Pharmacogenetics and genomics
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Pharmacogenet. Genomics · Nov 2006
Genetic variants of the P-glycoprotein gene Abcb1b modulate opioid-induced hyperalgesia, tolerance and dependence.
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is a state of paradoxically increased nociceptive sensitivity seen in both humans and rodents following the resolution of the acute opioid antinociceptive effects or during periods of chronic opioid administration. Using the power of genetic analysis, we hoped to discover novel mechanisms modulating this trait. ⋯ We conclude that the use of haplotypic mapping to identify novel mechanisms controlling complex traits is a viable approach. Variants of the Abcb1b gene may explain some portion of the interstrain differences in OIH and perhaps other consequences of chronic opioid administration.
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Pharmacogenet. Genomics · Nov 2006
Functional maternal catechol-O-methyltransferase polymorphism and fetal growth restriction.
The pathophysiologic processes that occur at the cellular and molecular levels in intrauterine fetal growth restriction are largely unknown. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a phase II enzyme that inactivates catechol estrogens by transfer of a methyl group. A functional Val158Met polymorphism in the COMT gene has been known as a susceptible marker for breast cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the association between this polymorphism and fetal growth. ⋯ Our findings suggest that the allele encoding low-activity COMT may be a susceptible marker for intrauterine fetal growth restriction.