Pharmacogenomics
Meta-analysis revisiting the influence of <em>UGT1A1*28</em> and <em>UGT1A1*6</em> on irinotecan safety in colorectal cancer patients
Pharmacogenomics. 2024 Aug 22:1-10. doi: 10.1080/14622416.2024.2385289. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Aim: To evaluate the association between irinotecan safety and the UGT1A1 gene polymorphism in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.Materials & methods: The studies were systematically searched and identified from three databases (PubMed, Embase and The Cochrane Library) until 28 February 2023. The relationships were evaluated using pooled odds ratio (OR).Results: A total of 30 studies out of 600 were included, comprising 4471 patients. UGT1A1*28 was associated with a statistically significant increase in the OR for diarrhea (OR: 1.59, 95% CI = 1.24-2.06 in the additive model; OR = 3.24, 95% CI = 2.01-5.21 in the recessive model; and OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.42-2.69 in the dominant model) and neutropenia (OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.40-2.06 in the additive model; OR = 4.10, 95%CI = 2.69-6.23 in the recessive model; and OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.61-2.31 in the dominant model). Subgroup analysis indicated consistent associations in both Asian and non-Asian populations. UGT1A1*6 was associated with a statistically significant elevation in the OR for diarrhea (only in the recessive model, OR = 2.42; 95% CI = 1.14-5.11) and neutropenia (across all genetic models).Conclusion: The UGT1A1*28 and UGT1A1*6 alleles might be a crucial indicator for predicting irinotecan safety in CRC.
PMID:39171626 | DOI:10.1080/14622416.2024.2385289
Effects of CYP3A5 Genetic Polymorphisms on the Weight-adjusted through Concentration of Sirolimus in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Curr Pharm Des. 2024 Aug 21. doi: 10.2174/0113816128324199240730093415. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Sirolimus, one of the immunosuppressive drugs administered to renal transplant recipients, is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5. Accordingly, CYP3A5 polymorphism is a genetic factor affecting sirolimus pharmacokinetics (PK). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between sirolimus PK and CYP3A5*3 polymorphism.
METHODS: We searched for studies published up to 13 June 2024 from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. We reviewed studies on the relationship between CYP3A5*3 polymorphism and weightadjusted trough concentration/dose (C/D) ratio and dosage of sirolimus in renal transplant recipients, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We evaluated mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS: A total of seven studies were included. The weight-adjusted C/D ratio of sirolimus was significantly higher in patients with the CYP3A5*3/*3 rather than CYP3A5*1/*1 or CYP3A5*1/*3 genotype (MD 95.27 ng/mL per mg/kg; 95% CI: 58.06, 132.47; I2 = 74%; p < 0.00001). Also, the weight-adjusted dosage of sirolimus was significantly lower in patients with the CYP3A5*3/*3 rather than CYP3A5*1/*1 or CYP3A5*1/*3 genotype (MD -2.60 × 10-3 mg/kg; 95% CI: -4.52, -0.69; I2 = 44%; p = 0.008).
CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis showed a significant effect for the CYP3A5*3 genotype on weight-adjusted C/D ratio and dosage of sirolimus in adult renal transplant recipients.
PMID:39171589 | DOI:10.2174/0113816128324199240730093415
Genetics and Pharmacogenetics of Atrial Fibrillation: A Mechanistic Perspective
JACC Basic Transl Sci. 2024 Feb 28;9(7):918-934. doi: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.12.006. eCollection 2024 Jul.
ABSTRACT
The heritability of atrial fibrillation (AF) is well established. Over the last decade genetic architecture of AF has been unraveled by genome-wide association studies and family-based studies. However, the translation of these genetic discoveries has lagged owing to an incomplete understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the genetic variants, challenges in classifying variants of uncertain significance (VUS), and limitations of existing disease models. We review the mechanistic insight provided by basic science studies regarding AF mechanisms, recent developments in high-throughput classification of VUS, and advances in bioengineered cardiac models for developing personalized therapy for AF.
PMID:39170958 | PMC:PMC11334418 | DOI:10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.12.006
Clopidogrel-Mediated P2Y<sub>12</sub> Inhibition According to Renal Function in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus and CAD
JACC Basic Transl Sci. 2024 Mar 25;9(7):865-876. doi: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2024.03.003. eCollection 2024 Jul.
ABSTRACT
This prospective ex vivo and in vitro pharmacodynamic (PD)/pharmacokinetic investigation was conducted in patients with diabetes mellitus with (n = 31) and without chronic kidney disease (n = 30). PD assessments included platelet reactivity index, maximum platelet aggregation, and P2Y12 reaction units. Ex vivo pharmacokinetic assessments included plasma levels of clopidogrel and its active metabolite. In vitro PD assessments were conducted on baseline samples incubated with escalating concentrations of clopidogrel and its active metabolite. Among patients with diabetes mellitus treated with clopidogrel, impaired renal function was associated with increased maximum platelet aggregation. This finding could be attributed partially to upregulation of the P2Y12 activity without differences in drug absorption or metabolism. (Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Clopidogrel Effects in Diabetes Mellitus; NCT03774394).
PMID:39170956 | PMC:PMC11334417 | DOI:10.1016/j.jacbts.2024.03.003
Comprehensive breast cancer risk analysis with whole exome sequencing and the prevalence of <em>BRCA1</em> and <em>ABCG2</em> mutations and oncogenic HPV
Biomed Rep. 2024 Aug 7;21(4):144. doi: 10.3892/br.2024.1832. eCollection 2024 Oct.
ABSTRACT
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and also the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. A comprehensive understanding of breast cancer risk factors and their incidences is useful information for breast cancer prevention and control planning. The present study aimed to provide information on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs) in breast cancer, the allele frequency of two SNPs in breast cancer-related genes BRCA1 DNA repair associated (BRCA1; rs799917) and ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2; rs2231142), and the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in a normal population living in Phayao Province, Northern Thailand. One breast cancer and 10 healthy samples were investigated by whole exome sequencing (WES) and compared for genetic variation. The WES data contained SNPs in genes previously implicated in breast cancer and provided data on CNVs. The allele frequencies for SNPs rs799917 and rs2231142 were also examined. The SNP genotype frequencies were 35.88% CC, 46.54% CT, and 17.58% TT for rs799917 and 33.20% CC, 46.88% CA, and 19.92% AA for rs2231142. A total of 825 human whole blood samples were examined for HPV infection by PCR, and the pooled DNA was tested for HPV infection using metagenomic sequencing. No HPV infections were detected among all 825 samples or the pooled blood samples. The incidence of breast cancer among the tested samples was estimated based on acceptable breast cancer risk factors and demographic data and was 1.47%. The present study provided data on SNPs and CNVs in breast cancer-related genes. The associations between SNPs rs2231142 and rs799917 and breast cancer should be further investigated in a case-control study since heterozygous and homozygous variants are more common. Based on the detection of HPV infection in the blood samples, HPV may not be associated with breast cancer, at least in the Northern Thai population.
PMID:39170756 | PMC:PMC11337157 | DOI:10.3892/br.2024.1832
Construction of an immune-related gene prognostic model for obese endometrial cancer patients based on bioinformatics analysis
Heliyon. 2024 Jul 30;10(15):e35488. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35488. eCollection 2024 Aug 15.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The tumor microenvironment (TME) affected the prognosis of tumors. However, its effect on the outcomes of obese endometrial cancer (EC) patients had not been reported.
METHODS: This research performed a retrospective analysis of the transcriptome profiles and medical data of 503 EC patients. Immune scores were assessed by estimation algorithms. Cox and LASSO regression analyses were utilized to pinpoint key genes linked to prognosis, and the RPS was created to forecast the outcomes of obese EC patients. The relationship among genetic mutations and RPS was examined using CNV and somatic mutation information. ssGSEA and GSVA were employed to detect immune infiltration and immune pathway enrichment associated with key genes. The TIDE algorithm and GDSC database were utilized to forecast patients' responses of patients to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, respectively. Finally, we employed the 'rms' R software package to construct the nomogram.
RESULTS: The prognosis of obese EC patients was associated with immune scores. Three key genes (EYA4, MBOAT2 and SCGB2A1) were identified. The risk prognosis score (RPS) for obese EC patients was established by risk stratification and prognostic prediction using prognostic genes. The higher the RPS, the worse the prognosis, and the more malignant the genomic alterations. The high RPS group had a significantly reduced proportion of most immune cells in comparison to the low RPS group. The high RPS group was linked to G2M, MYC and E2F related pathways such as cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell death. Cisplatin, tamoxifen and topotecan had a greater effect on the low RPS group. Notably, the nomogram had a good predictive ability.
CONCLUSION: Our study designed a reliable RPS for obese EC patients to forecast their prognosis, immune aggressiveness, and responses to immunotherapy and drug treatments.
PMID:39170242 | PMC:PMC11336703 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35488
Development of a Multifaceted Program for Pharmacogenetics Adoption at an Academic Medical Center: Practical Considerations and Lessons Learned
Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2024 Aug 21. doi: 10.1002/cpt.3402. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
In 2019, Indiana University launched the Precision Health Initiative to enhance the institutional adoption of precision medicine, including pharmacogenetics (PGx) implementation, at university-affiliated practice sites across Indiana. The overarching goal of this PGx implementation program was to facilitate the sustainable adoption of genotype-guided prescribing into routine clinical care. To accomplish this goal, we pursued the following specific objectives: (i) to integrate PGx testing into existing healthcare system processes; (ii) to implement drug-gene pairs with high-level evidence and educate providers and pharmacists on established clinical management recommendations; (iii) to engage key stakeholders, including patients to optimize the return of results for PGx testing; (iv) to reduce health disparities through the targeted inclusion of underrepresented populations; (v) and to track third-party reimbursement. This tutorial details our multifaceted PGx implementation program, including descriptions of our interventions, the critical challenges faced, and the major program successes. By describing our experience, we aim to assist other clinical teams in achieving sustainable PGx implementation in their health systems.
PMID:39169556 | DOI:10.1002/cpt.3402
Unraveling druggable cancer-driving proteins and targeted drugs using artificial intelligence and multi-omics analyses
Sci Rep. 2024 Aug 21;14(1):19359. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-68565-7.
ABSTRACT
The druggable proteome refers to proteins that can bind to small molecules with appropriate chemical affinity, inducing a favorable clinical response. Predicting druggable proteins through screening and in silico modeling is imperative for drug design. To contribute to this field, we developed an accurate predictive classifier for druggable cancer-driving proteins using amino acid composition descriptors of protein sequences and 13 machine learning linear and non-linear classifiers. The optimal classifier was achieved with the support vector machine method, utilizing 200 tri-amino acid composition descriptors. The high performance of the model is evident from an area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) of 0.975 ± 0.003 and an accuracy of 0.929 ± 0.006 (threefold cross-validation). The machine learning prediction model was enhanced with multi-omics approaches, including the target-disease evidence score, the shortest pathways to cancer hallmarks, structure-based ligandability assessment, unfavorable prognostic protein analysis, and the oncogenic variome. Additionally, we performed a drug repurposing analysis to identify drugs with the highest affinity capable of targeting the best predicted proteins. As a result, we identified 79 key druggable cancer-driving proteins with the highest ligandability, and 23 of them demonstrated unfavorable prognostic significance across 16 TCGA PanCancer types: CDKN2A, BCL10, ACVR1, CASP8, JAG1, TSC1, NBN, PREX2, PPP2R1A, DNM2, VAV1, ASXL1, TPR, HRAS, BUB1B, ATG7, MARK3, SETD2, CCNE1, MUTYH, CDKN2C, RB1, and SMARCA4. Moreover, we prioritized 11 clinically relevant drugs targeting these proteins. This strategy effectively predicts and prioritizes biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and drugs for in-depth studies in clinical trials. Scripts are available at https://github.com/muntisa/machine-learning-for-druggable-proteins .
PMID:39169044 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-68565-7
Implementing a Pharmacist-Led Primary Care Pharmacogenomics Medication Management Service
Innov Pharm. 2024 May 31;15(2). doi: 10.24926/iip.v15i2.6178. eCollection 2024.
ABSTRACT
Background: Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is a tool to guide optimal medication selection. Increased demand for personalized medicine and the growing occurrence of chronic diseases are drivers for pharmacogenomic medication management services. A review of implementation models identified a paucity of models delivering these services utilizing pharmacists in primary care. Lack of standardization of this process remains a barrier to widespread implementation within health systems. Purpose: Describe the process of developing an institutional guidance document and applying it to implement a pharmacogenomics medication management service at clinic sites within an integrated health system in the United States. Measure the growth in the number of PGx visits completed. Method: A task force of pharmacists reviewed literature, guidelines, and institutional policies to create a comprehensive guidance document. The document included six minimum practice requirements for implementation in the primary care setting, and six additional recommendations. A retrospective chart review of all face to face, phone and eConsult PGx visit types occurring from January 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022 was conducted. Results: A pharmacist-led pharmacogenomics medication management service is now offered at all primary care sites within the health system. During the study timeframe, 1378 patients had a PGx visit, resulting in 1939 PGx visits. Of those visits, 1777 (92%) were referred by a primary care provider and 1675 (86.7%) were conducted by a primary care pharmacist. Twenty-nine primary care pharmacists offered the PGX service and 25 (89%) completed at least one visit. Patients were referred by providers from 56 of the 64 (87.5%) primary care departments. Conclusions: Developing an institutional process and guidance document for the implementation of a new pharmacist-led pharmacogenomics medication management service at clinic sites within an integrated health system was beneficial in developing and standardizing the workflow. Dissemination of workflow expectations to the primary care providers and pharmacists resulted in adoption of the service.
PMID:39166145 | PMC:PMC11333096 | DOI:10.24926/iip.v15i2.6178
Challenges and prospects in bridging precision medicine and artificial intelligence in genomic psychiatric treatment
World J Psychiatry. 2024 Aug 19;14(8):1148-1164. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i8.1148. eCollection 2024 Aug 19.
ABSTRACT
Precision medicine is transforming psychiatric treatment by tailoring personalized healthcare interventions based on clinical, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to optimize medication management. This study investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can address key challenges in integrating pharmacogenomics (PGx) into psychiatric care. In this integration, AI analyzes vast genomic datasets to identify genetic markers linked to psychiatric conditions. AI-driven models integrating genomic, clinical, and demographic data demonstrated high accuracy in predicting treatment outcomes for major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. This study also examines the pressing challenges and provides strategic directions for integrating AI and ML in genomic psychiatry, highlighting the importance of ethical considerations and the need for personalized treatment. Effective implementation of AI-driven clinical decision support systems within electronic health records is crucial for translating PGx into routine psychiatric care. Future research should focus on developing enhanced AI-driven predictive models, privacy-preserving data exchange, and robust informatics systems to optimize patient outcomes and advance precision medicine in psychiatry.
PMID:39165556 | PMC:PMC11331387 | DOI:10.5498/wjp.v14.i8.1148
Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies of stable warfarin dose in patients of African ancestry
Blood Adv. 2024 Aug 20:bloodadvances.2024014227. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2024014227. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Warfarin dose requirements are highly variable due to clinical and genetic factors. While genetic variants influencing warfarin dose have been identified in European and East Asian populations, more work is needed to identify African-specific genetic variants to help optimize warfarin dosing. We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in four African cohorts from Uganda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, totalling 989 warfarin-treated participants who reached stable dose and had international normalized ratios within therapeutic ranges. We also included two African American cohorts recruited by the International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium (n=316) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (n=199). Following the GWAS, we performed standard error-weighted meta-analyses and then conducted stepwise conditional analyses to account for known loci (the CYP2C cluster SNP rs12777823 and CYP2C9 in chromosome 10; VKORC1 in chromosome 16). The genome-wide significance threshold was set at P<5×10-8. The meta-analysis, comprising 1,504 participants identified 242 significant SNPs across three genomic loci, with 99.6% of these located within known loci on chromosomes 10 (top SNP: rs58800757, P=4.27×10-13) and 16 (top SNP: rs9925964, P=9.97×10-16). Adjustment for the VKORC1 SNP -1639G>A revealed an additional locus on chromosome 2 (top SNPs rs116057875/rs115254730/rs115240773, P=3.64×10-8), implicating the MALL gene, that could indirectly influence warfarin response through interactions with caveolin-1. In conclusion, our meta-analysis of six cohorts of warfarin-treated patients of African ancestry reaffirmed the importance of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 in influencing warfarin dose requirements. We also identified a new locus (MALL), that still requires direct evidence of biological plausibility.
PMID:39163621 | DOI:10.1182/bloodadvances.2024014227
Deep Plasma Proteomics with Data-Independent Acquisition: Clinical Study Protocol Optimization with a COVID-19 Cohort
J Proteome Res. 2024 Aug 19. doi: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00104. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Plasma proteomics is a precious tool in human disease research but requires extensive sample preparation in order to perform in-depth analysis and biomarker discovery using traditional data-dependent acquisition (DDA). Here, we highlight the efficacy of combining moderate plasma prefractionation and data-independent acquisition (DIA) to significantly improve proteome coverage and depth while remaining cost-efficient. Using human plasma collected from a 20-patient COVID-19 cohort, our method utilizes commonly available solutions for depletion, sample preparation, and fractionation, followed by 3 liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/MS (LC-MS/MS) injections for a 360 min total DIA run time. We detect 1321 proteins on average per patient and 2031 unique proteins across the cohort. Differential analysis further demonstrates the applicability of this method for plasma proteomic research and clinical biomarker identification, identifying hundreds of differentially abundant proteins at biological concentrations as low as 47 ng/L in human plasma. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD047901. In summary, this study introduces a streamlined, cost-effective approach to deep plasma proteome analysis, expanding its utility beyond classical research environments and enabling larger-scale multiomics investigations in clinical settings. Our comparative analysis revealed that fractionation, whether the samples were pooled or separate postfractionation, significantly improved the number of proteins quantified. This underscores the value of fractionation in enhancing the depth of plasma proteome analysis, thereby offering a more comprehensive landscape for biomarker discovery in diseases such as COVID-19.
PMID:39159935 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00104
Genetic polymorphisms and their association with methotrexate polyglutamates during maintenance treatment in Korean children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Eur J Pharm Sci. 2024 Aug 17:106878. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106878. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of genetic polymorphisms on methotrexate (MTX) metabolism in Korean children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, specifically focusing on MTX polyglutamates (MTX-PGs) in erythrocytes, which have been rarely studied. Korean children and young adult patients undergoing maintenance therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, who were receiving weekly oral MTX doses of 20 mg/m²/week, were prospectively included. We investigated erythrocyte MTX-PG (PG1 to PG5) levels, MTX-PG/MTX dose ratios, and 222 genetic polymorphisms spanning 78 genes and three intergenic areas related to MTX transport, folate cycle metabolism, purine/pyrimidine pathways, and non-pathway genes (including TPMT and NUDT15 genotypes) to explore their association with MTX metabolism. MTX-PG levels were associated with MTX dose (p < 0.05), and MTX-PG3 comprised the majority of the total MTX-PGs, with a median of 39.3%. Various polymorphisms within the same gene demonstrated differing associations with each type of MTX-PG, underscoring the complexity of MTX pharmacogenetics. Among the polymorphisms examined, 14 across 13 genes showed significant associations with MTX-PG2-5 levels, even after adjusting for the false discovery rate (ABCC5, ATG16L1, CEP72, FSTL5, GMPS, HTR3A, IMPDH1, NT5C2, SLC28A3, SLCO1B3, SUCLA2, TPMT, and TYMS). This study enhances our understanding of genetic polymorphisms in MTX metabolism and therapeutic monitoring for MTX maintenance, promoting personalized medicine in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients.
PMID:39159789 | DOI:10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106878
The involvement of the Stat1/Nrf2 pathway in exacerbating Crizotinib-induced liver injury: implications for ferroptosis
Cell Death Dis. 2024 Aug 19;15(8):600. doi: 10.1038/s41419-024-06993-z.
ABSTRACT
Crizotinib carries an FDA hepatotoxicity warning, yet analysis of the FAERS database suggests that the severity of its hepatotoxicity risks, including progression to hepatitis and liver failure, might be underreported. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood, and effective intervention strategies are lacking. Here, mRNA-sequencing analysis, along with KEGG and GO analyses, revealed that DEGs linked to Crizotinib-induced hepatotoxicity predominantly associate with the ferroptosis pathway which was identified as the principal mechanism behind Crizotinib-induced hepatocyte death. Furthermore, we found that ferroptosis inhibitors, namely Ferrostatin-1 and Deferoxamine mesylate, significantly reduced Crizotinib-induced hepatotoxicity and ferroptosis in both in vivo and in vitro settings. We have also discovered that overexpression of AAV8-mediated Nrf2 could mitigate Crizotinib-induced hepatotoxicity and ferroptosis in vivo by restoring the imbalance in glutathione metabolism, iron homeostasis, and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, both Stat1 deficiency and the Stat1 inhibitor NSC118218 were found to reduce Crizotinib-induced ferroptosis. Mechanistically, Crizotinib induces the phosphorylation of Stat1 at Ser727 but not Tyr701, promoting the transcriptional inhibition of Nrf2 expression after its entry into the nucleus to promote ferroptosis. Meanwhile, we found that MgIG and GA protected against hepatotoxicity to counteract ferroptosis without affecting or compromising the anti-cancer activity of Crizotinib, with a mechanism potentially related to the Stat1/Nrf2 pathway. Overall, our findings identify that the phosphorylation activation of Stat1 Ser727, rather than Tyr701, promotes ferroptosis through transcriptional inhibition of Nrf2, and highlight MgIG and GA as potential therapeutic approaches to enhance the safety of Crizotinib-based cancer therapy.
PMID:39160159 | DOI:10.1038/s41419-024-06993-z
Serious gaming as potential training tool for recognition of adverse drug reactions: side-effect exposure-medical education (SeeMe)
Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2024 Aug 19. doi: 10.1007/s00228-024-03739-w. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The recognition of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is an important part of daily clinical work. However, medical education in this field is mostly drug-based and does not address adequately the complexity of this field regarding individual risk factors and polypharmacy. This study investigates the potential of the web-based serious game SeeMe (side-effect exposure-medical education) in pharmacological education of medical students to improve the recognition of relevant ADRs.
METHODS: One hundred fifty-seven medical students were recruited to evaluate the serious game SeeMe. SeeMe was developed to improve knowledge and recognition of ADRs in clinical practice. Players take on the role of a physician trying to understand fictional patients with ADRs. Before and after an 8-week playing period, an evaluation was carried out through a pre- and post-questionnaire and a pre- and post- knowledge test.
RESULTS: The students achieved significantly better results in the knowledge test, as almost twice as many exam-relevant questions were answered correctly (p < 0.001). The serious game had a positive effect on the students' perception of the importance of ADRs.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the potential of web- and case-based fictional serious games in medical education. The improved recognition of side effects represents a crucial step for education and training in clinical pharmacology. Future versions of the serious game may take this further and focus on training in the treatment of ADRs and their relevance in various healthcare professions.
PMID:39158691 | DOI:10.1007/s00228-024-03739-w
Fin clipping does not increase opercular beat rate in tricaine-treated zebrafish
Lab Anim. 2024 Aug 19:236772241252551. doi: 10.1177/00236772241252551. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
To carry out research with genetically modified animals, their genotype has to be assessed. A standard protocol to obtain required tissue samples from zebrafish is finclipping. However, some studies reported considerable stress induced by this protocol. We therefore assessed ventilation as a read-out for stress in zebrafish that underwent finclipping during routine genotyping in our fish facility. Our analysis could not confirm a strong increase of ventilation as had been previously reported. Instead, handled zebrafish showed ventilation rates in the range of controls that remained in their holding tanks. Additionally, we detected a slight reduction of ventilation rates up to an hour after anaesthesia in zebrafish treated with tricaine only, suggesting a prolonged protecting effect by this anaesthetic.
PMID:39157987 | DOI:10.1177/00236772241252551
UGT1A1*28 polymorphism and the risk of toxicity and disease progression in patients with breast cancer receiving sacituzumab govitecan
Cancer Med. 2024 Aug;13(16):e70096. doi: 10.1002/cam4.70096.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Sacituzumab govitecan (sacituzumab) emerged as an important agent in metastatic and locally recurrent HER2-negative breast cancer treatment. UGT1A1 polymorphisms have also been shown to predict sacituzumab toxicity.
METHODS: In this retrospective study, we sought to evaluate the associations between UGT1A1 status, toxicity, and therapeutic outcomes in sacituzumab recipients with advanced breast cancer who underwent genotype testing for UGT1A1 alleles (N = 68).
RESULTS: We found 17 (25%) of our patients to be homozygous for UGT1A1*28 and 24 (35.3%) were heterozygous. Of seven African American patients with triple-negative breast cancer, five were homozygous for UGT1A1*28 and two were heterozygous. Patients with a homozygous UGT1A1*28 genotype were significantly more likely to have treatment terminated because of adverse effects. However, the polymorphism was not associated with treatment discontinuation because of disease progression.
CONCLUSION: This retrospective, real-world analysis suggests potential clinical utility in UGT1A1 testing for patients receiving sacituzumab, but future trials are needed to confirm the association between genotypes and treatment outcomes.
PMID:39157928 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.70096
Case report: Germline <em>POT1</em> mutation in a patient with GIST and lung adenocarcinoma
Front Oncol. 2024 Aug 2;14:1419739. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1419739. eCollection 2024.
ABSTRACT
The gene protection of telomere 1 (POT1) is involved in telomere maintenance and stability and plays a crucial role in the preservation of genomic stability. POT1 is considered a high-penetrance melanoma susceptibility gene; however, the number of cancer types associated with the pathogenic germline variants of POT1 is gradually increasing, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), angiosarcomas, and gliomas, even though many associations are still elusive. Here, we reported a case of a 60-year-old man who showed early-onset multiple neoplasms, including multiple melanomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and lung adenocarcinoma. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analyses revealed a germline heterozygous pathogenic variant in the POT1 gene. Notably, GIST and lung adenocarcinoma were not previously reported in association with the POT1 germline variant. Lung cancer susceptibility syndrome is very rare and the actual knowledge is limited to a few genes although major genetic factors are unidentified. Recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have pointed out an association between POT1 variants and lung cancer. This case report highlights the clinical relevance of POT1 alterations, particularly their potential involvement in lung cancer. It also suggests that POT1 testing may be warranted in patients with familial cancer syndrome, particularly those with a history of melanoma and other solid tumors.
PMID:39156708 | PMC:PMC11327130 | DOI:10.3389/fonc.2024.1419739
PHARMACOGENETICS OF ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS (ACEI) AND ANGIOTENSIN II RECEPTOR BLOCKERS (ARB) IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
Eur J Pharmacol. 2024 Aug 16:176907. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176907. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have a high mortality rate, and despite the several available therapeutic targets, non-response to antihypertensives remains a common problem. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are important classes of drugs recommended as first-line therapy for several CVDs. However, response to ACEIs and ARBs varies among treated patients. Pharmacogenomics assesses how an individual's genetic characteristics affect their likely response to drug therapy. Currently, numerous studies suggest that genetic polymorphisms may contribute to variability in drug response. Moreover, further studies evaluating gene-gene interactions within signaling pathways in response to antihypertensives might help to unravel potential genetic predictors for antihypertensive response. This review summarizes the pharmacogenetic data for ACEIs and ARBs in patients with CVD, and discusses the potential pharmacogenetics of these classes of antihypertensives in clinical practice. However, replication studies in different populations are needed. In addition, studies that evaluate gene-gene interactions that share signaling pathways in the response to antihypertensive drugs might facilitate the discovery of genetic predictors for antihypertensive response.
PMID:39154825 | DOI:10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176907
Cabozantinib Induces Isolated Hyperbilirubinemia in Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients carrying the UGT1A1*28 Polymorphism
Clin Genitourin Cancer. 2024 Jul 27:102180. doi: 10.1016/j.clgc.2024.102180. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Genetic variants of UGT1A1, involved in glucuronidation and clearance of bilirubin, are associated with reduced bilirubin metabolization and drug-induced isolated hyperbilirubinemia. We studied the impact of the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism on drug-induced isolated hyperbilirubinemia in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with pazopanib, cabozantinib, and axitinib.
METHODS: We genotyped the UGT1A1*28 TA6/TA6-TA6/TA7-TA7/TA7 polymorphism and correlated with median baseline, on-treatment and peak bilirubin levels during therapy, incidence of grade-1- or -2 (G1/2)-hyperbilirubinemia and time-to-G1-hyperbilirubinemia.
RESULTS: Of the 66 patients treated with pazopanib, 29 received axitinib and 28 cabozantinib upon progression. Median baseline bilirubin was higher in TA7/TA7-carriers versus TA6/TA6+TA6/TA7-carriers at start of pazopanib (P < .0001), cabozantinib (P < .0001), and axitinib (P = .007). During pazopanib therapy, median bilirubin increased 1.4-fold in TA7/TA7+TA6/TA7-carriers but not in TA6/TA6-carriers. On cabozantinib, bilirubin increased 1.5-fold in TA7/TA7-carriers but not in TA6/TA6+TA6/TA7-carriers. Axitinib did not increase bilirubin in any genotype. Peak bilirubin in TA7/TA7- versus TA6/TA6+TA6/TA7-carriers was higher on pazopanib (P < .0001) or cabozantinib (P < .0001). With pazopanib, G1-hyperbilirubinemia occurred in 57% of TA7/TA7- and 12% of TA6/TA6+TA6/TA7-carriers (P = .0009) and G2-hyperbilirubinemia in 36% and 6% of the patients, respectively (P = .004). On cabozantinib, G1-hyperbilirubinemia occurred in 100% of TA7/TA7- and 5% of TA6/TA6+TA6/TA7-carriers (P < .0001) and G2-hyperbilirubinemia in 33% and 0% of the patients, respectively (P = .04). On axitinib, no correlation between the genotypes and G1/2-hyperbilirubinemia was observed.
CONCLUSION: We validate the previously described impact of the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism on isolated bilirubin increase on pazopanib. We report for the first time that cabozantinib also interferes with UGT1A1 and causes isolated bilirubin increase.
PMID:39155162 | DOI:10.1016/j.clgc.2024.102180