Organic Cation Transporter 2 (OCT2/SLC22A2) Gene Variation in the South African Bantu-Speaking Population and Functional Promoter Variants.

OMICS. 2017 Mar;21(3):169-176

Authors: Wilson NC, Choudhury A, Carstens N, Mavri-Damelin D

Abstract
SLC22A2 facilitates the transport of endogenous and exogenous cationic compounds. Many pharmacologically significant compounds are transported by SLC22A2, including the antidiabetic drug metformin, anticancer agent cisplatin, and antiretroviral lamivudine. Genetic polymorphisms in SLC22A2 can modify the pharmacokinetic profiles of such important medicines and could therefore prove useful as precision medicine biomarkers. Since the frequency of SLC22A2 polymorphisms varies among different ethnic populations, we evaluated these in South African Bantu speakers, a majority group in the South African population, who exhibit unique genetic diversity, and we subsequently functionally characterized promoter polymorphisms. We identified 11 polymorphisms within the promoter and 9 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the coding region of SLC22A2. While some polymorphisms appeared with minor allele frequencies similar to other African and non-African populations, some differed considerably; this was especially notable for three missense polymorphisms. In addition, we functionally characterized two promoter polymorphisms; rs138765638, a three base-pair deletion that bioinformatics analysis suggested could alter c-Ets-1/2, Elk1, and/or STAT4 binding, and rs59695691, an SNP that could abolish TFII-I binding. Significantly higher luciferase reporter gene expression was found for rs138765638 (increase of 37%; p = 0.001) and significantly lower expression for rs59695691 (decrease of 25%; p = 0.038), in comparison to the wild-type control. These observations highlight the importance of identifying and functionally characterizing genetic variation in genes of pharmacological significance. Finally, our data for SLC22A2 attest to the importance of considering genetic variation in different populations for drug safety, response, and global pharmacogenomics, through, for example, projects such as the Human Heredity and Health in Africa initiative.

PMID: 28253084 [PubMed - in process]

Genome Sequencing Technologies and Nursing: What Are the Roles of Nurses and Nurse Scientists?

Nurs Res. 2017 Mar/Apr;66(2):198-205

Authors: Taylor JY, Wright ML, Hickey KT, Housman DE

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Advances in DNA sequencing technology have resulted in an abundance of personalized data with challenging clinical utility and meaning for clinicians. This wealth of data has potential to dramatically impact the quality of healthcare. Nurses are at the focal point in educating patients regarding relevant healthcare needs; therefore, an understanding of sequencing technology and utilizing these data are critical.
AIM: The objective of this study was to explicate the role of nurses and nurse scientists as integral members of healthcare teams in improving understanding of DNA sequencing data and translational genomics for patients.
APPROACH: A history of the nurse role in newborn screening is used as an exemplar.
DISCUSSION: This study serves as an exemplar on how genome sequencing has been utilized in nursing science and incorporates linkages of other omics approaches used by nurses that are included in this special issue. This special issue showcased nurse scientists conducting multi-omic research from various methods, including targeted candidate genes, pharmacogenomics, proteomics, epigenomics, and the microbiome. From this vantage point, we provide an overview of the roles of nurse scientists in genome sequencing research and provide recommendations for the best utilization of nurses and nurse scientists related to genome sequencing.

PMID: 28252579 [PubMed - in process]

Pharmacogenomics of autism spectrum disorder.

Pharmacogenomics. 2017 Mar;18(4):403-414

Authors: Brown JT, Eum S, Cook EH, Bishop JR

Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interactions as well as restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests. Pharmacologic interventions are often needed to manage irritability, aggressive behaviors and hyperactivity. Pharmacogenomic studies have investigated genetic associations with treatment response and side effects in an attempt to better understand drug mechanisms in hopes of optimizing the balance of symptom improvement versus side effects. The majority of pharmacogenomic studies to date have focused on antipsychotics, antidepressants and stimulants that are the most commonly utilized medication classes for ASD. This review is a comprehensive examination of the existing pharmacogenomic studies in ASD highlighting the current state of knowledge regarding genetic variation influencing pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and associated clinical outcomes.

PMID: 28244813 [PubMed - in process]

Increased risk of hospitalization for ultrarapid metabolizers of cytochrome P450 2D6.

Pharmgenomics Pers Med. 2017;10:39-47

Authors: Takahashi PY, Ryu E, Pathak J, Jenkins GD, Batzler A, Hathcock MA, Black JL, Olson JE, Cerhan JR, Bielinski SJ

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) is responsible for the metabolism of clinically used drugs and other environmental exposures, but it is unclear whether the CYP2D6 phenotype is associated with adverse health outcomes. The aim was to determine the association of CYP2D6 phenotype with the risk of hospitalization or an emergency department (ED) visit among a group of primary care patients.
METHODS: In this study, 929 adult patients underwent CYP2D6 testing. The primary outcome was risk of hospitalization or an ED visit from January 2005 through September 2014. CYP2D6 genotypes were interpreted as 1 of 7 clinical phenotypes, from ultrarapid to poor metabolizer, and patients with the extensive metabolizer phenotype were used as the reference group. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for finding the association of CYP2D6 phenotypes with the risk of hospitalization or an ED visit by using Cox proportional hazard models and adjusting for age and sex.
RESULTS: The median age was 49 years (interquartile range, 46-52 years); 74% of patients had 3 or fewer chronic conditions, 285 had at least 1 hospitalization, and 496 had at least 1 ED visit. The risk of hospitalization was higher among patients who were ultrarapid metabolizers compared to extensive metabolizers (47% vs 30%; HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.11-2.57), as was the risk of an ED visit (62% vs 49%; HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.05-2.14). For poor metabolizers compared to extensive metabolizers, there was no difference in the risk of hospitalization (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.58-1.56), but there was an increase in the risk of an ED visit (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.96-1.98) (the difference was not statistically significant).
CONCLUSION: We found an increased risk of hospitalization or an ED visit among ultrarapid compared to extensive CYP2D6 metabolizers. Further research identifying the mechanisms of the association and ultimate clinical utility is warranted.

PMID: 28243137 [PubMed - in process]

Exome Sequencing in a Family with Luminal-Type Breast Cancer Underpinned by Variation in the Methylation Pathway.

Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Feb 22;18(2):

Authors: van der Merwe N, Peeters AV, Pienaar FM, Bezuidenhout J, van Rensburg SJ, Kotze MJ

Abstract
Panel-based next generation sequencing (NGS) is currently preferred over whole exome sequencing (WES) for diagnosis of familial breast cancer, due to interpretation challenges caused by variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS). There is also no consensus on the selection criteria for WES. In this study, a pathology-supported genetic testing (PSGT) approach was used to select two BRCA1/2 mutation-negative breast cancer patients from the same family for WES. Homozygosity for the MTHFR 677 C>T mutation detected during this PSGT pre-screen step was considered insufficient to cause bilateral breast cancer in the index case and her daughter diagnosed with early-onset breast cancer (<30 years). Extended genetic testing using WES identified the RAD50 R385C missense mutation in both cases. This rare variant with a minor allele frequency (MAF) of <0.001 was classified as a VUS after exclusion in an affected cousin and extended genotyping in 164 unrelated breast cancer patients and 160 controls. Detection of functional polymorphisms (MAF > 5%) in the folate pathway in all three affected family members is consistent with inheritance of the luminal-type breast cancer in the family. PSGT assisted with the decision to pursue extended genetic testing and facilitated clinical interpretation of WES aimed at reduction of recurrence risk.

PMID: 28241424 [PubMed - in process]

Personalized Medicine of Alcohol Addiction: Pharmacogenomics and beyond.

Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2017 Feb 23;:

Authors: Manolopoulos VG, Ragia G

Abstract
Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is the most severe form of problem drinking. A variety of treatment methods for alcoholism are currently available that combine medications, behavioral treatment and peer support. The drugs that are currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of alcohol dependence are disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate. For many patients, however, these treatments are not effective. Evidence from a number of different studies suggests that different factors, both psychosocial and economic, as well as genetic variation, are significant contributors to interindividual variation both of clinical presentation of alcohol problems and response to a given treatment. The aim of the present review is to summarize and discuss different aspects of personalized medicine of alcohol addiction. We focus on pharmacogenomics and beyond, to include the genetics and epigenetics of alcohol addiction as well as other psychosocial and even economic factors that may affect response to alcohol addiction pharmacotherapy. It is anticipated that, within the next 5-10 years, personalized medicine of alcohol addiction will be a reality and it will help reduce the burden of alcoholism from society and increase the well-being and productivity of individuals addicted to alcohol.

PMID: 28240173 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Clinical applications of Personalized Medicine: a new paradigm and challenge.

Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2017 Feb 23;:

Authors: Di Sanzo M, Fineschi V, Borro M, La Russa R, Santurro A, Scopetti M, Simmaco M, Frati P

Abstract
The personalized medicine is an emergent and rapidly developing method of clinical practice that uses new technologies to provide decisions in regard to the prediction, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. The continue evolution of technology and the developments in molecular diagnostics and genomic analysis increased the possibility of an even more understanding and interpretation of the human genome and exome, allowing a "personalized" approach to clinical care, so that the concepts of "Systems Medicine" and "System Biology" are increasingly actual. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the personalized medicine about its indications and benefits, actual clinical applications and future perspectives as well as its issues and health care implications. It was made a careful review of the scientific literature on this field that highlighted the applicability and usefulness of this new medical approach as well as the fact that personalized medicine strategy is even more increasing in numerous fields of applications.

PMID: 28240172 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Economic Utility: Combinatorial Pharmacogenomics and Medication Cost Savings for Mental Health Care in a Primary Care Setting.

Clin Ther. 2017 Feb 18;:

Authors: Brown LC, Lorenz RA, Li J, Dechairo BM

Abstract
PURPOSE: This study was an analysis based on a previously completed prospective study investigating medication costs of patients with mental illness guided by using the GeneSight proprietary combinatorial pharmacogenomic (PGx) test. The primary objective of this study was to determine potential cost savings of combinatorial PGx testing over the course of 1 year in patients with mental illness treated by primary care providers (PCPs) and psychiatrists who had switched or added a new psychiatric medication after patients failed to respond to monotherapy. The current evaluation details cost savings of treatment decisions congruent and incongruent with the combinatorial PGx test recommendations specific to PCPs and psychiatrists.
METHODS: This study was a subanalysis of a 1-year, prospective trial comparing medication costs of 2168 patients undergoing GeneSight testing. Pharmacy claims were provided by a pharmacy benefits manager, comparing medication costs 6 months before combinatorial PGx testing and followed up for 1 year after the testing. This analysis compared congruence and cost savings per patient based on the type of health care provider administering care.
FINDINGS: Using data from a large pharmacy benefits manager, we found that PCPs treat the majority of mental health patients receiving psychotropic medication prescriptions, including treatment-resistant patients. PCPs congruent with combinatorial PGx testing provided the most medication cost savings for payers and patients at $3988 per member per year (P < 0.001).
IMPLICATIONS: Health care providers treating patients with mental illness can significantly reduce medication costs by following the combinatorial PGx report recommendations. PCPs, who treat the majority of patients with mental illness, reported a significant reduction in medication costs for both central nervous system and non-central nervous system drugs.

PMID: 28238356 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Pharmacogenetics in cardiovascular diseases: State of the art and implementation-recommendations of the French National Network of Pharmacogenetics (RNPGx).

Therapie. 2017 Jan 30;:

Authors: Lamoureux F, Duflot T, French Network of Pharmacogenetics (RNPGX)

Abstract
The use of genomic markers to predict drug response and effectiveness has the potential to improve healthcare by increasing drug efficacy and minimizing adverse effects. Polymorphisms associated with inter-individual variability in drug metabolism, transport, or pharmacodynamics of major cardiovascular drugs have been identified. These include single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) affecting clinical outcomes in patients receiving antiplatelet agents, oral anticoagulants and statins. Based on clinical evidence supporting genetic testing in the management of cardiovascular diseases using these drug classes, this short review presents clinical guidance regarding current pharmacogenetics implementation in routine medical practice.

PMID: 28237404 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Quantitation of Targetable Somatic Mutations among Patients Evaluated by a Personalized Medicine Clinical Service: Considerations for Off-Label Drug Use.

Pharmacotherapy. 2017 Feb 24;:

Authors: Vela CM, Knepper TC, Gillis NK, Walko CM, McLeod HL, Hicks JK

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Moffitt Cancer Center's Personalized Medicine Clinical Service (PMCS) reviews somatic next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay results, provides interpretations, and identifies potential therapeutic options. The number of individuals reviewed by our clinical service who are eligible for on-label or off-label drug therapy based on genetic test results has previously not been quantitated. Herein, we determined the number of patients harboring an actionable mutation that would qualify a patient for an on-label drug or consideration for off-label drug treatment.
METHODS: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Table of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Drug Labeling was utilized to identify anticancer agents containing genomic markers in the indications and usage section of the drug label. A database containing discrete NGS patient data was retrospectively queried for those drugs and associated genomic mutations included in this study. On-label was defined as those patients who were eligible for a drug based on harboring a targetable mutation in the FDA approved cancer type. Off-label was defined as those patients who may be considered for a drug based on harboring a targetable mutation in a non-FDA approved cancer type.
RESULTS: A total of 1,072 patients and 1,131 NGS results were eligible for study inclusion. Fifty-two patients (4.9%) had results for more than one NGS assay. Seventeen drugs targeting ALK, BRAF, BRCA1/BRCA2, EGFR, or ERBB2 mutations met the study inclusion criteria. Of the entire patient population, 92 (8.6%) unique patients were eligible for at least one on-label drug while off-label use of at least one drug could be considered in 103 (9.6%) unique patients.
CONCLUSION: Combining both on-label and off-label opportunities, 175 (16.3%) unique patients had actionable mutations in 6 genes. Because most patients reviewed by our PMCS have previously treated advanced disease with limited treatment options, identifying additional lines of therapy is of clinical utility. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 28235141 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Integrating Pharmacoproteomics into Early-Phase Clinical Development: State-of-the-Art, Challenges, and Recommendations.

Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Feb 19;18(2):

Authors: Nandal S, Burt T

Abstract
Pharmacoproteomics is the study of disease-modifying and toxicity parameters associated with therapeutic drug administration, using analysis of quantitative and temporal changes to specific, predetermined, and select proteins, or to the proteome as a whole. Pharmacoproteomics is a rapidly evolving field, with progress in analytic technologies enabling processing of complex interactions of large number of unique proteins and effective use in clinical trials. Nevertheless, our analysis of clinicaltrials.gov and PubMed shows that the application of proteomics in early-phase clinical development is minimal and limited to few therapeutic areas, with oncology predominating. We review the history, technologies, current usage, challenges, and potential for future use, and conclude with recommendations for integration of pharmacoproteomic in early-phase drug development.

PMID: 28218733 [PubMed - in process]

Novel plasma biomarker of atenolol-induced hyperglycemia identified through a metabolomics-genomics integrative approach.

Metabolomics (Los Angel). 2016 Aug;12:

Authors: de Oliveira FA, Shahin MH, Gong Y, McDonough CW, Beitelshees AL, Gums JG, Chapman AB, Boerwinkle E, Turner ST, Frye RF, Fiehn O, Kaddurah-Daouk R, Johnson JA, Cooper-DeHoff RM

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: While atenolol is an effective antihypertensive agent, its use is also associated with adverse events including hyperglycemia and incident diabetes that may offset the benefits of blood pressure lowering. By combining metabolomic and genomic data acquired from hypertensive individuals treated with atenolol, it may be possible to better understand the pathways that most impact the development of an adverse glycemic state.
OBJECTIVE: To identify biomarkers that can help predict susceptibility to blood glucose excursions during exposure to atenolol.
METHODS: Plasma samples acquired from 234 Caucasian participants treated with atenolol in the Pharmacogenomic Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses trial were analyzed by gas chromatography Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectroscopy. Metabolomics and genomics data were integrated by first correlating participant's metabolomic profiles to change in glucose after treatment with atenolol, and then incorporating genotype information from genes involved in metabolite pathways associated with glucose response.
RESULTS: Our findings indicate that the baseline level of β-alanine was associated with glucose change after treatment with atenolol (Q = 0.007, β = 2.97 mg/dL). Analysis of genomic data revealed that carriers of the G allele for SNP rs2669429 in gene DPYS, which codes for dihydropyrimidinase, an enzyme involved in β-alanine formation, had significantly higher glucose levels after treatment with atenolol when compared with non-carriers (Q = 0.05, β = 2.76 mg/dL). This finding was replicated in participants who received atenolol as an add-on therapy (P = 0.04, β = 1.86 mg/dL).
CONCLUSION: These results suggest that β-alanine and rs2669429 may be predictors of atenolol-induced hyperglycemia in Caucasian individuals and further investigation is warranted.

PMID: 28217400 [PubMed - in process]

Pharmacogenomics of platinum-based chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: focusing on DNA repair systems.

Med Oncol. 2017 Apr;34(4):48

Authors: Xiong Y, Huang BY, Yin JY

Abstract
Drug therapy for non-small cell lung cancer consists mainly of platinum-based chemotherapy regimens. However, toxicity, drug resistance, and high risk of death have been seen in the clinic, which means there is a need for optimizing the use of medications. Platinum resistance could be mediated by a series of DNA repair pathways, and therefore, these pathways should be taken into account for optimizing drug using. The goal of pharmacogenomics is to elucidate genetic factors, such as DNA repair genes, which might underlie drug efficacy and effectiveness, and to improve therapeutic effects or guide personalized therapy as well. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge of pharmacogenomic data on DNA repair systems and examined whether they could be further translated into the clinic with evidence-based perspectives.

PMID: 28215024 [PubMed - in process]

An accelerator mass spectrometry-enabled microtracer study to evaluate the first-pass effect on the absorption of YH4808.

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2017 Feb 18;:

Authors: Kim A, Yu BY, Dueker SR, Shin KH, Kim HS, Ahn H, Cho JY, Yu KS, Jang IJ, Lee H

Abstract
(14) C-labeled YH4808, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, was intravenously administered as a microtracer at 80 μg (11.8 kBq or 320 nCi) concomitantly with the non-radiolabeled oral drug at 200 mg to determine the absolute bioavailability and to assess the effect of pharmacogenomics on the oral absorption of YH4808. The absolute bioavailability was low and highly variable (mean, 10.1%; range, 2.3-19.3%), and M3 and M8, active metabolites of YH4808, were formed 22.6- and 38.5-fold higher after oral administration than intravenous administration, respectively. The product of the fraction of an oral YH4808 dose entering the gut wall and the fraction of YH4808 passing on to the portal circulation was larger in subjects carrying the variants of the CHST3, SLC15A1, and SULT1B1 genes. A combined LC+AMS is a useful tool to construct a rich and highly informative PK knowledge core in early clinical drug development at a reasonable cost. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 28214288 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

A Common Genetic Variant Risk Score is Associated with Drug-Induced QT Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes Risk: A Pilot Study.

Circulation. 2017 Feb 17;:

Authors: Strauss DG, Vicente J, Johannesen L, Blinova K, Mason JW, Weeke P, Behr ER, Roden DM, Woosley R, Kosova G, Rosenberg MA, Newton-Cheh C

Abstract
Background -Drug-induced QT interval prolongation, a risk factor for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, is a potential side effect of many marketed and withdrawn medications. The contribution of common genetic variants previously associated with baseline QT interval to drug-induced QT prolongation and arrhythmias is not known. Methods -We tested the hypothesis that a weighted combination of common genetic variants contributing to QT interval at baseline, identified through genome-wide association studies, can predict individual response to multiple QT-prolonging drugs. Genetic analysis of 22 subjects was performed in a secondary analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial of 3 QT-prolonging drugs with 15 time-matched QT and plasma drug concentration measurements. Subjects received single doses of dofetilide, quinidine, ranolazine and placebo. The outcome was the correlation between a genetic QT score comprising 61 common genetic variants and the slope of an individual subject's drug-induced increase in heart rate corrected QT (QTc) vs. drug concentration. Results -The genetic QT score was correlated with drug-induced QTc prolongation. Among white subjects, genetic QT score explained 30% of the variability in response to dofetilide (r = 0.55 [95% CI, 0.09-0.81], P = 0.02), 23% in response to quinidine (r = 0.48 [95% CI, -0.03 to 0.79], P = 0.06) and 27% in response to ranolazine (r = 0.52 [95% CI, 0.05 to 0.80], P = 0.03). Furthermore, the genetic QT score was a significant predictor of drug-induced torsade de pointes in an independent sample of 216 cases compared to 771 controls (r(2) = 12%, P = 1x10(-7)). Conclusions -We demonstrate that a genetic QT score comprising 61 common genetic variants explains a significant proportion of the variability in drug-induced QT prolongation and is a significant predictor of drug-induced torsade de pointes. These findings highlight an opportunity for recent genetic discoveries to improve individualized risk-benefit assessment for pharmacologic therapies. Replication of these findings in larger samples is needed to more precisely estimate variance explained and to establish the individual variants that drive these effects. Clinical Trial Registration - http://clinicaltrials.gov Unique identifier: NCT01873950.

PMID: 28213480 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Personalized medicine: Genetic risk prediction of drug response.

Pharmacol Ther. 2017 Feb 14;:

Authors: Zhang G, Nebert DW

Abstract
Pharmacogenomics (PGx), a substantial component of "personalized medicine", seeks to understand each individual's genetic composition to optimize drug therapy -- maximizing beneficial drug response, while minimizing adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Drug responses are highly variable because innumerable factors contribute to ultimate phenotypic outcomes. Recent genome-wide PGx studies have provided some insight into genetic basis of variability in drug response. These can be grouped into three categories. [a] Monogenic (Mendelian) traits include early examples mostly of inherited disorders, and some severe (idiosyncratic) ADRs typically influenced by single rare coding variants. [b] Predominantly oligogenic traits represent variation largely influenced by a small number of major pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic genes. [c] Complex PGx traits resemble most multifactorial quantitative traits -- influenced by numerous small-effect variants, together with epigenetic effects and environmental factors. Prediction of monogenic drug responses is relatively simple, involving detection of underlying mutations; due to rarity of these events and incomplete penetrance, however, prospective tests based on genotype will have high false-positive rates, plus pharmacoeconomics will require justification. Prediction of predominantly oligogenic traits is slowly improving. Although a substantial fraction of variation can be explained by limited numbers of large-effect genetic variants, uncertainty in successful predictions and overall cost-benefit ratios will make such tests elusive for everyday clinical use. Prediction of complex PGx traits is almost impossible in the foreseeable future. Genome-wide association studies of large cohorts will continue to discover relevant genetic variants; however, these small-effect variants, combined, explain only a small fraction of phenotypic variance -- thus having limited predictive power and clinical utility.

PMID: 28213088 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Lessons Learned When Introducing Pharmacogenomic Panel Testing into Clinical Practice.

Value Health. 2017 Jan;20(1):54-59

Authors: Rosenman MB, Decker B, Levy KD, Holmes AM, Pratt VM, Eadon MT

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Implementing new programs to support precision medicine in clinical settings is a complex endeavor. We describe challenges and potential solutions based on the Indiana GENomics Implementation: an Opportunity for the Underserved (INGenious) program at Eskenazi Health-one of six sites supported by the Implementing GeNomics In pracTicE network grant of the National Institutes of Health/National Human Genome Research Institute. INGenious is an implementation of a panel of genomic tests.
METHODS: We conducted a descriptive case study of the implementation of this pharmacogenomics program, which has a wide scope (14 genes, 27 medications) and a diverse population (patients who often have multiple chronic illnesses, in a large urban safety-net hospital and its outpatient clinics).
CHALLENGES: We placed the clinical pharmacogenomics implementation challenges into six categories: patient education and engagement in care decision making; clinician education and changes in standards of care; integration of technology into electronic health record systems; translational and implementation sciences in real-world clinical environments; regulatory and reimbursement considerations, and challenges in measuring outcomes. A cross-cutting theme was the need for careful attention to workflow. Our clinical setting, a safety-net health care system, presented some distinctive challenges. Patients often had multiple chronic illnesses and sometimes were taking more than one pharmacogenomics-relevant medication. Reaching patients for recruitment or follow-up was another challenge.
CONCLUSIONS: New, large-scale endeavors in health care are challenging. A description of the challenges that we encountered and the approaches that we adopted to address them may provide insights for those who implement and study innovations in other health care systems.

PMID: 28212969 [PubMed - in process]

Pharmacogenomic Characterization and Isobologram Analysis of the Combination of Ascorbic Acid and Curcumin-Two Main Metabolites of Curcuma longa-in Cancer Cells.

Front Pharmacol. 2017;8:38

Authors: Ooko E, Kadioglu O, Greten HJ, Efferth T

Abstract
Curcuma longa has long been used in China and India as anti-inflammatory agent to treat a wide variety of conditions and also as a spice for varied curry preparations. The chemoprofile of the Curcuma species exhibits the presence of varied phytochemicals with curcumin being present in all three species but AA only being shown in C. longa. This study explored the effect of a curcumin/AA combination on human cancer cell lines. The curcumin/AA combination was assessed by isobologram analysis using the Loewe additivity drug interaction model. The drug combination showed additive cytotoxicity toward CCRF-CEM and CEM/ADR5000 leukemia cell lines and HCT116p53(+/+) and HCT116p53(-/-) colon cancer cell line, while the glioblastoma cell lines U87MG and U87MG.ΔEGFR showed additive to supra-additive cytotoxicity. Gene expression profiles predicting sensitivity and resistance of tumor cells to induction by curcumin and AA were determined by microarray-based mRNA expressions, COMPARE, and hierarchical cluster analyses. Numerous genes involved in transcription (TFAM, TCERG1, RGS13, C11orf31), apoptosis-regulation (CRADD, CDK7, CDK19, CD81, TOM1) signal transduction (NR1D2, HMGN1, ABCA1, DE4ND4B, TRIM27) DNA repair (TOPBP1, RPA2), mRNA metabolism (RBBP4, HNRNPR, SRSF4, NR2F2, PDK1, TGM2), and transporter genes (ABCA1) correlated with cellular responsiveness to curcumin and ascorbic acid. In conclusion, this study shows the effect of the curcumin/AA combination and identifies several candidate genes that may regulate the response of varied cancer cells to curcumin and AA.

PMID: 28210221 [PubMed - in process]

Correction: A European Spectrum of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers: Implications for Clinical Pharmacogenomics.

PLoS One. 2017;12(2):e0172595

Authors: Mizzi C, Dalabira E, Kumuthini J, Dzimiri N, Balogh I, Başak N, Böhm R, Borg J, Borgiani P, Bozina N, Bruckmueller H, Burzynska B, Carracedo A, Cascorbi I, Deltas C, Dolzan V, Fenech A, Grech G, Kasiulevicius V, Kádaši Ľ, Kučinskas V, Khusnutdinova E, Loukas YL, Macek M, Makukh H, Mathijssen R, Mitropoulos K, Mitropoulou C, Novelli G, Papantoni I, Pavlovic S, Saglio G, Sertić J, Stojiljkovic M, Stubbs AP, Squassina A, Torres M, Turnovec M, van Schaik RH, Voskarides K, Wakil SM, Werk A, Del Zompo M, Zukic B, Katsila T, Lee MT, Motsinger-Rief A, Mc Leod HL, van der Spek PJ, Patrinos GP

Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162866.].

PMID: 28207884 [PubMed - in process]

Prevalence of clinically actionable genotypes and medication exposure of older adults in the community.

Pharmgenomics Pers Med. 2017;10:17-27

Authors: Daneshi N, Holliday E, Hancock S, Schneider JJ, Scott RJ, Attia J, Milward EA

Abstract
This study analyzed clinically actionable pharmacogenotypes for clopidogrel, warfarin, statins, thiopurines, and tacrolimus using microarray data for 2121 participants (55-85 years) from the Australian Hunter Community Study (HCS). At least 74% of participants (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72%-76%) had strong level evidence for at least one medium- or high-risk actionable genotype that would trigger a change in standard therapy under current international recommendations. About 14% of these participants (95% CI: 12%-16%) were taking medication potentially affected by the genotype in question. Furthermore, ~2.6% of all participants with medication data (95% CI: 1.4%-3.8%) had a high-risk clinically actionable genotype for a medication to which they were exposed. This represents a considerable number of people at the population level. Although relationships between genotype and health outcomes remain contentious, pharmacogenotyping of multiple variants simultaneously may have considerable potential to improve medication safety and efficacy for older people in the community.

PMID: 28203101 [PubMed - in process]