Pharmacogenetics and genomics
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Pharmacogenet. Genomics · Dec 2009
A mathematical model to improve on phenotyping for molecular genetic research in malignant hyperthermia.
The in-vitro contracture test is the standard test to diagnose malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility. Maximum sensitivity is important for patient safety. For scientific purposes, the reduced specificity of contracture testing is a major drawback, and precise phenotyping is of utmost importance. Our study aimed to improve phenotyping for MH susceptibility to more accurately select patients for molecular genetic research in MH, thus, improving the probability to detect novel MH associated variants. ⋯ Our model is a valuable tool to select patients from MH families for further molecular genetic research. This preselection increases the probability of successful molecular genetic research and is important when available resources are limited.
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Human genetic variation is likely to be responsible for a substantial fraction of the variability in complex traits including drug response. Single nucleotide polymorphisms have been implicated in drug response using genome-wide association studies as well as candidate-gene approaches. A more comprehensive catalogue of human genetic variation should complement the current large-scale genotypic dataset from the International HapMap Project, which focuses on common genetic variants. ⋯ Owing to the lack of convenient tools, however, it is a challenge for the pharmacogenetic research community to take advantage of these data. Here, we present a new database of some pharmacogenes of particular interest to pharmacogenetic researchers. Our database provides a convenient portal for immediate utilization of the newly released 1000 Genomes Project data in pharmacogenetic studies.
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Pharmacogenet. Genomics · Sep 2009
Comparative StudyHigh-resolution HLA genotyping and severe cutaneous adverse reactions in lamotrigine-treated patients.
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) are associated with over 200 medicines including lamotrigine, an antiepileptic drug. Previous studies have suggested the involvement of immune mechanisms in the development of drug-induced SCARs. ⋯ No single major HLA-related genetic risk factor was identified for lamotrigine-induced SCARs in patients of European origin. Only suggestive evidence was obtained for B*5801, A*6801, Cw*0718, DQB1*0609, and DRB1*1301. Confirmation of these results in a larger, independent sample is needed to determine whether any of the HLA alleles identified are truly associated with the development of lamotrigine-induced SCARs.
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Pharmacogenet. Genomics · Sep 2009
Comparative StudyStrong association between HLA-B*5801 and allopurinol-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in a Thai population.
Allopurinol, a uric acid lowering drug commonly used for hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis, has been reported as a common cause of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCAR) including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). A strong association between allopurinol-induced SCAR and HLA-B*5801 was observed in a Han Chinese population with high frequency of this allele, whereas only a moderate association was observed in populations with low frequency (i.e. European and Japanese). This study investigated the relationship between SJS/TEN and HLA-B*5801 in a Thai population that has a high allelic frequency of this allele. ⋯ A strong association of allopurinol-induced SJS/TEN with the HLA-B*5801 allele was observed in a Thai population. The results suggest that HLA-B*5801 is a valid genetic marker for screening Thai individuals who may be at risk for allopurinol-induced life-threatening SJS and TEN.
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Pharmacogenet. Genomics · Jul 2009
Genetic ancestry modifies pharmacogenetic gene-gene interaction for asthma.
A recent admixture mapping analysis identified interleukin 6 (IL6) and IL6 receptor (IL6R) as candidate genes for inflammatory diseases. In the airways during allergic inflammation, IL6 signaling controls the production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors. In addition, albuterol, a commonly prescribed asthma therapy, has been shown to influence IL6 gene expression. Therefore, we reasoned that interactions between the IL6 and IL6R genes might be associated with bronchodilator drug responsiveness to albuterol in asthmatic patients. ⋯ Genetic variants in the IL6 and IL6R genes act synergistically to modify the bronchodilator drug responsiveness in asthma and this pharmacogenetic interaction is modified by the genetic ancestry.