Pharmacogenomics
Implementing pharmacogenetic testing in fluoropyrimidine-treated cancer patients: <em>DPYD</em> genotyping to guide chemotherapy dosing in Greece
Front Pharmacol. 2023 Sep 14;14:1248898. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1248898. eCollection 2023.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), encoded by DPYD gene, is the rate-limiting enzyme responsible for fluoropyrimidine (FP) catabolism. DPYD gene variants seriously affect DPD activity and are well validated predictors of FP-associated toxicity. DPYD variants rs3918290, rs55886062, rs67376798, and rs75017182 are currently included in FP genetic-based dosing guidelines and are recommended for genotyping by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) before treatment initiation. In Greece, however, no data exist on DPYD genotyping. The aim of the present study was to analyze prevalence of DPYD rs3918290, rs55886062, rs67376798, rs75017182, and, additionally, rs1801160 variants, and assess their association with FP-induced toxicity in Greek cancer patients. Methods: Study group consisted of 313 FP-treated cancer patients. DPYD genotyping was conducted on QuantStudio ™ 12K Flex Real-Time PCR System (ThermoFisher Scientific) using the TaqMan® assays C__30633851_20 (rs3918290), C__11985548_10 (rs55886062), C__27530948_10 (rs67376798), C_104846637_10 (rs75017182) and C__11372171_10 (rs1801160). Results: Any grade toxicity (1-4) was recorded in 208 patients (66.5%). Out of them, 25 patients (12%) experienced grade 3-4 toxicity. DPYD EMA recommended variants were detected in 9 patients (2.9%), all experiencing toxicity (p = 0.031, 100% specificity). This frequency was found increased in grade 3-4 toxicity cases (12%, p = 0.004, 97.9% specificity). DPYD deficiency increased the odds of grade 3-4 toxicity (OR: 6.493, p = 0.014) and of grade 1-4 gastrointestinal (OR: 13.990, p = 0.014), neurological (OR: 4.134, p = 0.040) and nutrition/metabolism (OR: 4.821, p = 0.035) toxicities. FP dose intensity was significantly reduced in DPYD deficient patients (β = -0.060, p <0.001). DPYD rs1801160 variant was not associated with FP-induced toxicity or dose intensity. Triple interaction of DPYD*TYMS*MTHFR was associated with grade 3-4 toxicity (OR: 3.725, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Our findings confirm the clinical validity of DPYD reduced function alleles as risk factors for development of FP-associated toxicity in the Greek population. Pre-treatment DPYD genotyping should be implemented in clinical practice and guide FP dosing. DPYD*gene interactions merit further investigation as to their potential to increase the prognostic value of DPYD genotyping and improve safety of FP-based chemotherapy.
PMID:37781702 | PMC:PMC10536177 | DOI:10.3389/fphar.2023.1248898
Virtual twin for healthcare management
Front Digit Health. 2023 Sep 15;5:1246659. doi: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1246659. eCollection 2023.
ABSTRACT
Healthcare is increasingly fragmented, resulting in escalating costs, patient dissatisfaction, and sometimes adverse clinical outcomes. Strategies to decrease healthcare fragmentation are therefore attractive from payer and patient perspectives. In this commentary, a patient-centered smart phone application called Virtual Twin for Healthcare Management (VTHM) is proposed, including its organizational layout, basic functionality, and potential clinical applications. The platform features a virtual twin hub that displays the body and its health data. This is a physiologically based human model that is "virtualized" for the patient based on their unique genetic, molecular, physiological, and disease characteristics. The spokes of the system are a full service and interoperable electronic-health record, accessible to healthcare providers with permission on any device with internet access. Theoretical case studies based on real scenarios are presented to show how VTHM could potentially improve patient care and clinical efficiency. Challenges that must be overcome to turn VTHM into reality are also briefly outlined. Notably, the VTHM platform is designed to operationalize current and future precision medicine initiatives, such as access to molecular diagnostic results, pharmacogenomics-guided prescribing, and model-informed precision dosing.
PMID:37781454 | PMC:PMC10540783 | DOI:10.3389/fdgth.2023.1246659
Cancer awareness, diagnosis and treatment needs in Mizoram, India: evidence from 18 years trends (2003-2020)
Lancet Reg Health Southeast Asia. 2023 Sep 21;17:100281. doi: 10.1016/j.lansea.2023.100281. eCollection 2023 Oct.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Despite being the second least populated state, Mizoram exhibits the highest incidence rate of cancer in India. Its inhabitants, constituting an endogamous and isolated population, have embraced their own distinct culture, way of life and dietary preferences, setting them apart from the rest of mainland India. In 2003, the Mizoram Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) was established under the auspices of the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), a division of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with the Department of Health & Family Welfare of the Government of Mizoram, India.
METHODS: Cancer incidence and mortality data were extracted from the Mizoram PBCR spanning the years 2003-2020. The Age Standardized Incidence Rate (ASIR) and Age Standardized Mortality Rate (ASMR) were computed per 100,000 individuals, utilizing Segi's World Standard Population as the benchmark. The trajectory of these changes was analysed employing the Joinpoint Regression Analysis Program, Version 4.9.1.0.13, to unveil the Annual Percent Change (APC) with a 95% Confidence Interval and a Significance test (p < 0.05) using Monte Carlo Permutation. The resulting graphical visualizations were generated using Flourish Studio.15.
FINDINGS: The overall ASIR for all cancer sites among men was 197.2 per 100,000, while for women, it was 164.9 per 100,000. Among men, the most prevalent cancer site was the Stomach (ASIR = 41.4), followed by Head & Neck, Lung, Oesophagus, Colorectal, Liver, Urinary, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Prostate cancers. Conversely, among women, Lung cancer exhibited the highest incidence (ASIR = 26.7), succeeded by Cervical, Breast, Stomach, Head & Neck, Colorectal, Oesophagus, Liver and Ovarian cancers. Stomach cancer emerged as the leading cause of death among men (ASMR = 22.6) and among women, Lung cancer held the highest ASMR (15.9). Joinpoint regression analysis revealed a rising trend in incidence and mortality over time for overall cancer sites. Among the primary cancer sites contributing to incidence and mortality, an increase in APC was observable for all, except Stomach cancer, in both men and women. The diagnostic approach, except for cases of cancer with unknown primary sites, involved a microscopic method.
INTERPRETATION: This cross-sectional study examines PBCR reports spanning from 2003 to 2020, shedding light on a consistent uptick in cancer incidence and mortality trends in Mizoram. Stomach cancer emerges as the most prevalent and primary cause of cancer-related deaths among men, while Lung cancer takes a parallel role in women. The elevated cancer incidence and the growing trend among younger generations might stem from the static lifestyle and dietary patterns prevalent within the endogamous tribal population, potentially contributing to a genetic predisposition. The escalation in mortality rates could be attributed to a dearth of specialized diagnostic facilities and skilled human resources, treatment strategies guided by genomic research and transportation challenges. This underscores the urgent requirement for comprehensive scientific exploration across diverse facets. The implementation of easily accessible diagnostic facilities in proximity and genetic testing for pharmacogenomics to enhance prognoses would also aid in mitigating the burden and advancing the healthcare system's effectiveness.
FUNDING: Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) was supported by National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR) of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India.
PMID:37780980 | PMC:PMC10541469 | DOI:10.1016/j.lansea.2023.100281
Sulfoconjugation of protein peptides and glycoproteins in physiology and diseases
Pharmacol Ther. 2023 Sep 28:108540. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108540. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Protein sulfoconjugation, or sulfation, represents a critical post-translational modification (PTM) process that involves the attachment of sulfate groups to various positions of substrates within the protein peptides or glycoproteins. This process plays a dynamic and complex role in many physiological and pathological processes. Here, we summarize the importance of sulfation in the fields of oncology, virology, drug-induced liver injury (DILI), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and atherosclerosis. In oncology, sulfation is involved in tumor initiation, progression, and migration. In virology, sulfation influences viral entry, replication, and host immune response. In DILI, sulfation is associated with the incidence of DILI, where altered sulfation affects drug metabolism and toxicity. In IBD, dysregulation of sulfation compromises mucosal barrier and immune response. In atherosclerosis, sulfation influences the development of atherosclerosis by modulating the accumulation of lipoprotein, and the inflammation, proliferation, and migration of smooth muscle cells. The current review underscores the importance of further research to unravel the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential of targeting sulfoconjugation in various diseases. A better understanding of sulfation could facilitate the emergence of innovative diagnostic or therapeutic strategies.
PMID:37777160 | DOI:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108540
Implementation of pharmacogenomics testing for precision medicine
Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2023 Sep 30:1-18. doi: 10.1080/10408363.2023.2255279. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Great strides have been made in the past decade to lower barriers to clinical pharmacogenomics implementation. Nevertheless, PGx consultation prior to prescribing therapeutics is not yet mainstream. This review addresses the current climate surrounding PGx implementation, focusing primarily on strategies for implementation at academic institutions, particularly at The University of Chicago, and provides an up-to-date guide of resources supporting the development of PGx programs. Remaining challenges and recent strategies for overcoming these challenges to implementation are discussed.
PMID:37776898 | DOI:10.1080/10408363.2023.2255279
Baseline expression of immune gene modules in blood is associated with primary response to anti-TNF therapy in Crohn's disease patients
J Crohns Colitis. 2023 Sep 30:jjad166. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjad166. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anti-TNF therapy is widely used for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, yet many patients are primary non-responders, failing to respond to induction therapy. We aimed to identify blood gene expression differences between primary responders and primary non-responders to anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies (infliximab and adalimumab); and to predict response status from blood gene expression and clinical data.
METHODS: The Personalised Anti-TNF Therapy in Crohn's Disease (PANTS) study is a UK-wide prospective observational cohort study of anti-TNF therapy outcome in anti-TNF naive Crohn's disease patients (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03088449). Blood gene expression in 324 unique patients was measured by RNA-seq at baseline (week 0), and at weeks 14, 30, and 54 after treatment initiation (total sample size = 814).
RESULTS: After adjusting for clinical covariates and estimated blood cell composition, baseline expression of major histocompatibility complex, antigen presentation, myeloid cell enriched receptor, and other innate immune gene modules was significantly higher in anti-TNF responders versus non-responders. Expression changes from baseline to week 14 were generally of consistent direction but greater magnitude (i.e. amplified) in responders, however interferon-related genes were upregulated uniquely in non-responders. Expression differences between responders and non-responders observed at week 14 were maintained at week 30 and week 54. Prediction of response status from baseline clinical data, cell composition, and module expression was poor.
CONCLUSIONS: Baseline gene module expression was associated with primary response to anti-TNF therapy in PANTS patients. However, these baseline expression differences did not predict response with sufficient sensitivity for clinical use.
PMID:37776235 | DOI:10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjad166
Retraction Note: Azoramide, a novel regulator, favors adipogenesis against osteogenesis through inhibiting the GLP-1 receptor-PKA-β-catenin pathway
Stem Cell Res Ther. 2023 Sep 29;14(1):275. doi: 10.1186/s13287-023-03513-2.
NO ABSTRACT
PMID:37775775 | DOI:10.1186/s13287-023-03513-2
Functional Characterization of 29 Cytochrome P450 4F2 Variants Identified in a Population of 8,380 Japanese Subjects and Assessment of Arachidonic Acid ω-Hydroxylation
Drug Metab Dispos. 2023 Sep 29:DMD-AR-2023-001389. doi: 10.1124/dmd.123.001389. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Cytochrome P450 4F2 (CYP4F2) is an enzyme that is involved in the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA), vitamin E and K (VK), and xenobiotics including drugs. CYP4F2*3 polymorphism (rs2108622; c.1297G>A; p.Val433Met) has been associated with hypertension, ischemic stroke, and variation in the effectiveness of the anticoagulant drug warfarin. In this study, we characterized wild-type CYP4F2 and 28 CYP4F2 variants, including a Val433Met substitution, detected in 8,380 Japanese subjects. The CYP4F2 variants were heterologously expressed in 293FT cells to measure the concentrations of CYP4F2 variant holoenzymes using carbon monoxide-reduced difference spectroscopy, where the wild type and 18 holoenzyme variants showed a peak at 450 nm. Kinetic parameters (Vmax , S50 , and CL int as Vmax /S50 ) of AA ω-hydroxylation were determined for the wild type and 21 variants with enzyme activity. Compared to the wild type, two variants showed significantly decreased CL int values for AA ω-hydroxylation. The values for seven variants could not be determined because no enzymatic activity was detected at the highest substrate concentration used. Three-dimensional structural modeling was performed to determine the reason for reduced enzymatic activity of the CYP4F2 variants. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of CYP4F2 variant-associated diseases and possible future therapeutic strategies. Significance Statement CYP4F2 is involved in the metabolism of AA and VK, and CYP4F2*3 polymorphisms have been associated with hypertension and variation in the effectiveness of the anticoagulant drug warfarin. In this study, we present a functional analysis of 28 CYP4F2 variants identified in Japanese subjects, demonstrating that seven gene polymorphisms cause loss of CYP4F2 function, and propose structural changes that lead to altered function.
PMID:37775333 | DOI:10.1124/dmd.123.001389
Use of patient-reported outcome measures for oncology drugs receiving accelerated approval
Support Care Cancer. 2023 Sep 29;31(10):602. doi: 10.1007/s00520-023-08068-9.
ABSTRACT
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) represent an important evaluation of health-related quality of life that has become more commonly incorporated into oncology drug clinical trials. The frequency of PRO inclusion as an endpoint in oncology drug clinical trials leading to the initial accelerated approval of a new therapy is not yet known. We conducted a cross-sectional study evaluating all new drug applications submitted to the FDA over the past 10 years (2013-2022) that led to the initial approval of an oncology drug through the accelerated approval process. The objective was to assess whether the trials leading to such an approval included PROs. Between 2013 and 2022, the FDA approved 59 unique drugs for an oncology indication via the accelerated approval pathway, and 35 (59%) included a PRO assessment in the clinical trial. A median of 1 PRO measurement was used in each trial, with 23 different types of PRO assessment tools were used across the 59 new drug applications. In summary, we found that PRO measurements are inconsistently utilized in trials leading to initial accelerated approval of oncology drugs, and there seems to be a lack of harmonization of different PRO measurement tools used across trials.
PMID:37773545 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-023-08068-9
High-throughput Sequencing Analysis of Differentially Expressed microRNAs Associated With SREBP1 in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Anticancer Res. 2023 Oct;43(10):4435-4446. doi: 10.21873/anticanres.16639.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIM: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) interact with mRNAs and play important roles in progression and prognosis in multiple cancers. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) is an important lipid metabolism regulatory gene. The aim of the present study was to analyze the profiles of miRNAs that are associated with SREBP1 expression in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, a high-throughput small RNA sequencing (miRNA-Seq) method was used to investigate differences in miRNA profiling with versus without interference with SREBP1 expression via small interfering RNA. Real-time qPCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to confirm the results.
RESULTS: A total of 1,393 conserved and 84 novel miRNAs were successfully discovered. In two separate batches, a total of 27 differentially expressed miRNAs (11 up-regulated and 16 down-regulated) were observed in BCPAP cells after SREBF1 interference with two distinct siRNA fragments, as compared to the control siRNA treatment. Hsa-miR-941, hsa-miR-27a-5p, hsa-miR-29a-3p, hsa-miR-100-5p, and hsa-miR-21-3p were selected for validation using qRT-PCR. The qRT-PCR results were consistent with the sequencing data. Gene Ontology enrichment showed that the predicted targets of these miRNAs were mainly involved in the regulation of system development, metabolism and protein binding cellular processes, and metabolic processes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways analysis showed that the predicted target genes were involved in several signaling pathways, including the Ras, MAPK, insulin, thyroid hormone, and metabolic pathway signaling pathways.
CONCLUSION: Differentially expressed miRNAs and their target genes may play an important role in the progression and prognosis of DTC that is associated with SREBP1 expression.
PMID:37772593 | DOI:10.21873/anticanres.16639
The emergence, implementation, and future growth of pharmacogenomics in psychiatry: a narrative review
Psychol Med. 2023 Sep 29:1-11. doi: 10.1017/S0033291723002817. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Psychotropic medication efficacy and tolerability are critical treatment issues faced by individuals with psychiatric disorders and their healthcare providers. For some people, it can take months to years of a trial-and-error process to identify a medication with the ideal efficacy and tolerability profile. Current strategies (e.g. clinical practice guidelines, treatment algorithms) for addressing this issue can be useful at the population level, but often fall short at the individual level. This is, in part, attributed to interindividual variation in genes that are involved in pharmacokinetic (i.e. absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination) and pharmacodynamic (e.g. receptors, signaling pathways) processes that in large part, determine whether a medication will be efficacious or tolerable. A precision prescribing strategy know as pharmacogenomics (PGx) assesses these genomic variations, and uses it to inform selection and dosing of certain psychotropic medications. In this review, we describe the path that led to the emergence of PGx in psychiatry, the current evidence base and implementation status of PGx in the psychiatric clinic, and finally, the future growth potential of precision psychiatry via the convergence of the PGx-guided strategy with emerging technologies and approaches (i.e. pharmacoepigenomics, pharmacomicrobiomics, pharmacotranscriptomics, pharmacoproteomics, pharmacometabolomics) to personalize treatment of psychiatric disorders.
PMID:37772416 | DOI:10.1017/S0033291723002817
Usefulness and difficulties with the thiopurine pharmacogenomic NUDT15 genotyping test: Analysis of real-world data in Japan
J Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Nov;153(3):161-169. doi: 10.1016/j.jphs.2023.09.002. Epub 2023 Sep 11.
ABSTRACT
The usefulness of NUDT15 genotyping as a pharmacogenomic test for thiopurine has been established. The first such test developed to date, NUDT15 genotyping was approved for reimbursement in Japan in February 2019 for all indicated patients. We retrospectively examined claims data in Japan and confirmed that the proportion of patients who undergo genotyping before initiating a new thiopurine regimen has increased; furthermore, genotyping has improved the rate of treatment continuation and reduced on-treatment hospitalization. However, the genotyping rate before thiopurine induction was >50% for patients with inflammatory bowel disease and <20% for those with other immune-related diseases, indicating significant variation by disease field. Additionally, over 10% of tests were found to have been performed inappropriately, such as multiple genotyping of the same patient or testing more than 2 weeks after starting treatment. Although NUDT15 genotyping for patients requiring thiopurine treatment has been shown to improve thiopurine treatment continuation rate, measures are required to address the systematic issues identified in our analysis.
PMID:37770157 | DOI:10.1016/j.jphs.2023.09.002
Review of pharmacogenomics of psychiatric comorbidities in autism spectrum disorder
Pharmacogenomics. 2023 Sep 28. doi: 10.2217/pgs-2023-0134. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Approximately 70% of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) receive at least one psychotropic medication to treat comorbidities. However, the response to treatment with these drugs is far from satisfactory, with 30-50% of treated patients not responding adequately or developing severe and long-lasting side effects. There is strong evidence of the clinical utility of pharmacogenetics for the personalization of antipsychotic and antidepressant treatments in adult populations. However, the use of pharmacogenetic interventions for the personalization of treatment in ASD populations is minimal. The aim of this review is to summarize the findings of pharmacogenetic studies conducted in subjects with ASD and illustrate their utility in the personalization of treatment with psychoactive drugs in this population group.
PMID:37767654 | DOI:10.2217/pgs-2023-0134
<em>HLA-B*57:01</em> typing in a Malaysian cohort: implications of abacavir hypersensitivity in people living with HIV
Pharmacogenomics. 2023 Sep 28. doi: 10.2217/pgs-2023-0136. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Background: Abacavir (ABC) in combination with other antiretroviral drugs, is used to treat people living with HIV (PLWH). However, it is linked to a fatal hypersensitivity reaction in susceptible individuals, and is strongly associated with the HLA-B*57:01 allele. Materials & methods: A total of 152 patients, 50 PLWH and 102 HIV-1 negative patients, were assessed for the HLA-B*57:01 allele through a sequence-specific primer PCR. Results: All PLWH tested negative for the HLA-B*57:01 allele, but two HIV-negative patients were found to have HLA-B*57, with one of them expressing the HLA-B*57:01 allele. Conclusion: Given the low prevalence of this risk allele in the population, testing for the presence of HLA-B*57:01 in PLWH may not provide significant benefit for the reported population.
PMID:37767641 | DOI:10.2217/pgs-2023-0136
The potential of exome sequencing of paired colorectal tumors and synchronous liver metastases to improve treatment
Pharmacogenomics. 2023 Sep 28. doi: 10.2217/pgs-2023-0158. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Tweetable abstract Sequencing exomes of synchronous and metachronous liver metastases of colorectal cancer has potential to enhance treatment, since they can have molecular profiles distinct from primary tumors.
PMID:37767635 | DOI:10.2217/pgs-2023-0158
Bst polymerase - a humble relative of Taq polymerase
Comput Struct Biotechnol J. 2023 Sep 12;21:4519-4535. doi: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.09.008. eCollection 2023.
ABSTRACT
DNA polymerases are a superfamily of enzymes synthesizing DNA using DNA as a template. They are essential for nucleic acid metabolism and for DNA replication and repair. Modern biotechnology and molecular diagnostics rely heavily on DNA polymerases in analyzing nucleic acids. Among a variety of discovered DNA polymerases, Bst polymerase, a large fragment of DNA polymerase I from Geobacillus stearothermophilus, is one of the most commonly used but is not as well studied as Taq polymerase. The ability of Bst polymerase to displace an upstream DNA strand during synthesis, coupled with its moderate thermal stability, has provided the basis for several isothermal DNA amplification methods, including LAMP, WGA, RCA, and many others. Bst polymerase is one of the key components defining the robustness and analytical characteristics of diagnostic test systems based on isothermal amplification. Here, we present an overview of the biochemical and structural features of Bst polymerase and provide information on its mutated analogs.
PMID:37767105 | PMC:PMC10520511 | DOI:10.1016/j.csbj.2023.09.008
Immune perturbation network identifies an EMT subtype with chromosomal instability and tumor immune-desert microenvironment
iScience. 2023 Sep 9;26(10):107871. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107871. eCollection 2023 Oct 20.
ABSTRACT
Most gastric cancer (GC) subtypes are identified through transcriptional profiling overlooking dynamic changes and interactions in gene expression. Based on the background network of global immune genes, we constructed sample-specific edge-perturbation matrices and identified four molecular network subtypes of GC (MNG). MNG-1 displayed the best prognosis and vigorous cell cycle activity. MNG-2 was enriched by immune-hot phenotype with the potential for immunotherapy response. MNG-3 and MNG-4 were identified with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) peculiarity and worse prognosis, termed EMT subtypes. MNG-3 was characterized by low mutational burden and stromal cells and considered a replica of previous subtypes associated with poor prognosis. Notably, MNG-4 was considered a previously undefined subtype with a dismal prognosis, characterized by chromosomal instability and immune-desert microenvironment. This subtype tended to metastasize and was resistant to respond to immunotherapy. Pharmacogenomics analysis showed three therapeutic agents (NVP-BEZ235, LY2606368, and rutin) were potential interventions for MNG-4.
PMID:37766999 | PMC:PMC10520355 | DOI:10.1016/j.isci.2023.107871
Progress in patient-derived liver cancer cell models: A step forward for precision medicine
Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai). 2023 Sep 27. doi: 10.3724/abbs.2023224. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
The development of effective precision treatments for liver cancers has been hindered by the scarcity of preclinical models that accurately reflect the heterogeneity of this disease. Recent progress in developing patient-derived liver cancer cell lines and organoids has paved the way for precision medicine research. These expandable resources of liver cancer cell models enable a full spectrum of pharmacogenomic analysis for liver cancers. Moreover, patient-derived and short-term cultured two-dimensional tumor cells or three-dimensional organoids can serve as patient avatars, allowing for the prediction of patients' response to drugs and facilitating personalized treatment for liver cancer patients. Furthermore, the current novel techniques have expanded the scope of cancer research, including innovative organoid culture, gene editing and bioengineering. In this review, we provide an overview of the progress in patient-derived liver cancer cell models, focusing on their applications in precision and personalized medicine research. We also discuss the challenges and future perspectives in this field.
PMID:37766458 | DOI:10.3724/abbs.2023224
Stability Study of Fosfomycin in Elastomeric Pumps at 4 °C and 34 °C: Technical Bases for a Continuous Infusion Use for Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy
Pharmaceutics. 2023 Sep 19;15(9):2347. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092347.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Fosfomycin acts against aerobic Gram-/+ bacteria by blocking the synthesis of peptidoglycan. Its use has been currently re-evaluated for intravenous administration for the treatment of systemic infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Concentration-/time-dependent activity has been suggested, with potential clinical advantages from prolonged or continuous infusion. Nevertheless, little is known about Fosfomycin stability in elastomeric pumps. The aim of the present work was stability investigation before administration at 4 °C and during administration at 34 °C.
METHODS: InfectoFos® (InfectoPharm s.r.l., Milan, Italy) preparation for intravenous use in elastomeric pumps at 4 °C and 34 °C was analyzed following EMA guidelines for drug stability. Samples were analyzed with an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method on a LX50® UHPLC system equipped with a QSight 220® (Perkin Elmer, Milan, Italy) tandem mass spectrometer.
RESULTS: Fosfomycin in elastomeric preparation is stable for at least 5 days at a storage temperature of 4 °C and 34 °C.
CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest Fosfomycin eligibility for continuous infusion even in the context of outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy. Therefore, this approach should be tested in clinical and pharmacokinetic studies, in order to evaluate the possible gains in the pharmacokinetic profile and the clinical effectiveness.
PMID:37765315 | DOI:10.3390/pharmaceutics15092347
A Shortcut from Genome to Drug: The Employment of Bioinformatic Tools to Find New Targets for Gastric Cancer Treatment
Pharmaceutics. 2023 Sep 12;15(9):2303. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092303.
ABSTRACT
Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly heterogeneous, complex disease and the fifth most common cancer worldwide (about 1 million cases and 784,000 deaths worldwide in 2018). GC has a poor prognosis (the 5-year survival rate is less than 20%), but there is an effort to find genes highly expressed during tumor establishment and use the related proteins as targets to find new anticancer molecules. Data were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) bank to obtain three dataset matrices analyzing gastric tumor tissue versus normal gastric tissue and involving microarray analysis performed using the GPL570 platform and different sources. The data were analyzed using the GEPIA tool for differential expression and KMPlot for survival analysis. For more robustness, GC data from the TCGA database were used to corroborate the analysis of data from GEO. The genes found in in silico analysis in both GEO and TCGA were confirmed in several lines of GC cells by RT-qPCR. The AlphaFold Protein Structure Database was used to find the corresponding proteins. Then, a structure-based virtual screening was performed to find molecules, and docking analysis was performed using the DockThor server. Our in silico and RT-qPCR analysis results confirmed the high expression of the AJUBA, CD80 and NOLC1 genes in GC lines. Thus, the corresponding proteins were used in SBVS analysis. There were three molecules, one molecule for each target, MCULE-2386589557-0-6, MCULE-9178344200-0-1 and MCULE-5881513100-0-29. All molecules had favorable pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and toxicological properties. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the molecules interact with proteins in critical sites for their activity. Using a virtual screening approach, a molecular docking study was performed for proteins encoded by genes that play important roles in cellular functions for carcinogenesis. Combining a systematic collection of public microarray data with a comparative meta-profiling, RT-qPCR, SBVS and molecular docking analysis provided a suitable approach for finding genes involved in GC and working with the corresponding proteins to search for new molecules with anticancer properties.
PMID:37765273 | DOI:10.3390/pharmaceutics15092303