Pharmacogenomics

Is There an Interplay between Environmental Factors, Microbiota Imbalance, and Cancer Chemotherapy-Associated Intestinal Mucositis?

Thu, 2024-08-29 06:00

Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024 Aug 3;17(8):1020. doi: 10.3390/ph17081020.

ABSTRACT

Interindividual variation in drug efficacy and toxicity is a significant problem, potentially leading to adverse clinical and economic public health outcomes. While pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics have long been considered the primary causes of such heterogeneous responses, pharmacomicrobiomics has recently gained attention. The microbiome, a community of microorganisms living in or on the human body, is a critical determinant of drug response and toxicity. Factors such as diet, lifestyle, exposure to xenobiotics, antibiotics use, illness, and genetics can influence the composition of the microbiota. Changes in the intestinal microbiota are particularly influential in drug responsiveness, especially in cancer chemotherapy. The microbiota can modulate an individual's response to a drug, affecting its bioavailability, clinical effect, and toxicity, affecting treatment outcomes and patient quality of life. For instance, the microbiota can convert drugs into active or toxic metabolites, influencing their efficacy and side effects. Alternatively, chemotherapy can also alter the microbiota, creating a bidirectional interplay. Probiotics have shown promise in modulating the microbiome and ameliorating chemotherapy side effects, highlighting the potential for microbiota-targeted interventions in improving cancer treatment outcomes. This opinion paper addresses how environmental factors and chemotherapy-induced dysbiosis impact cancer chemotherapy gastrointestinal toxicity.

PMID:39204125 | DOI:10.3390/ph17081020

Categories: Literature Watch

The Role of the Pharmacist in a Patient's Care for Individuals Undergoing Anticoagulant Therapy: A Case Report

Thu, 2024-08-29 06:00

Life (Basel). 2024 Aug 7;14(8):986. doi: 10.3390/life14080986.

ABSTRACT

Achieving clinical effectiveness with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) requires a Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) above 65%. TTR is influenced by genetics (CYP2C9, VKORC1, CYP4F2), treatment adherence, and knowledge. The SAMe-TT2R2 algorithm is used to assess VKA treatment suitability. In this case report, SAMe-TT2R2 and pharmacogenetic analysis were used to improve oral anticoagulant management in a patient with poor control of INR. An 84-year-old, obese male with atrial fibrillation, undergoing acenocoumarol therapy, had a suboptimal TTR. An assessment with the SAMe-TT2R2 algorithm indicated a favorable profile for VKA use. An educational intervention on vitamin K-rich foods was conducted, and his physician was informed about the interaction between omeprazole and acenocoumarol, recommending its replacement with pantoprazole. This intervention was accepted by the physician and, three months post-intervention, the patient's TTR improved to 100%. Poor adherence and limited knowledge contributed to treatment failures in patients with a good VKA profile. Pharmaceutical interventions significantly improved TTR management. Patients with favorable genetic and clinical profiles could achieve adequate control of their anticoagulant medication through these interventions. Predictive tools may help select patients who can effectively and safely use VKAs through pharmaceutical interventions.

PMID:39202728 | DOI:10.3390/life14080986

Categories: Literature Watch

Application of Galenic Strategies for Developing Gastro-Resistant Omeprazole Formulation for Pediatrics

Thu, 2024-08-29 06:00

Children (Basel). 2024 Aug 5;11(8):945. doi: 10.3390/children11080945.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study addresses a critical need in pediatric pharmacotherapy by focusing on the development of an enteric formulation of omeprazole for pediatric use. Omeprazole, a widely used proton pump inhibitor, is essential for treating various gastrointestinal disorders in children. The main objective is to design a compounding formula that can be prepared in hospital pharmacy services without the need for industrial equipment, which is often unavailable in these settings.

METHODS: The research applied different galenic strategies to overcome the challenges of omeprazole's instability in acidic environments and its complex pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties. The experiments were conducted sequentially, employing salting out, ionic gelation, and matrix granulation strategies. Based on the results obtained, the control conditions and parameters for the various trials were established.

RESULTS: Among the techniques used, wet granulation proved to be the most promising, achieving a gastro-resistance level of 44%. In contrast, the ionic gelation and salting-out techniques did not yield satisfactory results.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study underscore the need to adopt alternative formulation strategies to ensure the stability of omeprazole. This goal requires a multidisciplinary approach and continuous effort to design omeprazole formulations that meet quality standards and appropriate gastro-resistance requirements.

PMID:39201880 | DOI:10.3390/children11080945

Categories: Literature Watch

Evaluation of Family-Based Interventions as a Therapeutic Tool in the Modulation of Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review

Thu, 2024-08-29 06:00

Children (Basel). 2024 Jul 31;11(8):930. doi: 10.3390/children11080930.

ABSTRACT

Childhood obesity is a major public health burden. The prevalence of weight excess for children and the adolescent population (8 to 16 years) is 34.9%. During childhood, lifestyles are acquired, which are developed in adulthood. In this context, the role of parents is crucial, since they are the model to imitate. We aimed to evaluate the current evidence on the effects of family-based interventions as a tool in the treatment of childhood obesity. We reviewed studies indexed in several databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Original articles published from 1 January 2014 to 30 May 2024 with a controlled trial design were considered, in which family-based interventions were carried out compared to a control group or to data before the intervention. Although 148 records were identified in the search, 6 studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, studies reported beneficial effects of family-based interventions on improving anthropometric parameters: BMI z-score, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. Regarding nutritional and physical activity guidelines, general recommendations must consider increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, reducing sugary drinks, controlled screen time, and 30-60 min of physical activity/day. Thus, family-based interventions could be an effective non-pharmacological strategy for modulating childhood obesity, allowing families to modify their lifestyles.

PMID:39201865 | DOI:10.3390/children11080930

Categories: Literature Watch

NK Cell Degranulation Triggered by Rituximab Identifies Potential Markers of Subpopulations with Enhanced Cytotoxicity toward Malignant B Cells

Thu, 2024-08-29 06:00

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Aug 18;25(16):8980. doi: 10.3390/ijms25168980.

ABSTRACT

A promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy is to restore or enhance the cytotoxicity of NK cells, among others, by activating the mechanism of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Monoclonal antibodies targeting tumor antigens, such as rituximab (targeting CD20), induce NK cell-mediated ADCC and have been used to treat B cell malignancies, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but not always successfully. The aim of this study was to analyze the gene expression profile of the NK cells involved in the cytolytic response stimulated by rituximab. NK cells were co-cultured with rituximab-opsonized Raji cells. Sorting into responder and non-responder groups was based on the presence of CD107a, which is a degranulation marker. RNA-seq results showed that the KIT and TNFSF4 genes were strongly down-regulated in the degranulating population of NK cells (responders); this was further confirmed by qRT-PCR. Both genes encode surface proteins with cellular signaling abilities, namely c-KIT and the OX40 ligand. Consistent with our findings, c-KIT was previously reported to correlate inversely with cytokine production by activated NK cells. The significance of these findings for cancer immunotherapy seems essential, as the pharmacological inhibition of c-KIT and OX40L, or gene ablation, could be further tested for the enhancement of the anti-tumor activity of NK cells in response to rituximab.

PMID:39201666 | DOI:10.3390/ijms25168980

Categories: Literature Watch

Pharmacogenetic Approach to Tramadol Use in the Arab Population

Thu, 2024-08-29 06:00

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Aug 16;25(16):8939. doi: 10.3390/ijms25168939.

ABSTRACT

Tramdol is one of most popular opioids used for postoperative analgesia worldwide. Among Arabic countries, there are reports that its dosage is not appropriate due to cultural background. To provide theoretical background of the proper usage of tramadol, this study analyzed the association between several genetic polymorphisms (CYP2D6/OPRM1) and the effect of tramadol. A total of 39 patients who took tramadol for postoperative analgesia were recruited, samples were obtained, and their DNA was extracted for polymerase chain reaction products analysis followed by allelic variations of CYP2D6 and OPRM A118G determination. Numerical pain scales were measured before and 1 h after taking tramadol. The effect of tramadol was defined by the difference between these scales. We concluded that CYP2D6 and OPRM1 A118G single nucleotide polymorphisms may serve as crucial determinants in predicting tramadol efficacy and susceptibility to post-surgical pain. Further validation of personalized prescription practices based on these genetic polymorphisms could provide valuable insights for the development of clinical guidelines tailored to post-surgical tramadol use in the Arabic population.

PMID:39201627 | DOI:10.3390/ijms25168939

Categories: Literature Watch

Precision Medicine in Childhood Cancer: The Influence of Genetic Polymorphisms on Vincristine-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Thu, 2024-08-29 06:00

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Aug 13;25(16):8797. doi: 10.3390/ijms25168797.

ABSTRACT

Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death among children. Vincristine (VCR), a key component of childhood cancer treatment protocols, is associated with the risk of peripheral neuropathy (PN), a condition that may be reversible upon drug discontinuation but can also leave lasting sequelae. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in genes involved in VCR pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have been investigated in relation to an increased risk of PN. However, the results of these studies have been inconsistent. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to investigate the potential association of drug transporter genes from the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family and the centrosomal protein 72 (CEP72) gene with the development of PN in 88 Caucasian children diagnosed with cancer and treated with VCR. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR techniques for the following SNPs: ABCB1 rs1128503, ABCC1 rs246240, ABCC2 rs717620, and CEP72 rs924607. The results indicated that age at diagnosis (OR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.07-1.75) and the ABCC1 rs246240 G allele (OR = 12.48; 95% CI = 2.26-100.42) were associated with vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN). No association was found between this toxicity and CEP72 rs924607. Our study provides insights that may contribute to optimizing childhood cancer therapy in the future by predicting the risk of VIPN.

PMID:39201483 | DOI:10.3390/ijms25168797

Categories: Literature Watch

Pro-Osteogenic Effect of the Nutraceutical BlastiMin Complex<sup>®</sup> in Women with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia: An Open Intervention Clinical Trial

Thu, 2024-08-29 06:00

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Aug 6;25(16):8565. doi: 10.3390/ijms25168565.

ABSTRACT

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that affects millions of patients worldwide and is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased risk of fractures. Notably, natural molecules can increase BMD and exert pro-osteogenic effects. Noteworthily, the nutraceutical BlastiMin Complex® (Mivell, Italy, European Patent Application EP4205733A1) can induce differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in osteoblasts and can exert in vitro pro-osteogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, the purpose of this study was to verify the effects of BlastiMin Complex® on bone turnover markers (BTMs) and BMD in patients with senile and postmenopausal osteopenia or osteoporosis. The efficacy of BlastiMin Complex® on BTMs in serum was evaluated through biochemical assays. BMD values were analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (R.E.M.S.) techniques, and the SNPs with a role in osteoporosis development were evaluated by PCR. Clinical data obtained after 12 months of treatment showed an increase in bone turnover index, a decrease in C-reactive protein levels, and a remarkable increase in P1NP levels, indicating the induction of osteoblast proliferation and activity in the cohort of 100% female patients recruited for the study. These findings show that the nutraceutical BlastiMin Complex® could be used as an adjuvant in combination with synthetic drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis pathology.

PMID:39201253 | DOI:10.3390/ijms25168565

Categories: Literature Watch

Complex Interactions between the Human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and Microbiota: Their Roles in Disease Pathogenesis and Immune System Regulation

Thu, 2024-08-29 06:00

Biomedicines. 2024 Aug 22;12(8):1928. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines12081928.

ABSTRACT

The relationship between microbiota and the immune system is complex and characterized by the ways in which microbiota directs immune function interactions, both innate and acquired and also keeps activating the immune system throughout an individual's life. In this respect, the human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC, referred to as HLA in humans) plays a crucial role and is also established in self-defense against microbes by presenting microbial-derived peptides to the immune cells. However, this assumption has some unclear aspects that should be investigated. For example, how is the microbiota shaped by microbe species diversity, quantity and functions of the immune system, as well as the role and molecular mechanisms of the HLA complex during this process. There are autoimmune diseases related to both HLA and specific microbiota changes or alterations, many of which are mentioned in the present review. In addition, the HLA peptide presenting function should be put in a framework together with its linkage to diseases and also with HLA compatibility necessary for transplants to be successful. These are still quite an enigmatically statistical and phenomenological approach, but no firm pathogenic mechanisms have been described; thus, HLA's real functioning is still to be fully unveiled. After many years of HLA single-genes studies, firm pathogenesis mechanisms underlying disease linkage have been discovered. Finally, microbiota has been defined as conformed by bacteria, protozoa, archaea, fungi, and viruses; notwithstanding, endogenous viral sequences integrated into the human genome and other viral particles (obelisks) recently found in the digestive mucosa should be taken into account because they may influence both the microbiome and the immune system and their interactions. In this context, we propose to integrate these microbial-genetic particle components into the microbiome concept and designate it as "microgenobiota".

PMID:39200390 | DOI:10.3390/biomedicines12081928

Categories: Literature Watch

Aggression Unleashed: Neural Circuits from Scent to Brain

Thu, 2024-08-29 06:00

Brain Sci. 2024 Aug 8;14(8):794. doi: 10.3390/brainsci14080794.

ABSTRACT

Aggression is a fundamental behavior with essential roles in dominance assertion, resource acquisition, and self-defense across the animal kingdom. However, dysregulation of the aggression circuitry can have severe consequences in humans, leading to economic, emotional, and societal burdens. Previous inconsistencies in aggression research have been due to limitations in techniques for studying these neurons at a high spatial resolution, resulting in an incomplete understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying aggression. Recent advancements in optogenetics, pharmacogenetics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and in vivo electrophysiology have provided new insights into this complex circuitry. This review aims to explore the aggression-provoking stimuli and their detection in rodents, particularly through the olfactory systems. Additionally, we will examine the core regions associated with aggression, their interactions, and their connection with the prefrontal cortex. We will also discuss the significance of top-down cognitive control systems in regulating atypical expressions of aggressive behavior. While the focus will primarily be on rodent circuitry, we will briefly touch upon the modulation of aggression in humans through the prefrontal cortex and discuss emerging therapeutic interventions that may benefit individuals with aggression disorders. This comprehensive understanding of the neural substrates of aggression will pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and clinical interventions. This approach contrasts with the broader perspective on neural mechanisms of aggression across species, aiming for a more focused analysis of specific pathways and their implications for therapeutic interventions.

PMID:39199486 | DOI:10.3390/brainsci14080794

Categories: Literature Watch

Pharmacogenomic discovery of genetically targeted cancer therapies optimized against clinical outcomes

Wed, 2024-08-28 06:00

NPJ Precis Oncol. 2024 Aug 28;8(1):186. doi: 10.1038/s41698-024-00673-z.

ABSTRACT

Despite the clinical success of dozens of genetically targeted cancer therapies, the vast majority of patients with tumors caused by loss-of-function (LoF) mutations do not have access to these treatments. This is primarily due to the challenge of developing a drug that treats a disease caused by the absence of a protein target. The success of PARP inhibitors has solidified synthetic lethality (SL) as a means to overcome this obstacle. Recent mapping of SL networks using pooled CRISPR-Cas9 screens is a promising approach for expanding this concept to treating cancers driven by additional LoF drivers. In practice, however, translating signals from cell lines, where these screens are typically conducted, to patient outcomes remains a challenge. We developed a pharmacogenomic (PGx) approach called "Clinically Optimized Driver Associated-PGx" (CODA-PGX) that accurately predicts genetically targeted therapies with clinical-stage efficacy in specific LoF driver contexts. Using approved targeted therapies and cancer drugs with available real-world evidence and molecular data from hundreds of patients, we discovered and optimized the key screening principles predictive of efficacy and overall patient survival. In addition to establishing basic technical conventions, such as drug concentration and screening kinetics, we found that replicating the driver perturbation in the right context, as well as selecting patients where those drivers are genuine founder mutations, were key to accurate translation. We used CODA-PGX to screen a diverse collection of clinical stage drugs and report dozens of novel LoF genetically targeted opportunities; many validated in xenografts and by real-world evidence. Notable examples include treating STAG2-mutant tumors with Carboplatin, SMARCB1-mutant tumors with Oxaliplatin, and TP53BP1-mutant tumors with Etoposide or Bleomycin.

PMID:39198692 | DOI:10.1038/s41698-024-00673-z

Categories: Literature Watch

The transformative impact of large language models on medical writing and publishing: current applications, challenges and future directions

Wed, 2024-08-28 06:00

Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2024 Sep 1;28(5):393-401. doi: 10.4196/kjpp.2024.28.5.393.

ABSTRACT

Large language models (LLMs) are rapidly transforming medical writing and publishing. This review article focuses on experimental evidence to provide a comprehensive overview of the current applications, challenges, and future implications of LLMs in various stages of academic research and publishing process. Global surveys reveal a high prevalence of LLM usage in scientific writing, with both potential benefits and challenges associated with its adoption. LLMs have been successfully applied in literature search, research design, writing assistance, quality assessment, citation generation, and data analysis. LLMs have also been used in peer review and publication processes, including manuscript screening, generating review comments, and identifying potential biases. To ensure the integrity and quality of scholarly work in the era of LLM-assisted research, responsible artificial intelligence (AI) use is crucial. Researchers should prioritize verifying the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content, maintain transparency in the use of LLMs, and develop collaborative human-AI workflows. Reviewers should focus on higher-order reviewing skills and be aware of the potential use of LLMs in manuscripts. Editorial offices should develop clear policies and guidelines on AI use and foster open dialogue within the academic community. Future directions include addressing the limitations and biases of current LLMs, exploring innovative applications, and continuously updating policies and practices in response to technological advancements. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are necessary to harness the transformative potential of LLMs while maintaining the integrity of medical writing and publishing.

PMID:39198220 | DOI:10.4196/kjpp.2024.28.5.393

Categories: Literature Watch

Stem cell models of inherited arrhythmias

Wed, 2024-08-28 06:00

Nat Cardiovasc Res. 2024 Apr;3(4):420-430. doi: 10.1038/s44161-024-00451-x. Epub 2024 Mar 21.

ABSTRACT

Inherited arrhythmias are a heterogeneous group of conditions that confer risk of sudden death. Many inherited arrhythmias have been linked to pathogenic genetic variants that result in ion channel dysfunction, although current genetic testing panels fail to identify variants in many patients, potentially secondary to their underlying substrates being oligogenic or polygenic. Here we review the current state of knowledge surrounding the cellular mechanisms of inherited arrhythmias generated from stem cell models with a focus on integrating genetic and mechanistic data. The utility and limitations of human induced pluripotent stem cell models in disease modeling and drug development are also explored with a particular focus on examples of pharmacogenetics and precision medicine. We submit that progress in understanding inherited arrhythmias is likely to be made by using human induced pluripotent stem cells to model probable polygenic cases as well as to interrogate the diverse and potentially complex molecular networks implicated by genome-wide association studies.

PMID:39196215 | DOI:10.1038/s44161-024-00451-x

Categories: Literature Watch

Systematic Insights into the Relationship between the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis and Stroke with the Focus on Tryptophan Metabolism

Wed, 2024-08-28 06:00

Metabolites. 2024 Jul 24;14(8):399. doi: 10.3390/metabo14080399.

ABSTRACT

Stroke, as a serious cerebral vascular disease with high incidence and high rates of disability and mortality, has limited therapeutic options due to the narrow time window. Compelling evidence has highlighted the significance of the gut microbiota and gut-brain axis as critical regulatory factors affecting stroke. Along the microbiota-gut-brain axis, tryptophan metabolism further acquires increasing attention for its intimate association with central nervous system diseases. For the purpose of exploring the potential role of tryptophan metabolism in stroke and providing systematic insights into the intricate connection of the microbiota-gut-brain axis with the pathological procedure of stroke, this review first summarized the practical relationship between microbiota and stroke by compiling the latest case-control research. Then, the microbiota-gut-brain axis, as well as its interaction with stroke, were comprehensively elucidated on the basis of the basic anatomical structure and physiological function. Based on the crosstalk of microbiota-gut-brain, we further focused on the tryptophan metabolism from the three major metabolic pathways, namely, the kynurenine pathway, serotonin pathway, and microbial pathway, within the axis. Moreover, the effects of tryptophan metabolism on stroke were appreciated and elaborated here, which is scarcely found in other reviews. Hopefully, the systematic illustration of the mechanisms and pathways along the microbiota-gut-brain axis will inspire more translational research from metabolic perspectives, along with more attention paid to tryptophan metabolism as a promising pharmaceutical target in order to reduce the risk of stroke, mitigate the stroke progression, and ameliorate the stroke prognosis.

PMID:39195495 | DOI:10.3390/metabo14080399

Categories: Literature Watch

Influence of IL-β, IL-1RN, and TNF-α variants on the risk of acetylsalicylic acid-induced upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a case-control study

Wed, 2024-08-28 06:00

Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2024 Aug 26;22:eAO0746. doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2024AO0746. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Forgerini et al. investigated the role of seven genetic variants in the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding as an adverse drug reaction. In 289 participants (50 cases and 189 controls), the presence of seven variants in the IL-1β, IL-1RN, and TNF-α genes was not associated with susceptibility to acetylsalicylic acid-induced upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The use of acetylsalicylic acid, even in low doses, may be associated with the onset of upper gastrointestinal bleeding as an idiosyncratic response. Considering the role of the genetic background in inter-individual responses to pharmacotherapy, we aimed to investigate the role of seven variants in the TNF-α, IL-β, and IL-1RN genes in association with the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in users of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid for the prevention of cardiovascular events.

METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in a Brazilian hospital complex. The Case Group comprised patients diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal bleeding who were administered a low dose of acetylsalicylic acid (n=50). Two Control Groups were recruited: 1) low-dose acetylsalicylic acid users without gastrointestinal complaints and under the supervision of a cardiologist (n=50) and 2) healthy controls (n=189). Sociodemographic, clinical, pharmacotherapeutic, and lifestyle data were recorded through face-to-face interviews. Genomic DNA from all participants was genotyped for rs16944 and rs1143634 (IL-β gene), rs4251961 (IL-1RN gene), and rs1799964, rs1799724, rs361525, and rs1800629 (TNF-α gene).

RESULTS: No significant difference was noted in the genotypic frequencies of TNF-α, IL-β, and IL-1RN variants between the Case and Control Groups of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid users (p>0.05). The frequency of rs1800629 genotypes (TNF-α gene) differed significantly between the Case Group and healthy controls (p=0.003). None of the evaluated variants were associated with a risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

CONCLUSION: This study aimed to explore pharmacogenomics biomarkers in low-dose acetylsalicylic acid users. Our data suggest that the presence of IL-1β, IL-1RN, and TNF-α variants was not associated with an increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

PMID:39194098 | DOI:10.31744/einstein_journal/2024AO0746

Categories: Literature Watch

Pharmacogenetics of Toxicities Related to Endocrine Treatment in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Tue, 2024-08-27 06:00

Cancer Genomics Proteomics. 2024 Sep-Oct;21(5):421-438. doi: 10.21873/cgp.20461.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Endocrine therapy is the standard treatment for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC). Yet, it is accompanied by treatment-related toxicities, leading to poor treatment adherence, high relapse, and low rates of survival. While pharmacogenomic variants have the potential to guide personalized treatment, their predictive value is inconsistent across published studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: To systematically assess the literature's current landscape of pharmacogenomics of endocrine therapy-related adverse drug effects, systematic searches in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Google Scholar and PharmGKB databases were conducted.

RESULTS: We identified 87 articles. Substantial heterogeneity and variability in pharmacogenomic effects were evident across studies, with many using data from the same cohorts and predominantly focusing on the Caucasian population and postmenopausal women. Meta-analyses revealed Factor V Leiden mutation as a predictor of thromboembolic events in tamoxifen-treated women (p<0.0001). Meta-analyses also found that rs7984870 and rs2234693 were associated with musculoskeletal toxicities in postmenopausal women receiving aromatase inhibitors (p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Overall, the current body of evidence regarding the potential role of pharmacogenomics in endocrine therapy-related toxicity in BC remains largely inconclusive. Key concerns include the heterogeneity in toxicity definitions, lack of consideration for genotype-treatment interactions, and the failure to account for multiple testing. The review underscores the necessity for larger and well-designed studies, particularly with the inclusion of premenopausal women and non-Caucasian populations.

PMID:39191498 | DOI:10.21873/cgp.20461

Categories: Literature Watch

Genetic factors and symptom dimensions associated with antidepressant treatment outcomes: clues for new potential therapeutic targets?

Tue, 2024-08-27 06:00

Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2024 Aug 27. doi: 10.1007/s00406-024-01873-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Treatment response and resistance in major depressive disorder (MDD) show a significant genetic component, but previous studies had limited power also due to MDD heterogeneity. This literature review focuses on the genetic factors associated with treatment outcomes in MDD, exploring their overlap with those associated with clinically relevant symptom dimensions. We searched PubMed for: (1) genome-wide association studies (GWASs) or whole exome sequencing studies (WESs) that investigated efficacy outcomes in MDD; (2) studies examining the association between MDD treatment outcomes and specific depressive symptom dimensions; and (3) GWASs of the identified symptom dimensions. We identified 13 GWASs and one WES of treatment outcomes in MDD, reporting several significant loci, genes, and gene sets involved in gene expression, immune system regulation, synaptic transmission and plasticity, neurogenesis and differentiation. Nine symptom dimensions were associated with poor treatment outcomes and studied by previous GWASs (anxiety, neuroticism, anhedonia, cognitive functioning, melancholia, suicide attempt, psychosis, sleep, sociability). Four genes were associated with both treatment outcomes and these symptom dimensions: CGREF1 (anxiety); MCHR1 (neuroticism); FTO and NRXN3 (sleep). Other overlapping signals were found when considering genes suggestively associated with treatment outcomes. Genetic studies of treatment outcomes showed convergence at the level of biological processes, despite no replication at gene or variant level. The genetic signals overlapping with symptom dimensions of interest may point to shared biological mechanisms and potential targets for new treatments tailored to the individual patient's clinical profile.

PMID:39191930 | DOI:10.1007/s00406-024-01873-1

Categories: Literature Watch

Retraction: MicroRNA-138 acts as a tumor suppressor in non small cell lung cancer via targeting YAP1

Tue, 2024-08-27 06:00

Oncotarget. 2024 Aug 26;15:590. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.28645.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39189975 | DOI:10.18632/oncotarget.28645

Categories: Literature Watch

mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticle-Mediated Restoration of PTPN14 Exhibits Antitumor Effects by Overcoming Anoikis Resistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Tue, 2024-08-27 06:00

Adv Sci (Weinh). 2024 Aug;11(32):e2309988. doi: 10.1002/advs.202309988. Epub 2024 Jun 21.

ABSTRACT

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a challenging prognosis due to early metastasis driven by anoikis resistance. Identifying crucial regulators to overcome this resistance is vital for improving patient outcomes. In this study, a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen in TNBC cells has identified tyrosine-protein phosphatase nonreceptor type 14 (PTPN14) as a key regulator of anoikis resistance. PTPN14 expression has shown a progressive decrease from normal breast tissue to metastatic tumors. Overexpressing PTPN14 has induced anoikis and inhibited cell proliferation in TNBC cells, while normal human breast cells are unaffected. Mechanistically, PTPN14 is identified as a key factor in dephosphorylating breast cancer antiestrogen resistance 3, a novel substrate, leading to the subsequent inhibition of PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling pathways. Local delivery of in vitro transcribed PTPN14 mRNA encapsulated by lipid nanoparticles in a TNBC mouse model has effectively inhibited tumor growth and metastasis, prolonging survival. The study underscores PTPN14 as a potential therapeutic target for metastatic TNBC, with the therapeutic strategy based on mRNA expression of PTPN14 demonstrating clinical application prospects in alleviating the burden of both primary tumors and metastatic disease.

PMID:39189475 | DOI:10.1002/advs.202309988

Categories: Literature Watch

Pharmacogenomic Determinants of Adverse Drug Effects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Mon, 2024-08-26 06:00

In Vivo. 2024 Sep-Oct;38(5):2098-2106. doi: 10.21873/invivo.13671.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Genomic variants can predispose individuals to adverse drug effects (ADEs), implying the potential for personalised therapy based on genetic data to prevent them. However, existing pharmacogenomic databases lack a comprehensive list of such variants due to irregular updates and incomplete literature coverage. To facilitate the assessment of the feasibility of using pharmacogenetic testing on a larger scale and identify existing gaps in the literature, this study sought to compile a comprehensive list of genomic variants associated with ADEs, with a focus on serious ADEs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: To identify relevant pharmacogenetic studies within randomised controlled trials (RCTs), post-hoc studies of RCTs and meta-analyses, two literature searches were performed across multiple databases. The compiled list of variants associated with ADEs was refined to create a set of variant-drug pairs significantly associated with serious ADEs.

RESULTS: We identified 254 RCTs/post-hoc studies and 207 meta-analyses investigating variants associated with ADEs. Among the 254 RCTs/post-hoc studies identified, 24 meta-analyses were conducted. Among these, only G6PD A- showed a significant association with severe anaemia in patients receiving artemisinin-based treatment for malaria.

CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides a comprehensive list of variants associated with ADEs and a set of variant-drug pairs significantly associated with serious ADEs. These resources serve as valuable references for regulatory agencies, researchers, and healthcare professionals. This study, however, underscores the need for improved indexing and standardised definitions of ADE seriousness in the literature.

PMID:39187310 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.13671

Categories: Literature Watch

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