• X-J Shi, F Geng, Z Jiao, X-Y Cui, X-Y Qiu, and M-K Zhong.
• Clinical Pharmacy Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
• J Clin Pharm Ther. 2011 Oct 1; 36 (5): 614-24.

What Is Known And ObjectiveTacrolimus (TAC) is metabolized mainly by the CYP3A subfamily and extruded into the intestine by P-glycoprotein, which is encoded by the ABCB1 gene. Several studies have suggested that the CYP3A5*3 genotype influenced the pharmacokinetics (PK) of TAC. The CYP3A4*18B and CYP3A5*3 alleles are clinically important in Chinese subjects because of their relatively high frequency. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of ABCB1 (C1236T-G2677T/A-C3435T), CYP3A4*18B and CYP3A5*3 genetic polymorphisms on TAC PK in healthy Chinese subjects.MethodsData were obtained from a comparative bioavailability study of oral TAC formulations (n = 22). TAC whole blood concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS. Genetic polymorphisms were determined using a direct sequencing method. Nonlinear mixed-effects modelling (NONMEM) was performed to assess the effect of genotypes and demographics on TAC PKs.Results And DiscussionBoth CYP3A4*18B and CYP3A5*3 polymorphisms affected the TAC PK, whereas ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms and other demographic characteristics did not. The combined genotypes of CYP3A4*18B and CYP3A5*3 had a greater impact than either genotype alone, and they were estimated to account for 28·4% of the inter-subject variability of apparent clearance (CL/F) by NONMEM. The CL/F in subjects with CYP3A4*1/*1-CYP3A5*3/*3 was 10·3 L/h and was 48·5% in those not carrying CYP3A4*1/*1-CYP3A5*3/*3.What Is New And ConclusionThis is the first study to extensively explore the influence of CYP3A4*18B, CYP3A5*3 and ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms on TAC PK in healthy Chinese subjects. The results demonstrated that subjects with a combined genotype of CYP3A4*1/*1-CYP3A5*3/*3 may require lower TAC doses to achieve target concentration levels and further investigation is needed in larger populations to confirm the clinical benefits.© 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

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