Analysis of neurodegenerative disease-causing genes in dementia with Lewy bodies.

Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2020 Jan 29;8(1):5

Authors: Orme T, Hernandez D, Ross OA, Kun-Rodrigues C, Darwent L, Shepherd CE, Parkkinen L, Ansorge O, Clark L, Honig LS, Marder K, Lemstra A, Rogaeva E, St George-Hyslop P, Londos E, Zetterberg H, Morgan K, Troakes C, Al-Sarraj S, Lashley T, Holton J, Compta Y, Van Deerlin V, Trojanowski JQ, Serrano GE, Beach TG, Lesage S, Galasko D, Masliah E, Santana I, Pastor P, Tienari PJ, Myllykangas L, Oinas M, Revesz T, Lees A, Boeve BF, Petersen RC, Ferman TJ, Escott-Price V, Graff-Radford N, Cairns NJ, Morris JC, Pickering-Brown S, Mann D, Halliday G, Stone DJ, Dickson DW, Hardy J, Singleton A, Guerreiro R, Bras J

Abstract
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder with a substantial burden on healthcare. Despite this, the genetic basis of the disorder is not well defined and its boundaries with other neurodegenerative diseases are unclear. Here, we performed whole exome sequencing of a cohort of 1118 Caucasian DLB patients, and focused on genes causative of monogenic neurodegenerative diseases. We analyzed variants in 60 genes implicated in DLB, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and atypical parkinsonian or dementia disorders, in order to determine their frequency in DLB. We focused on variants that have previously been reported as pathogenic, and also describe variants reported as pathogenic which remain of unknown clinical significance, as well as variants associated with strong risk. Rare missense variants of unknown significance were found in APP, CHCHD2, DCTN1, GRN, MAPT, NOTCH3, SQSTM1, TBK1 and TIA1. Additionally, we identified a pathogenic GRN p.Arg493* mutation, potentially adding to the diversity of phenotypes associated with this mutation. The rarity of previously reported pathogenic mutations in this cohort suggests that the genetic overlap of other neurodegenerative diseases with DLB is not substantial. Since it is now clear that genetics plays a role in DLB, these data suggest that other genetic loci play a role in this disease.

PMID: 31996268 [PubMed - in process]

Regulatory SNP rs5743417 impairs constitutive expression of human β-defensin 1 and has high frequency in Africans and Afro-Americans.

Int J Immunogenet. 2020 Jan 29;:

Authors: Cruz Díaz LA, Gutiérrez Ortega A, Chávez Álvarez RDC, Velarde Félix JS, Prado Montes de Oca E

Abstract
The prediction of regulatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (rSNPs) in proximal promoters of disease-related genes could be a useful tool for personalized medicine in both patient stratification and customized therapy. Using our previously reported method of rSNPs prediction (currently a software called SNPClinic v.1.0) as well as with PredictSNP tool, we performed in silico prediction of regulatory SNPs in the antimicrobial peptide human β-defensin 1 gene in three human cell lines from 1,000 Genomes Project (1kGP), namely A549 (epithelial cell line), HL-60 (neutrophils) and TH 1 (lymphocytes). These predictions were run in a proximal pseudo-promoter comprising all common alleles on each polymorphic site according to the 1,000 Genomes Project data (1kGP: ALL). Plasmid vectors containing either the major or the minor allele of a putative rSNP rs5743417 (categorized as regulatory by SNPClinic and confirmed by PredictSNP) and a non-rSNP negative control were transfected to lung A549 human epithelial cell line. We assessed functionality of rSNPs by qPCR using the Pfaffl method. In A549 cells, minor allele of the SNP rs5743417 G→A showed a significant reduction in gene expression, diminishing DEFB1 transcription by 33% when compared with the G major allele (p-value = .03). SNP rs5743417 minor allele has high frequency in Gambians (8%, 1kGP population: GWD) and Afro-Americans (3.3%, 1kGP population: ASW). This SNP alters three transcription factors binding sites (TFBSs) comprising SREBP2 (sterols and haematopoietic pathways), CREB1 (cAMP, insulin and TNF pathways) and JUND (apoptosis, senescence and stress pathways) in the proximal promoter of DEFB1. Further in silico analysis reveals that this SNP also overlaps with GS1-24F4.2, a lincRNA gene complementary to the X Kell blood group related 5 (XKR5) mRNA. The potential clinical impact of the altered constitutive expression of DEFB1 caused by rSNP rs5743417 in DEFB1-associated diseases as tuberculosis, COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis and cancer in African and Afro-American populations deserves further research.

PMID: 31994826 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

ACC Glu/GABA ratio is decreased in euthymic bipolar disorder I patients: possible in vivo neurometabolite explanation for mood stabilization.

Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2020 Jan 28;:

Authors: Scotti-Muzzi E, Chile T, Moreno R, Pastorello BF, da Costa Leite C, Henning A, Otaduy MCG, Vallada H, Soeiro-de-Souza MG

Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by unstable mood states ranging from mania to depression. Although there is some evidence that mood instability may result from an imbalance between excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABA-ergic neurotransmission, few proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) studies have measured these two neurometabolites simultaneously in BD. The enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD1) catalyzes the decarboxylation of glutamate (Glu) to GABA, and its single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) might influence Glu/GABA ratio. Thus, we investigated Glu/GABA ratio in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) of euthymic BD type I patients and healthy controls (HC), and assessed the influence of both mood stabilizers and GAD1 SNPs on this ratio. Eighty-eight subjects (50 euthymic BD type I patients and 38 HC) underwent 3T 1H-MRS in the dACC (2 × 2 × 4.5 cm3) using a two-dimensional JPRESS sequence and all subjects were genotyped for 4 SNPs in the GAD1 gene. BD patients had lower dACC Glu/GABA ratio compared to HC, where this was influenced by anticonvulsant and antipsychotic medications, but not lithium. The presence of GAD1 rs1978340 allele A was associated with higher Glu/GABA ratio in BD, while patients without this allele taking mood stabilizers had a lower Glu/GABA ratio. The lowering of dACC Glu/GABA could be one explanation for the mood stabilizing action of anticonvulsants and antipsychotics in BD type I euthymia. Therefore, this putative role of Glu/GABA ratio and the influence of GAD1 genotype interacting with mood stabilization medication should be confirmed by further studies involving larger samples and other mood states.ClincalTrials.gov registration: NCT01237158.

PMID: 31993746 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Emerging role of long non-coding RNAs in cancer precision medicine.

Mol Cell Oncol. 2020;7(1):1684130

Authors: Nath A, Huang RS

Abstract
A vast majority of the human genome encodes long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as compared to protein-coding genes (PCGs). But most efforts to determine biomarkers of anticancer drug response have focused entirely on PCGs. Comprehensive investigation of lncRNAs and drug response demonstrates that lncRNAs are indeed crucial biomarkers of drug response.

PMID: 31993497 [PubMed]

Long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in drug metabolism and disposition, implications in cancer chemo-resistance.

Acta Pharm Sin B. 2020 Jan;10(1):105-112

Authors: Wang Y, Fang Z, Hong M, Yang D, Xie W

Abstract
Drug metabolism is an orchestrated process in which drugs are metabolized and disposed through a series of specialized enzymes and transporters. Alterations in the expression and/or activity of these enzymes and transporters can affect the bioavailability (pharmacokinetics, or PK) and therapeutic efficacy (pharmacodynamics, or PD) of drugs. Recent studies have suggested that the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are highly relevant to drug metabolism and drug resistance, including chemo-resistance in cancers, through the regulation of drug metabolism and disposition related genes. This review summarizes the regulation of enzymes, transporters, or regulatory proteins involved in drug metabolism by lncRNAs, with a particular emphasis on drug metabolism and chemo-resistance in cancer patients. The perspective strategies to integrate multi-dimensional pharmacogenomics data for future in-depth analysis of drug metabolism related lncRNAs are also proposed. Understanding the role of lncRNAs in drug metabolism will not only facilitate the identification of novel regulatory mechanisms, but also enable the discovery of lncRNA-based biomarkers and drug targets to personalize and improve the therapeutic outcome of patients, including cancer patients.

PMID: 31993309 [PubMed]

Editorial of Special Issue on Drug Metabolism and Disposition in Diseases.

Acta Pharm Sin B. 2020 Jan;10(1):2

Authors: Xie W

PMID: 31993303 [PubMed]

Identifying chemogenetic interactions from CRISPR screens with drugZ.

Genome Med. 2019 08 22;11(1):52

Authors: Colic M, Wang G, Zimmermann M, Mascall K, McLaughlin M, Bertolet L, Lenoir WF, Moffat J, Angers S, Durocher D, Hart T

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chemogenetic profiling enables the identification of gene mutations that enhance or suppress the activity of chemical compounds. This knowledge provides insights into drug mechanism of action, genetic vulnerabilities, and resistance mechanisms, all of which may help stratify patient populations and improve drug efficacy. CRISPR-based screening enables sensitive detection of drug-gene interactions directly in human cells, but until recently has primarily been used to screen only for resistance mechanisms.
RESULTS: We present drugZ, an algorithm for identifying both synergistic and suppressor chemogenetic interactions from CRISPR screens. DrugZ identifies synthetic lethal interactions between PARP inhibitors and both known and novel members of the DNA damage repair pathway, confirms KEAP1 loss as a resistance factor for ERK inhibitors in oncogenic KRAS backgrounds, and defines the genetic context for temozolomide activity.
CONCLUSIONS: DrugZ is an open-source Python software for the analysis of genome-scale drug modifier screens. The software accurately identifies genetic perturbations that enhance or suppress drug activity. Interestingly, analysis of new and previously published data reveals tumor suppressor genes are drug-agnostic resistance genes in drug modifier screens. The software is available at github.com/hart-lab/drugz .

PMID: 31439014 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

White pepper-derived ratiometric carbon dots for highly selective detection and imaging of coenzyme A.

Food Chem. 2020 Jan 09;315:126171

Authors: Long R, Guo Y, Xie L, Shi S, Xu J, Tong C, Lin Q, Li T

Abstract
A new-style white pepper derived dual-emission carbon dots (CDs) with a quantum yield of 10.4% was designed and facile constructed with one-pot solvothermal method. The green emission (520 nm) had an efficient and special "turn-on" fluorescence sensing of coenzyme A (CoA) with the aid of Cu2+, while red emission (668 nm) barely changed and worked as reference. In the concentration range (0-150 µM), relative fluorescence intensity ratios (F520/F668) showed excellent linear correlation with concentrations of CoA, and detection limit was as low as 8.75 nm. Moreover, the strategy has been successfully applied for label-free detection of CoA in real pig liver samples with good recoveries (93.3-108.0%). Notably, the synthesized CDs had durable fluorescence, low cytotoxicity, and good biocompatibility for cellular imaging, which demonstrated wide and promising applicability for biosensing and bioimaging in the future.

PMID: 31991253 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Unexpected metastasis of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct without an invasive component to the brain and lungs: A case report.

World J Gastroenterol. 2020 Jan 21;26(3):366-374

Authors: Nam NH, Taura K, Kanai M, Fukuyama K, Uza N, Maeda H, Yutaka Y, Chen-Yoshikawa TF, Muto M, Uemoto S

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite an expanding number of studies on intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB), distant metastasis remains unexplained especially in cases of carcinoma in situ. In the present study, we report a rare and interesting case of IPNB without invasive components that later metastasized to lungs and brain.
CASE SUMMARY: A 69-year-old male was referred to our hospital due to suspected cholangiocarcinoma. Laboratory tests on admission reported a mild elevation of alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and total bilirubin in serum. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed a filling defect in the common bile duct (CBD) extending to the left hepatic duct. Peroral cholangioscopy delineated a tumor in the CBD that had a papillary pattern. Multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography detected partial blockage ot interlude in the CBD leading to cholestasis without evidence of metastasis. Therefore, a diagnosis of IPNB cT1N0M0 was established. Left hepatectomy with bile duct reconstruction was performed. Pathological examination confirmed an intraepithelial neoplasia pattern without an invasive component and an R0 resection achievement. The patient was monitored carefully by regular examinations. However, at 32 mo after the operation, a 26 mm tumor in the lungs and a 12 mm lesion in the brain were detected following a suspicious elevated CA 19-9 level. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery of left upper lobectomy and stereotactic radiotherapy are indicated. In addition to histopathological results, a genomic profiling analysis using whole exome sequencing subsequently confirmed lung metastasis originating from bile duct cancer.
CONCLUSION: This case highlights the important role of genomic profiling analysis using whole exome sequencing in identifying the origin of metastasis in patients with IPNB.

PMID: 31988595 [PubMed - in process]

Prognostic role of SCAMP family in acute myeloid leukemia.

Pharmacogenomics J. 2020 Jan 28;:

Authors: Qian T, Cheng Z, Quan L, Zeng T, Cui L, Liu Y, Si C, Huang W, Dai Y, Chen J, Liu L, Jiao Y, Deng C, Pang Y, Ye X, Shi J, Fu L

Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant disease of myeloid hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells characterized by abnormal proliferation of primary and immature myeloid cells in bone marrow and peripheral blood. Gene mutation and expression profiles can be used as prognosis predictors for different prognostic subgroups. Secretory carrier-associated membrane proteins (SCAMPs) are a multigenic family with five members and act as cell surface vectors in the post-Golgi recycling pathways in mammals. Nevertheless, the prognostic and clinical influence of SCAMP family has hardly ever been illustrated in AML. In our study, expression patterns of SCAMP family (SCAMP1-5) were analyzed in 155 AML patients which were extracted from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. In chemotherapy, only subgroup, higher SCAMP1 level was significantly associated with longer EFS and OS (all P = 0.002), and SCAMP1 was confirmed to be an independent favorable factor in un-transplanted patients by Multivariate analysis (all P < 0.05). Nevertheless, in the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) treatment subgroup, none of the SCAMP genes had any effect on the clinical survival. Our study found that high expression level of SCAMP1 is a favorable prognostic factor in AML, but allo-HSCT may neutralize its prognostic effect.

PMID: 31988488 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

RASA1 loss in a BRAF-mutated Langerhans cell sarcoma: a mechanism of resistance to BRAF inhibitor.

Ann Oncol. 2019 Jul;30(7):1170-1172

Authors: Jouenne F, Reger de Moura C, Lorillon G, Meignin V, Dumaz N, Lebbe C, Mourah S, Tazi A

PMID: 31987385 [PubMed - in process]

Dissection of DLBCL microenvironment provides a gene expression-based predictor of survival applicable to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue.

Ann Oncol. 2019 Dec;30(12):2015

Authors: Ciavarella S, Vegliante MC, Fabbri M, De Summa S, Melle F, Motta G, De Iuliis V, Opinto G, Enjuanes A, Rega S, Gulino A, Agostinelli C, Scattone A, Tommasi S, Mangia A, Mele F, Simone G, Zito AF, Ingravallo G, Vitolo U, Chiappella A, Tarella C, Gianni AM, Rambaldi A, Zinzani PL, Casadei B, Derenzini E, Loseto G, Pileri A, Tabanelli V, Fiori S, Rivas-Delgado A, López-Guillermo A, Venesio T, Sapino A, Campo E, Tripodo C, Guarini A, Pileri SA

PMID: 31987310 [PubMed - in process]

The role of CSDE1 in translational reprogramming and human diseases.

Cell Commun Signal. 2020 Jan 27;18(1):14

Authors: Guo AX, Cui JJ, Wang LY, Yin JY

Abstract
CSDE1 (cold shock domain containing E1) plays a key role in translational reprogramming, which determines the fate of a number of RNAs during biological processes. Interestingly, the role of CSDE1 is bidirectional. It not only promotes and represses the translation of RNAs but also increases and decreases the abundance of RNAs. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are still unknown. In this review, we propose a "protein-RNA connector" model to explain this bidirectional role and depict its three versions: sequential connection, mutual connection and facilitating connection. As described in this molecular model, CSDE1 binds to RNAs and cooperates with other protein regulators. CSDE1 connects with different RNAs and their regulators for different purposes. The triple complex of CSDE1, a regulator and an RNA reprograms translation in different directions for each transcript. Meanwhile, a number of recent studies have found important roles for CSDE1 in human diseases. This model will help us to understand the role of CSDE1 in translational reprogramming and human diseases. Video Abstract.

PMID: 31987048 [PubMed - in process]

Mapping cis-regulatory chromatin contacts in neural cells links neuropsychiatric disorder risk variants to target genes.

Nat Genet. 2019 08;51(8):1252-1262

Authors: Song M, Yang X, Ren X, Maliskova L, Li B, Jones IR, Wang C, Jacob F, Wu K, Traglia M, Tam TW, Jamieson K, Lu SY, Ming GL, Li Y, Yao J, Weiss LA, Dixon JR, Judge LM, Conklin BR, Song H, Gan L, Shen Y

Abstract
Mutations in gene regulatory elements have been associated with a wide range of complex neuropsychiatric disorders. However, due to their cell-type specificity and difficulties in characterizing their regulatory targets, the ability to identify causal genetic variants has remained limited. To address these constraints, we perform an integrative analysis of chromatin interactions, open chromatin regions and transcriptomes using promoter capture Hi-C, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) and RNA sequencing, respectively, in four functionally distinct neural cell types: induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-induced excitatory neurons and lower motor neurons, iPSC-derived hippocampal dentate gyrus-like neurons and primary astrocytes. We identify hundreds of thousands of long-range cis-interactions between promoters and distal promoter-interacting regions, enabling us to link regulatory elements to their target genes and reveal putative processes that are dysregulated in disease. Finally, we validate several promoter-interacting regions by using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) techniques in human excitatory neurons, demonstrating that CDK5RAP3, STRAP and DRD2 are transcriptionally regulated by physically linked enhancers.

PMID: 31367015 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Combination of BRAF and MEK inhibition in BRAF V600E mutant low-grade ganglioglioma.

J Clin Pharm Ther. 2020 Jan 27;:

Authors: Yau WH, Ameratunga M

Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Post-surgical management of low grade gangliogliomas is controversial with paucity of data for the use of chemotherapy. BRAF mutations are present in a number of glioma subtypes and offer an opportunity for treatment with targeted therapy.
CASE SUMMARY: A 32-year-old man with an unresectable, BRAF V600E mutant, WHO grade 1 ganglioglioma is commenced on combination BRAF and MEK inhibition (vemurafenib and cobimetinib). Partial radiological and clinical response was noted after 13 weeks of treatment. Treatment complication with grade 2 skin and liver toxicity was resolved with dose interruption and reduction.
WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Combination BRAF and MEK inhibition present a safe and feasible treatment strategy in unresectable BRAF V600E mutant low grade ganglioglioma.

PMID: 31985841 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Childhood asthma in the new omics era: challenges and perspectives.

Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020 Jan 24;:

Authors: Golebski K, Kabesch M, Melén E, Potočnik U, van Drunen CM, Reinarts S, Maitland-van der Zee AH, Vijverberg SJH, PERMEABLE consortium

Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Childhood asthma is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease comprising different phenotypes and endotypes and, particularly in its severe forms, has a large impact on the quality-of-life of patients and caregivers. The application of advanced omics technologies provides useful insights into underlying asthma endotypes and may provide potential clinical biomarkers to guide treatment and move towards a precision medicine approach.
RECENT FINDINGS: The current article addresses how novel omics approaches have shaped our current understanding of childhood asthma and highlights recent findings from (pharmaco)genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics studies on childhood asthma and their potential clinical implications to guide treatment in severe asthmatics.
SUMMARY: Until now, omics studies have largely expanded our view on asthma heterogeneity, helped understand cellular processes underlying asthma, and brought us closer towards identifying (bio)markers that will allow the prediction of treatment responsiveness and disease progression. There is a clinical need for biomarkers that will guide treatment at the individual level, particularly in the field of biologicals. The integration of multiomics data together with clinical data could be the next promising step towards development individual risk prediction models to guide treatment. However, this requires large-scale collaboration in a multidisciplinary setting.

PMID: 31985545 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Fractions of Boswellia serrata suppress LTA4, LTC4, Cyclooxygenase-2 activities and mRNA in HL-60 Cells and reduce lung inflammation in BALB/c mice.

Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2020 Jan 26;:

Authors: Soni KK, Meshram D, Lawal TO, Patel U, Mahady GB

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Purified fractions from a Boswellia serrata Roxb. Ex. Colebr. (Burseraceae) extract (ETOH and DCM) contain biologically active compounds that are well known for having inflammation inhibitory properties. In this work, the purified fractions were tested in-vitro for LTC4, LTA4 and COX-2 activities using ELISA and qPCR was performed to determine gene regulation in human leukemia (HL-60) Cells. Two D-imaging tomography was performed to determine the anti-inflammatory activities of the fractions in BALB/c mouse model of lung inflammation.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anti-inflammatory activities of bioactive compounds of Boswellia serrata purified fractions.
METHODS: In-vitro MTT assay was performed in HL-60 cell lines for measuring the toxicity/viability of the cells. ELISA tests were performed for evaluating LTA4, LTC4 and COX-2 activities. qPCR was performed to evaluate the expression of mRNA in HL-60 cells. In-vivo experiments were performed in OVA sensitized and challenged BALB/c mice at two doses of Boswellia serrata purified fraction containing 6% Boswellic acid of 50 and 100mg/kg body weight were given orally and the standard drug dexamethasone (DXA, 4 mg/kg body weight) and reduction in lung inflammation was assessed by using an IVIS Xenogen in-vivo fluorescence imaging system.
RESULTS: A purified fraction of Boswellia serrata ETOH extracts reduced leukotriene-C4-synthase activity by 52%, leuktotriene-A4-hydrolase activity by 22% and COX-2 activity by 99% with an IC50 of 12.5µg/ml. Intragastric administration of the purified fraction of Boswellia serrata at two doses of 50mg/kg b.w. and 100mg/kg b.w., respectively along with 2-3% HPMC resulted in a ~51% (P value <0.01) reduction in OVA induced lung inflammation in BALB/c mice as observed by imaging tomography. Treatment of the OVA challenged mice with a standard drug dexamethasone (DXA) reduced inflammation by ~66% with significant value (P<0.0001).
CONCLUSION: The present study describes that Boswellia serrata ethanolic extracts purified fraction (ETOH-BS) possess significant anti-inflammatory activities in HL-60 and in BALB/c and further supports for its use as Ayurvedic medicines traditionally in the treatment of lung disorders including allergy and asthma.

PMID: 31985381 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Insights into gastrointestinal microbiota-generated ginsenoside metabolites and their bioactivities.

Drug Metab Rev. 2020 Jan 26;:1-14

Authors: Yang L, Zou H, Gao Y, Luo J, Xie X, Meng W, Zhou H, Tan Z

Abstract
The gastrointestinal microbiota and host co-evolve into a complex 'super-organism,' and this relationship plays a vital role in many physiological processes, such as drug metabolism. Ginseng is an important medicinal resource and the main ingredients are ginsenosides, which are less polar, difficult to absorb, and have low bioavailability. However, studies have shown that the biological activity of ginsenosides such as compound K (CK), ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2), 20(S)-protopanaxatriol (20(S)-PPT), and 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (20(S)-PPD) is closely related to the gastrointestinal microbiota. In this paper, the metabolic pathway of gastrointestinal microbiota-generated ginsenosides and the main pharmacological effects of these metabolites are discussed. Furthermore, our study provides a new insight into the discovery of novel drugs. Specifically, in new drug screening process, candidates with low biological activity and bioavailability should not be excluded. Because their metabolites may exhibit good pharmacological effects due to the involvement of the gastrointestinal microbiota. In addition, in further research studies to develop probiotics, a combination of agents could exert greater efficacy than single agents. Moreover, differences in lifestyle and diet lead to differences in the gastrointestinal microbiota in the human body. Therefore, administration of the same drug dose to different individuals could elicit different therapeutic effects, owing to the involvement of the gastrointestinal microbiota. Thus, treatment accuracy could be achieved by detecting the gastrointestinal microbiota before drug treatment.HighlightsGastrointestinal microbiota plays a decisive role in bioactivities of ginsenosides.The metabolic pathway and main pharmacological effects of ginsenoside metabolites are discussed.It provides new insights into novel drug discovery and further research to find probiotic, combinations to exert greater efficacy.Differences in lifestyle and diet, varies the gastrointestinal microbiota in the human body. However, the same dose of a drug producing different therapeutic effects may involve gastrointestinal microbiota.

PMID: 31984805 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Knowledge and attitudes on pharmacogenetics among pediatricians.

J Hum Genet. 2020 Jan 27;:

Authors: Rahawi S, Naik H, Blake KV, Owusu Obeng A, Wasserman RM, Seki Y, Funanage VL, Oishi K, Scott SA

Abstract
Increasing enthusiasm for clinical pharmacogenetic testing and the availability of pharmacogenetic-based guidelines indicate that pediatricians will increasingly be expected to interpret and apply pharmacogenetic test results into medical care. Previous studies have identified a lack of knowledge on pharmacogenetics across many physician specialties; however, this has not been systematically assessed among pediatricians. To evaluate pediatrician knowledge, attitude, and educational interest in pharmacogenetics, we surveyed physician cohorts from both the United States (U.S.) and Japan. A total of 282 pediatricians (210 from the U.S. and 72 from Japan) participated in an anonymous survey (online or hardcopy) on pharmacogenetics knowledge, perception, and education. Over 50% of all respondents had >10 years of clinical experience and >75% had some prior education in genetics. However, <10% felt they were familiar with pharmacogenetics, which was very consistent with <20% of the U.S. pediatricians correctly responding to a codeine/CYP2D6 pharmacogenetics knowledge question and <10% of U.S. pediatricians being aware of the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC). Despite being generally unfamiliar with pharmacogenetics, >80% of all respondents indicated that implementation of clinical pharmacogenetic testing will improve efficacy and safety, and that pediatricians should be capable of applying this testing to their practice. Moreover, the majority (83.1%) were interested in educational opportunities on pharmacogenetics, particularly on result interpretation and therapeutic recommendations. Taken together, these data indicate that although practical knowledge of pharmacogenetics among pediatricians in the U.S. and Japan is currently very low, their interest in clinical pharmacogenetics and related education is high, which will likely facilitate future implementation.

PMID: 31983733 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Association of HLA-A*11:01 with sulfonamide-related severe cutaneous adverse reactions in Japanese patients.

J Invest Dermatol. 2020 Jan 22;:

Authors: Nakamura R, Ozeki T, Hirayama N, Sekine A, Yamashita T, Yoichi Mashimo, Mizukawa Y, Shiohara T, Watanabe H, Sueki H, Ogawa K, Asada H, Kaniwa N, Tsukagoshi E, Matsunaga K, Niihara H, Yamaguchi Y, Aihara M, Mushiroda T, Saito Y, Morita E

PMID: 31981579 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]