MDR1 genetic polymorphisms and comparison of MDR1 haplotype profiles in Korean and Vietnamese populations

Two representative genetic variants of the MDR1 gene, 3435C>T and 2677G>T/A, show wide interethnic differences in its genetic polymorphism. In this study, the authors evaluated the genetic polymorphisms of MDR1 and directly compared MDR1 haplotype profiles of the Korean and Vietnamese populations. The 3435C>T and 2677G>T/A variations were analyzed in 632 Koreans and 142 Vietnamese using pyrosequencing. The allelic frequencies of 3435C>T did not significantly differ between the Korean (39.3%) and Vietnamese (36.6%) groups. However, the frequencies of mutant alleles at 2677 locus (T or A allele) showed a significant difference between Koreans (56.2%) and Vietnamese (41.9%), as the frequency of 2677A allele in the Korean subjects (17.1%) was much higher than that of the Vietnamese subjects (6.3%). Linkage analysis revealed that 2677A allele is closely linked to 3435C allele. The frequency of 2677A-3435C haplotype in Koreans was 15.4%, which was significantly higher than that found in Vietnamese subjects (6.3%). In conclusion, the frequencies of MDR1 variants and haplotype profiles showed significant differences between the Korean and Vietnamese populations, especially with respect to the 2677G>T/A variants. Because the 2677A allele was recently found to be functional in vivo and was detected at a high frequency in Koreans, the genotyping of this variant is necessary for pharmacogenetic studies of MDR1 in this population. In addition, by virtue of strong linkage disequilibrium, 2677A-3435C haplotype may help improve the predictability of MDR1 genetic polymorphism for MDR1 functional changes.     

MDR1 haplotypes significantly minimize intracellular uptake and transcellular P-gp substrate transport in recombinant LLC-PK1 cells

To date, research on the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression and functionality has rendered inconsistent results. This study systematically evaluates the impact of MDR1 haplotypes (1236/2677, 1236/3435, 2677/3435, 1236/2677/3435) on P-gp functionality compared to individual SNPs (1236, 2677, and 3435) in validated stable recombinant epithelial cells. Recombinant LLC-PK1 cells expressing MDR1wt or its variants were developed and validated for this purpose. Intracellular accumulation and time-dependant efflux of a P-gp substrate, Rhodamine 123 (R123, 5 microM) were evaluated in control and recombinant cells. Additionally, the transepithelial transport of R123 (1 microM) and Vinca alkaloids (5 microM) was evaluated. Except for MDR1(2677T) and MDR1(1236T/2677T/3435T), cells expressing MDR1 variants displayed intermediate R123 intracellular accumulation (1.5-2-fold higher) and lower effluxed R123 (10-20% vs. 52%) compared to those expressing MDR1wt. Efflux ratios across MDR1wt expressing cells were significantly larger for R123 (3.95+/-1.1), Vinblastine (3.75+/-0.26), and Vincristine (2.8+/-0.29). Recombinant cells expressing MDR1 variants displayed 0%-22.7% P-gp activity (approximately 80%-100% efflux loss). Results suggest that MDR1 polymorphisms at the 1236, 2677, and/or 3435 positions significantly minimize P-gp functionality in vitro, the extent of which appears to be substrate dependant.     

Relationship between the C3435T and G2677T(A) polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene and P-glycoprotein expression in human liver

AIMS: The aim of the study was to determine whether a correlation exists between MDR1 (ABCB1) gene polymorphisms at positions 3435 (C3435T) and 2677 (G2677T(A)) and the expression of human hepatic P-glycoprotein (P-gp). METHODS: P-gp protein expression in 26 human livers was assessed by Western blotting and ABCB1 mRNA expression was determined by real time RT-PCR. The C3435T and G2677T(A) polymorphisms were identified by RFLP and direct sequence analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The C and G allele frequencies for the C3435T and G2677T(A) polymorphisms were 0.48 and 0.79, respectively, and the genotypes were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There was a 200- and 20-fold variation in the expression of ABCB1 mRNA and Pgp protein expression, respectively. There were no differences in mRNA and protein expression identified amongst the different genotypes attributable to the C3435T and G2677T(A) polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene. Exposure to a PXR ligand prior to death did not influence mRNA or protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: There is substantial variability in the expression of Pgp in human liver, but this is not due to the presence of C3435T and G2677T(A) polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene, although our study is limited by a small sample size.     

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.     

Analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotype linkage of the humanABCB1 (MDR1) gene in Korean

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in theMDR1 gene that are responsible for drug efflux can cause toxicity. Therefore, this study determined the SNPs of the KoreanMDR1 gene, and analyzed the haplotypes and a linkage disequilibrium (LD) of the SNPs determined. The frequency of 9 SNPs from theMDR1 gene was determined by PCR-RFLP analyses of 100 to 500 healthy individuals. The frequcies of the SNPs were C3435T (47.7%), G2677T (37.6%), G2677A (4.4%), T1236C (21.7%), T129C (8%), A2956G (2.5%), T307C (1.5%), A41aG (9.2%), C145G (0%), and G4030C (0%). Analyses of the haplotype structure and an estimation of the LD of the combined polymorphisms demonstrated that the frequency of the 1236T-2677G-3435T haplotype is much higher in Koreans (14.1%) than in Chinese and western black Africans and the C3435T SNP in Koreans appears to have LD with T129C in Koreans for the first time. These results provide insight into the genetic variation ofMDR1 in Koreans, and demonstrated the possibility of a new LD in this gene.     

MDR1 haplotype frequencies in Japanese and Caucasian, and in Japanese patients with colorectal cancer and esophageal cancer

The genotype frequencies of MDR1 T-129C, C1236T, G2677A,T and C3435T SNPs were compared in 154 healthy Japanese and 100 healthy Caucasians to provide basic information on the inter-ethnic differences of pharmacotherapeutic outcome. The variants were found at allelic frequencies of 5.5%, 65.6%, 16.6%, 40.6% and 40.6%, for T-129C, C1236T, G2677A, G2677T and C3435T, respectively, in Japanese, and at 5.1%, 45.9%, 3.6%, 46.4% and 56.6%, respectively, in Caucasians, with a statistically significant difference for C1236T, G2677A,T and C3435T (p<0.001). G2677A was about 5-fold more frequent in Japanese than Caucasians. These genotype frequencies were also investigated in 95 Japanese patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but no significant difference was detected, when compared with healthy Japanese subjects. The haplotype frequency reached a total of about 85% in Japanese with the following 4 major haplotypes; T(-129)-T1236-T2677-T3435 (36.1%), T(-129)-T1236-G2677-C3435 (22.5%), T(-129)-C1236-G2677-C3435 (14.2%) and T(-129)-C1236-A2677-C3435 (13.3%). The second and fourth haplotypes were hardly inferred in Caucasian, whereas T(-129)-C1236-G2677-T3435 (12.8%) was found to be Caucasian-specific. There was a tendency for higher frequencies of the T(-129)/C-(129)-C1236-A2677-C3435 haplotype in Japanese CRC patients and T(-129)-T1236-T2677-T3435 haplotype in Japanese ESCC patients, compared with that in healthy Japanese subjects.     

P-glycoprotein polymorphism and levothyroxine bioavailability in hypothyroid patients

Objectives

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) contributes to the disposition of a wide variety of drugs; therefore, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the P-gp coding gene might affect its activity. It is well known that personalized medicine, instead of empirical treatment, is a clinically important approach for enhancing responses among patients. Indeed, there is a need to evaluate the association between SNPs of P-gp encoded multidrug resistance genes (MDR1, ABCB1), and the dosage requirements of these drugs. In the present study, we evaluated the association between the dosage of Levothyroxine (L-T4) and three common SNPs (C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T).

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.     

Studies on pharmacokinetic mechanism of phenytoin resistance in refractory epilepsy

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a drug efflux pump in many organs, including the intestine and liver. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of P‐gp gene, 2677G>T and 3435C>T, were reported to influence function and expression of P‐gp and have the controversial effects on drug disposition. Phenytoin is one substrate of P-gp. Persistent low phenytoin levels in plasma and P-gp overexpression in brain in several refractory epilepsy patients were reported. P‐gp polymorphisms may also affect phenytoin efficacy by altering its bioavailability (F). Because two P‐gp SNPs, 2677G>T and 3435C>T, may affect P‐gp expression in tissue, we examined phenytoin disposition in patients of different P-gp haplotypes, G/G2677C/C3435 and T/T2677T/T3435. We found that the mean absolute F of phenytoin in T/T2677T/T3435 subjects (91%) is slightly higher than in G/G2677C/C3435 subjects (82%). There was no difference in the maximum concentration (C_max) and the area under the serum concentration–time curve of phenytoin administered orally between two genotypic groups. However, the time of maximum concentration was higher in T/T2677T/T3435 subjects (10 h) than in G/G2677C/C3435 subjects (6 h). The study ruled out the possibility that genetic polymorphisms of P-gp may affect phenytoin efficacy through the decreased absorption or the increased elimination. P-gp SNPs could affect phenytoin efficacy in refractory epilepsy patients probably because of central nervous system.     

Modulation of multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein 1 (ABCB1) expression in human heart by hereditary polymorphisms

OBJECTIVES: Variable expression of the ABC-type multidrug resistance membrane protein P-glycoprotein (P-gp, MDR1, ABCB1) in human heart is a potential modulator of drug effects or drug-induced cardiotoxicity. Expression of P-gp is known to be affected by single nucleotide polymorphisms in the MDR1 gene. Therefore, genotype-dependent expression of P-gp could be an important modulator of action of cardiac drugs. METHODS: Heart tissue (auriculum) from 51 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery was screened for genotype-dependent P-gp expression. P-gp was identified by immunoblotting and localized using immunohistochemistry. MDR1 mRNA was quantified by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry and related to the MDR1 genotypes G2677T/A (Ala893Ser/Thr) and C3435T. RESULTS: MDR1/18S rRNA mRNA copy numbers in heart auriculum were 3.48 +/- 2.25 x 10(-6) compared to 4.56 +/- 0.58 x 10(-6) in non-failing ventricular samples studied before. While the exon 26 C3435T genotype did not influence MDR1 mRNA expression, we found significantly elevated MDR1 mRNA expression in 10 patients carrying the exon 21 2677 AT or TT genotype as compared to 12 patients carrying the GG-variant with intermediate MDR1 mRNA expression in 29 heterozygous samples. P-gp was detected in the endothelial wall. Quantitative immunohistochemistry of protein expression, however, did not reveal significant influence of the studied SNPs. CONCLUSION: The present study based on auricular samples suggests that genetic factors play a rather limited role in modulating P-gp expression in human heart. Therefore, the substantial interindividual variability in cardiac P-gp expression is likely related to environmental or disease related factors.     

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.     

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.     

Modulation of human placental P-glycoprotein expression and activity by MDR1 gene polymorphisms

The ABC transporter P-glycoprotein is a product of the MDR1 gene and its function in human placenta is to extrude xenobiotics from the tissue thus decreasing fetal exposure. The goal of this investigation was to examine the effect of three polymorphisms in the MDR1 gene on the expression and activity of placental P-gp. In 199 term placentas examined, the C1236T variant was associated with 11% lower P-gp protein expression than wild-type, while the C3435T and G2677T/A variants each were associated with a 16% reduction (p < 0.05). Homozygotes for the C1236T and C3435T variant allele (TT) were associated with 42% and 47% increase in placental P-gp transport activity, respectively (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02) of the prototypic substrate, [³H]-paclitaxel. These findings indicate that the C3435T and G2677T/A SNPs in MDR1 are significantly associated with decreased placental P-gp protein expression, while the C1236T and C3245T homozygous variants are significantly associated with an increase in its efflux activity.     

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.     

Multi-drug transporter MDR1 gene polymorphism and prognosis in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a membrane transporter encoded by MDR1 gene, influences pharmacokinetics of anti-cancer drugs and contributes to multi-drug resistance phenotype in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In this study, we explored prognostic and functional role of single nucleotide polymorphism C3435T in MDR1 gene in 44 adult Caucasian patients with ALL. We found that the outcome of chemotherapy as well as MDR1 gene expression, P-gp expression and P-gp activity in isolated ALL blast cells were comparable among the patients carrying different MDR1 genotypes. Our results suggest that C3435T polymorphism in MDR1 gene is not a major prognosticator in adult ALL.     

MDR1 gene polymorphism in Japanese patients with schizophrenia and mood disorders including depression

P-Glycoprotein (ABCB1-type P-gp), a membrane protein encoded by the multi drug resistant gene (MDR1), expressing on the blood brain barrier protects the brain from many drugs including dexamethasone. Psychiatric disorders, schizophrenia and depression, have known to have abnormal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity, which is assessed by non-suppression of cortisol in dexamethasone suppression test. The poor response to dexamethasone in these patients' population suggested the impaired activity on dexamethasone penetration into the brain via P-gp, which was associated with MDR1 polymorphisms. We, therefore, examined five SNPs of the MDR1 gene, -1517 T>C (promoter), -41 A>G (intron -1), -129 T>C (exon 1b), 2677 G>A,T (exon 21) and 3435 C>T (exon 26), in Japanese patients with schizophrenia (n=121) and mood disorders (n=62), and compared with the control subjects (n=160). The frequency of MDR1 mutant alleles at -1517, -41 and -129 in patients with mood disorders was significantly lower (2.4, 5.6, 2.4%, respectively) than those of controls (7.8, 13.7, 7.8%, respectively) (p<0.05). The frequencies of MDR1 2677 G/A and A/A genotype in mood disorders was significantly higher (17.7, 6.5%, respectively) than controls (11.2, 0%, respectively) (p<0.05). The 2677A allele frequency in mood disorders (20.2%) was significant higher than controls (10.9%) (p<0.05). Haplotype of 129-2677-3435 (T-A-C) in mood disorders was significantly higher (14.4%) than controls (8.0%) (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in allele and genotype frequencies between the patients with schizophrenia and controls. These findings suggested that predispose to mood disorders, not schizophrenia, was associated with possible alteration of P-gp activities corresponding MDR1 polymorphism at least partly.     

Involvement of C3435T and G2677T multidrug resistance gene polymorphisms in release of cytokines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells treated with methotrexate and dexamethasone

P-Glycoprotein is a cell membrane-associated protein that transports a variety of exogenous (including drugs) and endogenous substances. P-Glycoprotein may also be involved in transmembrane transport of some endogenous proteins; thus, it may have physiological function in cytokine transport. Previous studies suggested that P-glycoprotein expression is genetically determined. The aim of this study was to examine involvement of multidrug resistance gene (MDR1) C3435T and G2677T polymorphisms in release of cytokines from phythemaglutynin (PHA)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as well as treated with methotrexate or dexamethasone. The release of cytokines: interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was determined in supernatants of mononuclear cell cultures from 72 healthy subjects, measured by flow cytometry. The release of INF-gamma, IL-2, IL-4 and TNF-alpha in cultures from subjects with 2677(T-T) 3435(T-T) haplotype pair was significantly decreased as compared to subjects with other haplotypes. There were no statistically significant differences in release of IL-6 and IL-10. The results of this study suggest an association between C3435T and G2677T MDR1 polymorphisms and transmembrane transport of some cytokines. Although the studied polymorphisms may be in linkage with polymorphisms of other transporters involved in cytokine release, it seems that the present results indirectly indicate involvement of P-glycoprotein in transport of some cytokines. Moreover, determination of C3435T and G2677T MDR1 polymorphisms might be useful in response prediction to therapy with methotrexate and dexamethasone.     

Simultaneous determination of single nucleotide polymorphisms of MDR1 genes by electrochemical DNA chip

The on-chip genotyping system ("the electrochemical DNA chip") has been developed as a more cost-effective genotyping system and was applied to MDR1 genotyping in the present study, which is required for wide use in clinical application and for personalized medication based on genotype. The electrochemical DNA chip was optimized and applied to simultaneous genotyping of four MDR1 polymorphisms (T-129C, C1236T, G2677(A,T) and C3435T) using synthetic model oligonucleotide DNA and human genomic DNA. The electrochemical DNA chip successfully gave the T-129C, C1236T, G2677(A,T) and C3435T genotypes, which were completely consistent with those determined by direct sequencing. In conclusion, the electrochemical DNA chip is useful for simultaneous determination of some genotypes and haplotypes, and efficient genotyping using this system can support future genotype-phenotype studies at a large scale.     

Expression polymorphism of the blood-brain barrier component P-glycoprotein (MDR1) in relation to Parkinson's disease

Because drug transporters such as P-glycoprotein, the product of the multidrug resistance (MDR1 ) gene, contribute to the function of the blood-brain barrier, we hypothesized that differences in their expression could affect the uptake of neurotoxic xenobiotics, thereby modulating interindividual susceptibility for neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease. In a pilot case-control study comprising 95 Parkinson's disease patients (25 early-onset patients with onset age < or = 45 years) and 106 controls we analysed the three common polymorphisms, 3435C >T in exon 26, 2677G > T,A in exon 21, and -129T > C in exon 1b. There were no statistically significant associations between any of these polymorphisms and Parkinson's disease. However, a distribution pattern consistent with our hypothesis was observed in that the frequency of the 3435T/T genotype, which had previously been associated with decreased P-glycoprotein expression and function, was highest in the early-onset Parkinson's disease group (36.0%), second-highest in the late-onset Parkinson's disease group (22.9%), and lowest in the control group (18.9%). Furthermore, we confirmed that the MDR1 exon 21 and exon 26 polymorphisms are in significant linkage disequilibrium since the [2677G, 3435C] and [2677T, 3435T] haplotypes were far more frequently observed than expected. In conclusion, MDR1 and other drug transporters represent plausible candidates as Parkinson's disease risk genes. Larger studies are required to confirm this role in the etiology of Parkinson's disease.