achieve the desired immunosuppression.     

Cytochrome P450 and ABCB1 genetics: association with quetiapine and norquetiapine plasma and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations and with clinical response in patients suffering from schizophrenia. A pilot study

Variability in response to atypical antipsychotic drugs is due to genetic and environmental factors. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms are implicated in the metabolism of drugs, while the P-glycoprotein transporter (P-gp), encoded by the ABCB1 gene, may influence both the blood and brain drug concentrations. This study aimed to identify the possible associations of CYP and ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms with quetiapine and norquetiapine plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations and with response to treatment. Twenty-two patients with schizophrenia receiving 600?mg of quetiapine daily were genotyped for four CYP isoforms and ABCB1 polymorphisms. Quetiapine and norquetiapine peak plasma and CSF concentrations were measured after 4 weeks of treatment. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that ABCB1 3435C?>?T (rs1045642), 2677G?>?T (rs2032582) and 1236C?>?T (rs1128503) polymorphisms predicted plasma quetiapine concentrations, explaining 41% of the variability (p?=?0.001). Furthermore, the ABCB1 polymorphisms predicted 48% (p?=?0.024) of the variability of the Δ PANSS total score, with the non-carriers of the 3435TT showing higher changes in the score. These results suggest that ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms may be a predictive marker of quetiapine treatment in schizophrenia.     

The Pharmacogenetics of Immunosuppression for Organ Transplantation

Transplantation has transformed the treatment of patients with organ failure in a number of clinical settings, and immunosuppressive drug therapy is fundamental to its success. However, all the drugs in current use have a narrow therapeutic index. Under-dosing can lead to rejection, while over-dosing increases the risks of infection, malignant disease, and serious drug-specific adverse effects, including diabetes mellitus, nephrotoxicity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Heterogeneity in the pharmacokinetics of these drugs makes initial dose determination difficult, as there is a poor correlation between dose and blood concentration. This results in difficulties in achieving target blood concentrations early after transplantation, which are important for reducing the rate of immunological rejection. This problem is compounded by the observation that neither drug dose nor drug blood concentration accurately predict clinical efficacy or toxicity. The main determinant of heterogeneity in dose requirements is intestinal absorption of the active drug. The oxidative enzymes, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and CYP3A5, and the drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in enterocytes regulate this process. Most substrates for the P-gp pump are also substrates for the CYP3A enzymes. An efficient barrier to xenobiotic absorption is formed by the CYP enzymes and P-gp, and by the two systems working synergistically. Genetic polymorphisms have been reported for the genes associated with the expression of the CYP3A enzymes and P-gp. Genotyping patients for CYP3A genes has the potential to aid the establishment of optimal dosage regimens for transplant patients. Genetic polymorphism of the multiple drug resistance gene-1 (MDR1, also known as ABCB1) [3435C/T] and the CYP3A5 genes (CYP3A5*1, CYP3AP1*1) have the greatest potential to influence the pharmacokinetics of immunosuppressants. Homozygosity of the T allele of the MDR1 3435C/T polymorphism has been associated with reduced enterocyte expression of P-gp resulting in increased drug absorption. The presence of the CYP3A5*1 allele is necessary for the production of a fully catalytic CYP3A5 protein, and also influences the ratio of CYP3A4 : CYP3A5 as well as the overall CYP3A catalytic activity. The CYP3A4 : CYP3A5 ratio may, in turn, influence the pattern of drug metabolites formed. Heterogeneity in the production of active and inactive metabolites has implications for both the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these drugs.Gene frequencies and drug dose requirements differ between ethnic groups. Ethnic differences in dose requirements for immunosuppressants have been discussed widely. However, ethnicity is a rather crude marker for genotype. Pharmacogenetic typing offers the possibility of significant improvement in the individualization of immunosuppressive drug prescribing with reduced rates of rejection and toxicity.     

ABCB1 polymorphisms are associated with cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity and gingival hyperplasia in renal transplant recipients

Purpose

There is a great deal of controversy regarding the clinical impact of genetic variants in patients receiving cyclosporine (CsA) as immunosuppressant therapy. We have investigated the effect of polymorphisms in the CYP3A and ABCB1 genes on CsA pharmacokinetics, acute rejection incidence and drug-related side effects in renal transplant recipients

Methods

The presence of CYP3A5*3, CYP3A4*1B and ABCB1 C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T polymorphisms was assessed in 68 patients and retrospectively associated with pharmacokinetic and clinical parameters at 1 week and 1, 5 and 12 months after transplantation.

Results

Only minor associations were found between the tested polymorphisms and CsA pharmacokinetics. Most notably, CYP3A5 expressers showed lower blood trough levels than non-expressers in the first week after grafting (32.5?±?14.7 vs. 55.1?±?3.8 ng/ml per mg/day per kilogram). In terms of CsA-induced adverse effects, the incidence of nephrotoxicity was higher in carriers of the ABCB1 3435TT genotype and in those patients carrying four to six variants in the three ABCB1 loci [odds ratio (OR)?4.2, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.3–13.9, p?=?0.02 and OR?3.6, 95 % CI 1.1–11.8, p?=?0.05, respectively]. These subjects with four to six ABCB1 variants were also at higher risk for gingival hyperplasia (OR?3.29, 95 % CI 1.1–10.3, p?=?0.04). Renal function and the incidence of neurotoxicity and of acute rejection did not vary across the different genotypes.

Conclusions

ABCB1 polymorphisms may be helpful in predicting certain CsA-related side effects in renal transplant recipients. Our results also suggest that the mechanisms underlying these genetic associations are most likely independent of the drug’s trough blood concentrations.     

ABCB1 haplotype influences the sirolimus dose requirements in Chinese renal transplant recipients

Sirolimus, an immunosuppressive drug used to prevent organ rejection after renal transplantation, has a narrow therapeutic index and a large inter‐individual variability of pharmacokinetics. The aim of this study was to analyse the dose‐normalized trough blood concentrations (C₀/D ratio) of sirolimus in patients with different genotypes and attempt to investigate the possible associations between ABCB1/CYP3A5 genotypes and sirolimus dose requirements in Chinese renal transplant recipients. Blood samples were collected from 85 Chinese renal transplant recipients who were treated with sirolimus for at least 3 months and polymorphisms of the ABCB1 and CYP3A5 were determined by the SNaPShot multiplex assay. The blood concentrations of sirolimus were determined with HPLC. A significant allele‐dependent effect was observed between the CYP3A5*3 polymorphism and the C₀/D ratio of sirolimus. The patients bearing at least one CYP3A5*1 allele had a lower sirolimus C₀/D ratio compared with those with a homozygous CYP3A5*3 genotype (p < 0.05). No significant differences of sirolimus C₀/D ratios were observed among various ABCB1 1236C>T, 2677G>T/A and 3435C>T genotype groups. However, haplotype analysis including ABCB1 1236C>T, 2677G>T/A and 3435C>T SNPs showed that the mean sirolimus C₀/D of subjects carrying the CGC/CGC diplotype was about 30% lower compared with those carrying the CGC/TTT or TTT/TTT diplotype, whether or not they expressed the CYP3A5 (p < 0.05). These results demonstrated that the haplotype of ABCB1 might be a better index for the prediction of sirolimus blood concentration than single SNPs. Genotyping of ABCB1 and CYP3A5 might help to optimize individualized sirolimus treatments for Chinese renal transplant recipients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Impact of CYP3A5 and CYP3A4 gene polymorphisms on dose requirement of calcineurin inhibitors, cyclosporine and tacrolimus, in renal allograft recipients of North India

The present study investigated pharmacogenetic associations of common cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A5 and CYP3A4) polymorphisms with dose requirements of calcineurin inhibitors, cyclosporine (CsA) and tacrolimus (Tac) in renal transplant recipients of North India. Two hundred twenty four patients on CsA and 73 patients on Tac-based immunosuppression regimen were genotyped for CYP3A5*3 (6986A>G) and CYP3A4*1B (-290A>G) and correlated with CsA/Tac dose requirement (mg/kg/day) and dose-adjusted CsA (C₂)/Tac (T ₀) blood levels (concentration/dose ratio) at 1 month and 3 months posttransplantation. The dose-adjusted levels were significantly lower in CYP3A5 expressers for CsA (p = 0.037; 3 months) and Tac (p < 0.001; 1 month and p < 0.001; 3 months) compared to the non-expressers, suggesting that for a given dose their CsA/Tac blood concentration is lower. The CYP3A5 non-expresser genotype was associated with reduced risk for allograft rejection (HR-0.18, 95% CI 0.03–0.99). No influence of CYP3A4*1B on CsA/Tac pharmacokinetics was observed. CYP3A5 expressers were associated with significantly lower dose-adjusted CsA/Tac concentrations and higher allograft rejection episodes in patients on Tac therapy.     

Pharmacokinetics of immunosuppressants: a perspective on ethnic differences

Despite recent advancements in solid organ transplantation, African-American renal allograft recipients continue to exhibit poorer prognosis in long-term clinical outcome and graft survival compared to Caucasian patients. The role of immunosuppressants in post-transplant outcome is crucial, and associations between exposure-related pharmacokinetic parameters and clinical outcome have been made for several drugs in this class. Thus, ethnic differences in the pharmacokinetics of immunosuppressants are potentially a key factor in the observed differences in post-transplant outcome between African-Americans and Caucasians. Ethnic differences in pharmacokinetics of mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine based on the current literature are either absent or only of minor relevance. Cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus and everolimus, however, have all been described to exhibit ethnicity-specific differences in bioavailability and/or dose-adjusted systemic exposure, although currently available reports are controversial for some of these drugs. Oral bioavailability of these drugs in African-Americans was between 20 and 50% lower than in Caucasians or Non-African-Americans, leading to higher dose requirements in African-Americans to maintain similar average concentrations of the respective immunosuppressant. Since all four drugs undergo extensive metabolism and are substrates for CYP3A isoenzymes as well as the drug transporter P-glycoprotein, interethnic variability in activity of these enzymes/transporter may provide a common mechanism for the observed ethnic differences. These ethnic differences are most likely mediated via several non-genetic as well as genetic factors, including known genetic variations that impair transporter/enzyme activity in genes such as CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and ABCB1 (MDR1). Appreciation of differences in immunosuppressant pharmacokinetics and dose requirements between African-Americans and Caucasians in clinical practice is expected to improve post-transplant immunosuppressive pharmacotherapy and may thus contribute to equalize prognostic outcome for all transplant patients.     

Pharmacogenetic aspects of the use of tacrolimus in renal transplantation: recent developments and ethnic considerations

Introduction: Tacrolimus (Tac) is effective in preventing acute rejection but has considerable toxicity and inter-individual variability in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Part of this is explained by polymorphisms in genes encoding Tac-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. A better understanding of Tac pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics may help to minimize different outcomes amongst transplant recipients by personalizing immunosuppression.

Areas covered: The pharmacogenetic contribution of Tac metabolism will be examined, with a focus on recent discoveries, new developments and ethnic considerations.

Expert opinion: The strongest and most consistent association in pharmacogenetics is between the CYP3A5 genotype and Tac dose requirement, with CYP3A5 expressers having a ~ 40–50% higher dose requirement compared to non-expressers. Two recent randomized-controlled clinical trials using CYP3A5 genotype, however, did not show a decrease in acute rejections nor reduced toxicity. CYP3A4*22, CYP3A4*26, and POR*28 are also associated with Tac dose requirements and may be included to provide the expected improvement of Tac therapy. Studies focusing on the intracellular drug concentrations and on calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity also seem promising. For all studies, however, the ethnic prevalence of genotypes should be taken into account, as this may significantly impact the effect of pre-emptive genotyping.     

ABCB1(1199G>A)基因多态性对多西他赛转运影响的分子机制

目的：在体外研究ABCB1（1199G>A）基因多态性对多西他赛转运影响的分子机制。方法：将ABCB1（1199G>A）野生型和突变型基因分别导入HEK293细胞,研究2种重组细胞株对多西他赛的摄取以及跨膜转运的差异。结果：在细胞毒性分析中,ABCB1_1199A/mut细胞对多西他赛表现出更强的耐药性。多西他赛在2种重组细胞中的含量均显著性的低于对照组细胞,证实了多西他赛是由P-糖蛋白介导转运的,并且在ABCB1_1199A/mut细胞中跨膜转运更高。ABCB1_1199A/mut细胞介导转运多西他赛的P-糖蛋白的活性较ABCB1_1199G/wt细胞的更强。结论：ABCB1（1199G>A）基因多态性能够显著性影响P-糖蛋白转运多西他赛的能力,由ABCB1突变型基因编码的P-糖蛋白能够更有效的转运多西他赛。因此ABCB1（1199G>A）基因多态性可能会影响P-糖蛋白的活性,并对药物的分布和消除产生影响,从而影响药物的治疗作用。     

Effects of genetic polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of calcineurin inhibitors.

PURPOSE: The effects of genetic polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of calcineurin inhibitors were examined. SUMMARY: The bioavailability and metabolism of cyclosporine and tacrolimus are primarily controlled by efflux pumps and members of the cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme system found in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. The number and severity of adverse effects from these drugs are related to the overall exposure, measured by length of therapy and blood drug concentration. One contributing factor to the inconsistent pharmacokinetics of calcineurin inhibitors may be variable expression of functional CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and P-glycoprotein (PGP) efflux pumps, which may be the result of single-nucleotide polymorphisms found on the genes encoding for CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and PGP. CYP3A5*3 and CYP3A5*6 are the most common polymorphisms of CYP3A5. Using genetic markers to adjust initial doses of cyclosporine or tacrolimus may prove difficult, considering the variety of polymorphism known to affect CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and the multidrug resistance-1 (MDR1) gene (the gene that codes for PGP). Studies have found that carriers of CYP3A5*1 consistently have higher clearance rates of tacrolimus than do CYP3A5*3 homozygotes. The influences of CYP3A5 alleles on cyclosporine metabolism and the MDR1 C3435T polymorphism on tacrolimus metabolism remain controversial. CONCLUSION: For renal transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus as an immunosuppressant, practitioners can expect CYP3A5*1 carriers to have a tacrolimus clearance 25-45% greater than that of CYP3A5*3 homozygotes, with proportional dosing needs to maintain adequate immunosuppression. Since inadequate immunosuppression is linked to graft rejection, evaluation of CYP3A5 polymorphisms may be helpful in determining an appropriate starting dosage, rapidly achieving adequate immunosuppression, and ultimately improving the outcome of renal transplantation.     

A Markov Chain Model to Evaluate the Effect of CYP3A5 and ABCB1 Polymorphisms on Adverse Events Associated with Tacrolimus in Pediatric Renal Transplantation

The SNP A6986G of the CYP3A5 gene (*3) results in a non-functional protein due to a splicing defect whereas the C3435T was associated with variable expression of the ABCB1 gene, due to protein instability. Part of the large interindividual variability in tacrolimus efficacy and toxicity can be accounted for by these genetic factors. Seventy-two individuals were examined for A6986G and C3435T polymorphism using a PCR-RFLP-based technique to estimate genotype and allele frequencies in the Jordanian population. The association of age, hematocrit, platelet count, CYP3A5, and ABCB1 polymorphisms with tacrolimus dose- and body-weight-normalized levels in the subset of 38 pediatric renal transplant patients was evaluated. A Markov model was used to evaluate the time-dependent probability of an adverse event occurrence by CYP3A5 phenotypes and ABCB1 genotypes. The time-dependent probability of adverse event was about double in CYP3A5 non-expressors compared to the expressors for the first 12 months of therapy. The CYP3A5 non-expressors had higher corresponding normalized tacrolimus levels compared to the expressors in the first 3 months. The correlation trend between probability of adverse events and normalized tacrolimus concentrations for the two CYP3A5 phenotypes persisted for the first 9 months of therapy. The differences among ABCB1 genotypes in terms of adverse events and normalized tacrolimus levels were only observed in the first 3 months of therapy. The information on CYP3A5 genotypes and tacrolimus dose requirement is important in designing effective programs toward management of tacrolimus side effects particularly for the initial dose when tacrolimus blood levels are not available for therapeutic drug monitoring.