Unravelling the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy: In aspect of placental histopathology and umbilical cord macrophage immunoactivity with neonatal outcomes.

COVID-19 has turned into a global pandemic since it was first detected in 2019, causing serious public health problems. Our objective was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women and newborns, who belong to the vulnerable segments of society. Our study involved the histopathological examination of placentas and umbilical cords from two groups of pregnant women. Group I consisted of pregnant women who had never tested positive for COVID-19 during their pregnancy (n: 20). Group II consisted of pregnant women who had contracted COVID-19, exhibited moderate and mild symptoms, and recovered from the disease before giving birth (n: 23). Furthermore, we employed immunofluorescence techniques to detect macrophage activity in the umbilical cord. Prenatal assessments were based on maternal complete blood counts and coagulation assays (n:40 in both groups). Newborn conditions were evaluated using birth weight, height, head circumference, and APGAR (n:40 in both groups). Our analyses reveal that COVID-19 causes placental and umbilical cord inflammation and maternal and foetal vascular malperfussion. Our immunofluorescence investigations demonstrate a notable increase in macrophage numbers and the macrophage-to-total cell ratio within the COVID-19 group. In this aspect, this study provides the initial report incorporating macrophage activity results from Warton's jelly in pregnants who have recovered from COVID-19. We have also ascertained that COVID-19 abbreviates gestation periods and concurrently diminishes maternal haemoglobin concentrations. Consequently, COVID-19 with mild and moderate symptoms during pregnancy, causes significant changes to the placenta and umbilical cord, but propitiously does not cause a significant difference in the neonatal outcomes.

Mild hypoglycaemic attacks induced by sulphonylureas related to CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2C8 polymorphisms in routine clinical setting.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of polymorphisms in the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9, 2C19 and 2C8 genes on the risk of mild hypoglycaemic attacks in patients treated with sulphonylureas. METHODS: One hundred and eight type 2 diabetic patients (50 men, 58 women), treated with oral antidiabetics, including at least one from the sulphonylurea group (glimepiride n = 50, gliclazide n = 46, or glipizide n = 12) for 3 months or longer, were included in the study. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia (sweating, tremor, anxiety and palpitations) during a 3 month period were recorded and confirmed by home glucose measurements. Gender, age, body mass index, creatinine clearance, HbA1c, oral antidiabetic dose and concomitant medication were assessed together with functional CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2C8 polymorphisms, analysed by real-time PCR methods. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (eight men, seven women) reported hypoglycaemia symptoms which were validated by their home glucose measurements (< 70 mg/dl). Heterozygosity and homozygosity for CYP2C9 variant alleles (*2 or *3) tended to be more frequent among patients who reported hypoglycaemic attacks (60 and 7%) than those who did not (39 and 3%). Similarly, the CYP2C8*1/*3 genotype tended to be more frequent in patients with (47%) than without (27%) hypoglycaemia, while no such trend was observed for CYP2C19 variants. However, only in the gliclazide group a significant association between CYP2C9 genotype and hypoglycaemic attacks was observed (P = 0.035). None of the other covariates showed any significant association with the risk of hypoglycaemic attacks. CONCLUSIONS: CYP2C9 polymorphisms leading to decreased enzyme activity show a modest impact on the risk of mild hypoglycaemia attacks during oral antidiabetic treatment, with a significant association in patients treated with gliclazide.

Impact of serotonin receptor 2A gene haplotypes on C-peptide levels in clozapine- and olanzapine-treated patients.

OBJECTIVE: Antagonism at the serotonin receptor 2A by the atypical antipsychotics clozapine and olanzapine has been suggested to be linked to these drugs' adverse effects on glucose-insulin homeostasis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of haplotypes based on the main functionally characterized polymorphisms of the serotonin receptor 2A (HTR2A) gene on parameters related to the glucose metabolism in clozapine- and olanzapine-treated patients. METHODS: Forty-nine patients, with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and treated with clozapine (n = 22) or olanzapine (n = 27), were evaluated for fasting levels of C-peptide, insulin and blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and body mass index (BMI), and genotyped for the -1438A/G, -783A/G, 102T/C, and His452Tyr polymorphisms of the HTR2A gene. RESULTS: About 50% of the patients had elevated levels of C-peptide (>0.68 nmol/L) and insulin (>or=79 pmol/L). However, patients carrying the haplotype [-1438A, -783A, 102T, 452Tyr] had significantly lower C-peptide levels compared with patients not carrying this haplotype (p = 0.039), despite no differences in blood glucose, HOMA-IR or BMI between the patient groups. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that patients with the HTR2A haplotype [-1438A, -783A, 102T, 452Tyr] are less likely to develop metabolic abnormalities like C-peptide and insulin elevations during clozapine and olanzapine treatment.

Implications of Inter-Individual Differences in Clopidogrel Metabolism, with Focus on Pharmacogenetics.

Increasing evidence for the role of pharmacogenetics in treatment resistance to the antiplatelet agent clopidogrel has been gained during the last years. Apart from CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms, nongenetic factors, particularly drug-drug interactions, age and other clinical characteristics influence the interindividual variability in clopidogrel response to varying degrees. The present article reviews the so far accumulated evidence on the role of pharmacogenetic traits influencing CYP-activity as determinants of the antiplatelet response to clopidogrel, and its clinical implications. The genetic variation in CYP2C19 activity seems to influence short- and long-term antithrombotic effects of clopidogrel to a substantial extent. Prediction models for clopidogrel non-responsiveness that include CYP2C19 genotyping together with relevant non-genetic risk factors are needed to be verified for their potential benefit in individualization of antithrombotic therapy.

Flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 polymorphisms in 13 ethnic populations from Europe, East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa: frequency and linkage analysis.

AIMS: To investigate intra- and inter-ethnic differences in three widespread (E158K, V257M and E308G) and two African-specific (D132H and L360P) flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) polymorphisms. MATERIALS & METHODS: Allele frequencies were determined by TaqMan allelic discrimination assay in 2152 healthy volunteers from Europe (Swedes, Italians and Turks), East Asia (Japanese) and sub-Saharan Africa (nine ethnic groups covering eastern, southern and western regions), followed by haplotype and linkage analysis. RESULTS: Significant subpopulation differences (p < 0.001) in allele frequencies were found for E158K, V257M and E308G in Europeans and regional differences (p < 0.01) for D132H among Africans. No carrier of P360 was identified. Cis-linkage between G308 and K158 was confirmed with the compound variant (K158/G308) being found in a high proportion (12.0-38.3%) of non-African subjects, but rarely (1.3%) among Africans. CONCLUSIONS: Distribution of functionally relevant FMO3 polymorphisms varies not only between ethnicities but also within. The K158/G308 variant may have potential clinical importance primarily in non-African populations due to its low prevalence in Africa.

Influence of genetic polymorphisms, smoking, gender and age on CYP1A2 activity in a Turkish population.

AIMS: To study the variation in CYP1A2 activity in relation to smoking, gender, age and CYP1A2 polymorphisms. MATERIALS & METHODS: CYP1A2 activity was determined by plasma paraxanthine:caffeine ratio (17X:137X) 4 h after the intake of a standardized cup of coffee in 146 Turkish healthy volunteers. Seven CYP1A2 polymorphisms (-3860G>A, -3113G>A, -2467del/T, -739T>G, -729C>T, -163C>A and 5347T>C) were analyzed. RESULTS: The 17X:137X ratios were increased in smokers (p < 0.0001) and tended to be higher in men both among nonsmokers (p = 0.051) and smokers (p = 0.064). Age-related differences were observed only among nonsmoking women (p = 0.024). The -163C>A polymorphism correlated with 17X:137X ratios only in smokers (p = 0.006). Furthermore, increased 17X:137X ratios were observed in CYP1A2 haplotype H4 (-3860G, -3113G, -2467del, -739T, -729C, -163A and 5347T) carriers in the overall study population (p = 0.026). Multiple regression analyses including smoking, gender, -163C>A genotype and age revealed a significant influence of smoking (p < 0.0001) and gender (p = 0.002) in the overall study population. However, in nonsmokers only the influence of gender remained significant (p = 0.021), while in smokers the influence of the -163C>A genotype held the statistical significance (p = 0.019). The influence of haplotype H4 remained significant (p = 0.028) in the overall study population in similar analyses. CONCLUSION: Smoking has the strongest impact on CYP1A2 activity, while gender and haplotype H4 showed marginal effects. The influence of the -163C>A polymorphism on CYP1A2 activity in smokers suggests an effect on the inducibility of the enzyme.

Association between HTR2C and HTR2A polymorphisms and metabolic abnormalities in patients treated with olanzapine or clozapine.

Serotonin 2C and 2A receptor (5-HT2C and 5-HT2A) antagonisms are hypothesized to play a role in the metabolic adverse effects induced by olanzapine and clozapine. Associations between polymorphisms in 5-HT2C and 5-HT2A receptor coding genes, HTR2C and HTR2A, with antipsychotic-induced weight gain have been reported. The impact of HTR2C and HTR2A polymorphisms on body mass index (BMI), glucose-insulin homeostasis, and blood lipid levels was evaluated in 46 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and treated with olanzapine (n = 28) or clozapine (n = 18) for at least 6 months. Olanzapine-treated patients with HTR2C haplotype C (-759C, -697C, and 23Ser) had higher BMI (P = 0.029) and C peptide levels (P = 0.029) compared with patients with haplotype B (-759T, -697C, and 23Cys). The frequency of patients homozygous for the HTR2C haplotype A (-759C, -697G, and 23Cys) was significantly higher among clozapine-treated patients with obesity (BMI >/= 30 kg/m) compared with nonobese patients (P = 0.015; odds ratio, 28; 95% confidence interval, 2-380). Patients carrying the HTR2A haplotype 2 (-1438A, 102T, and 452His) had significantly higher C peptide levels compared with haplotype 3 (-1438A, 102T, and 452Tyr) carriers in the olanzapine group (P = 0.034) and in the overall study population (P = 0.019). None of the haplotypes were associated with serum levels of insulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol or with homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance. In conclusion, both HTR2C and HTR2A gene polymorphisms seem to be associated with the occurrence of metabolic abnormalities in patients treated with olanzapine or clozapine.

ABCB1 polymorphisms influence steady-state plasma levels of 9-hydroxyrisperidone and risperidone active moiety.

Risperidone is metabolized to its active metabolite, 9-hydroxyrisperidone, mainly by the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2D6 and 3A4. Its antipsychotic effect is assumed to be related to the active moiety, that is, the sum of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone. Both risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone are substrates of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a transport protein involved in drug absorption, distribution, and elimination. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of polymorphisms in genes encoding CYP3A5 and P-gp (ABCB1) on the steady-state plasma levels of risperidone, 9-hydroxyrisperidone, and the active moiety, taking CYP2D6 genotype status into account. Forty-six white patients with schizophrenia treated with risperidone (1-10 mg/d) in monotherapy for 4-6 weeks were genotyped, and their plasma concentrations of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone were measured. Dose-corrected plasma concentrations (C/D) of risperidone, 9-hydroxyrisperidone, and active moiety showed up to 68-, 9-, and 10-fold interindividual variation, respectively. Six patients carried 1 CYP3A5*1 allele and therefore were likely to express the CYP3A5 enzyme. The CYP3A5 genotype did not influence risperidone, 9-hydroxyrisperidone, or active moiety C/Ds. The CYP2D6 genotype in these 46 patients was again associated with risperidone C/D (P = 0.001) but not with 9-hydroxyrisperidone C/D or active moiety C/D, as previously shown by our group in 37 of these patients. Patients homozygous for the ABCB1 3435T/2677T/1236T haplotype had significantly lower C/Ds of 9-hydroxyrisperidone (P = 0.026) and active moiety (P = 0.028) than patients carrying other ABCB1 genotypes. In conclusion, our results confirmed the significant effect of CYP2D6 genotype on the steady-state plasma levels of risperidone and showed that ABCB1 polymorphisms have a moderate effect on those of 9-hydroxyrisperidone and the active moiety.

Variation in CYP1A2 activity and its clinical implications: influence of environmental factors and genetic polymorphisms.

CYP1A2 is involved in the metabolism of several widely used drugs and endogenous compounds, and in the activation of procarcinogens. Both genetic and environmental factors influence the activity of this enzyme. The current knowledge regarding factors influencing the activity of CYP1A2 is summarized in this review. Substrates, inhibitors and inducers of CYP1A2 activity, as well as phenotyping probes, are discussed. The functional significance and clinical importance of CYP1A2 gene polymorphisms are reviewed and interethnic differences in the distribution of CYP1A2 variant alleles and haplotypes are summarized. Finally, future perspectives for the possible clinical applications of CYP1A2 genotyping are discussed.

Further evidence for the association between 5-HT2C receptor gene polymorphisms and extrapyramidal side effects in male schizophrenic patients.

RATIONALE: Antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) are still a major problem in the treatment of schizophrenia. Serotonin 2C receptors (5-HT(2C)) have regulatory effects on dopaminergic pathways in brain regions involved with EPS. Polymorphisms in the 5-HT(2C) gene (HTR2C) have been suggested to be associated with the risk of developing EPS. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the impact of polymorphisms in the HTR2C gene on the occurrence of EPS in male schizophrenic patients. METHODS: Ninety-nine male Caucasian chronic schizophrenic patients on long-term treatment with classical antipsychotics were genotyped for the -997 G/A, -759 C/T, -697 G/C and Cys23Ser polymorphisms of HTR2C. EPS (dystonia, parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia) were assessed by the Simpson-Angus Scale and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale. Fifty-one patients had current or previous history of EPS, whereas 48 patients had no symptoms or history of EPS. To rule out a possible association between HTR2C polymorphisms and schizophrenia, 112 healthy male volunteers were also genotyped. RESULTS: Allele frequencies of -997A, -759T and -697C did not differ between the groups, whereas patients with EPS had a significantly (p = 0.025) higher frequency of the 23Ser allele (0.29) than did patients without EPS (0.15) or healthy volunteers (0.13). A similar trend was observed for a haplotype including the -997G, -759C, -697C and 23Ser alleles (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Results confirm previously reported associations between the HTR2C 23Ser allele and EPS occurrence and suggest the novel finding of an HTR2C haplotype association with EPS in male chronic schizophrenic patients.

The antiplatelet effect of higher loading and maintenance dose regimens of clopidogrel: the PRINC (Plavix Response in Coronary Intervention) trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the antiplatelet effect of a higher loading and maintenance dose regimen of clopidogrel and a possible drug interaction with verapamil. BACKGROUND: Clopidogrel loading doses above 600 mg have not resulted in more rapid or complete platelet inhibition. Higher maintenance dosages may be more effective than 75 mg/day. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was undertaken in 60 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. All patients received clopidogrel 600 mg at the start of the procedure. Using a 2 x 2 design, patients were allocated to clopidogrel 600 mg given 2 h later or matching placebo, and to verapamil 5 mg intra-arterial or placebo. Platelet function was measured using the VerifyNow P2Y12 analyzer (Accumetrics Ltd., San Diego, California) at 2, 4, and 7 h. Patients were further randomized to receive a clopidogrel 75 or 150 mg once daily, with platelet function assessed after 1 week. RESULTS: Two hours after the second dose of clopidogrel or placebo, platelet inhibition was 42 +/- 27% with clopidogrel, compared with 24 +/- 22% with placebo (p = 0.0006). By 5 h after the second dose, platelet inhibition was 49 +/- 30% with clopidogrel, compared with 29 +/- 22% with placebo (p = 0.01). No drug interaction was seen with verapamil. A clopidogrel maintenance dosage of 150 mg daily for 1 week resulted in greater platelet inhibition than 75 mg daily (50 +/- 28% vs. 29 +/- 19%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In an unselected population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention a clopidogrel 1,200-mg loading dose, given as two 600-mg doses 2 h apart, results in more rapid and complete platelet inhibition than a single 600-mg dose. A maintenance dosage of 150 mg daily produces greater platelet inhibition than 75 mg daily. (The PRINC trial; ACTRN12606000129583).

The pharmacogenetics and pharmacodynamics of clopidogrel response: an analysis from the PRINC (Plavix Response in Coronary Intervention) trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the effect of pharmacogenetics on the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel. BACKGROUND: Variability in clopidogrel response might be influenced by polymorphisms in genes coding for drug metabolism enzymes (cytochrome P450 [CYP] family), transport proteins (P-glycoprotein) and/or target proteins for the drug (adenosine diphosphate-receptor P2Y12). METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention in the randomized PRINC (Plavix Response in Coronary Intervention) trial had platelet function measured using the VerifyNow P2Y12 analyzer after a 600-mg or split 1,200-mg loading dose and after a 75- or 150-mg daily maintenance dosage. Polymerase chain reaction-based genotyping evaluated polymorphisms in the CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, ABCB1, P2Y12, and CES genes. RESULTS: CYP2C19*1*1 carriers had greater platelet inhibition 2 h after a 600-mg dose (median: 23%, range: 0% to 66%), compared with platelet inhibition in CYP2C19*2 or *4 carriers (10%, 0% to 56%, p = 0.029) and CYP2C19*17 carriers (9%, 0% to 98%, p = 0.026). CYP2C19*2 or *4 carriers had greater platelet inhibition with the higher loading dose than with the lower dose at 4 h (37%, 8% to 87% vs. 14%, 0% to 22%, p = 0.002) and responded better with the higher maintenance dose regimen (51%, 15% to 86% vs. 14%, 0% to 67%, p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Carriers of the CYP2C19*2 and *4 alleles showed reduced platelet inhibition after a clopidogrel 600-mg loading dose but responded to higher loading and maintenance dose regimens. Genotyping for the relevant gene polymorphisms may help to individualize and optimize clopidogrel treatment. (Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; ACTRN12606000129583).

Impact of CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 polymorphisms on drug metabolism and on insulin and lipid elevations and insulin resistance in clozapine-treated patients.

OBJECTIVE: Adverse metabolic effects of atypical antipsychotics have increasingly been recognized. Recently, we found that levels of insulin and triglycerides increased by increasing serum clozapine concentration in clozapine-treated patients. As these insulin and triglyceride elevations probably are drug concentration-dependent, they also would be expected to be drug metabolism-related. The genetically polymorphic cytochromes P450 CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 catalyze the metabolism of clozapine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 polymorphisms on serum drug and metabolite levels and on insulin and triglyceride elevations and insulin resistance in patients receiving clozapine. METHOD: Seventeen clozapine-treated patients were genotyped for CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 by polymerase chain reaction-based methods. Serum concentrations of clozapine and its N-desmethylmetabolite, blood glucose, and serum levels of insulin, C-peptide, triglycerides, and cholesterol were analyzed, and homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was determined. RESULTS: Clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine concentration-to-dose (C/D) ratios were significantly higher in patients carrying 2 CYP1A2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), previously suggested to cause low enzyme activity, compared to those with no such SNPs (p < .05). In contrast, clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine C/D ratios were not related to the CYP2D6 genotype. Furthermore, patients with elevated insulin levels more frequently carried CYP1A2*1C and/or *1D alleles, had higher clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine C/D ratios, and had higher lipid levels and HOMA-IR, compared to patients with normal insulin levels (p < .05). CONCLUSION: CYP1A2 variants *1C and *1D seem to be associated with higher serum clozapine concentrations and an increased risk of developing insulin and lipid elevations and insulin resistance on a given dose of clozapine.

Inhibitory effect of valproic acid on cytochrome P450 2C9 activity in epilepsy patients.

Drug interactions constitute a major problem in the treatment of epilepsy because drug combinations are so common. Valproic acid is a widely used anticonvulsant drug with a broad therapeutic spectrum. Case reports suggest interaction between valproic acid and other drugs metabolized mainly by cytochrome P450 isoforms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of valproic acid on cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity by using losartan oxidation as a probe in epilepsy patients. Patients were prescribed sodium valproate (mean 200 mg/day for the first week and 400 mg/day in the following period) according to their clinical need. A single oral dose of 25 mg losartan was given to patients before and after the first dose, first week and 4 weeks of valproic acid treatment. Losartan and E3174, the CYP2C9-derived carboxylic acid metabolite of losartan in 8 hr urine were assayed by using high pressure liquid chromatography. Urinary losartan/E3174 ratio did not change significantly on the first day (0.9, 0.3-3.5; median, range), and first week (0.6, 0.2-3.8; median, range), while a significant increase was observed after 4 weeks of valproic acid treatment (1.1, 0.3-5.7; median, range) as compared to that of measured before valproic acid administration (0.6, 0.1-2.1; median, range) (P = 0.039). The degree of inhibition was correlated with the steady-state plasma concentrations of valproic acid (r(2) = 0.70, P = 0.04). The results suggest an inhibitory effect of valproic acid on CYP2C9 enzyme activity in epilepsy patients at steady state. The risk of pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions should be taken into account during concomitant use of valproic acid and CYP2C9 substrates.

Serotonin and dopamine receptor gene polymorphisms and the risk of extrapyramidal side effects in perphenazine-treated schizophrenic patients.

RATIONALE: Perphenazine, a classical antipsychotic drug, has the potential to induce extrapyramidal side effects (EPS). Dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways are involved in the therapeutic and adverse effects of the drug. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of polymorphisms in the dopamine D(2) and D(3) and serotonin 2A and 2C receptor genes (DRD2, DRD3, HTR2A, and HTR2C) on short-term effects of perphenazine monotherapy in schizophrenic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven Estonian inpatients were evaluated before and after 4-6 weeks of treatment by Simpson-Angus rating scale, Barnes scale, and Positive and Negative Symptom Scale. Genotyping was performed for common DRD2, DRD3, HTR2A, and HTR2C gene polymorphisms, previously reported to influence receptor expression and/or function. RESULTS: Most of the patients (n = 37) responded to the treatment and no significant association was observed between the polymorphisms and antipsychotic response. The 102C allele of HTR2A and the -697C and 23Ser alleles of HTR2C were more frequent among patients with EPS (n = 25) compared to patients without EPS (n = 22) (p = 0.02, 0.01, and 0.02, respectively). The difference between patients with and without EPS in variant allele frequencies remained significant after multiple model analyses including age, gender, and duration of antipsychotic treatment as covariants. There was no significant association between EPS occurrence and polymorphisms in the DRD2 and DRD3 genes. CONCLUSIONS: An association was observed between polymorphisms in HTR2A and HTR2C genes and occurrence of acute EPS in schizophrenic patients treated with perphenazine monotherapy. Larger study populations are needed to confirm our findings.

Could endogenous substrates of drug-metabolizing enzymes influence constitutive physiology and drug target responsiveness?

Integration of genomic data from pharmacokinetic pathways and drug targets is an emerging trend in bioinformatics, but is there a clear separation of pharmacokinetic pathways and drug targets? Should we also consider the potential interactions of endogenous substrates of drug-metabolizing enzymes with receptors and other molecular drug targets as we combine pharmacogenomic datasets? We discuss these overarching questions through a specific pharmacogenomic case study of the cytochrome P450 (CYP)2D6, serotonin and dopamine triad. Importantly, CYP2D6 may contribute to the regeneration of serotonin from 5-methoxytryptamine by virtue of its catalytic function as a 5-methoxyindolethylamine O-demethylase. Furthermore, serotonergic neurons provide a regulatory feedback on dopaminergic neurotransmission. Hence, we hypothesize that independent of its role as a pharmacokinetic gene, CYP2D6 may nuance the regulation of serotonergic and dopaminergic neurophysiology. Additionally, we reflect upon the contribution of hyperspecialization in biomedicine to the present disconnect between research on pharmacokinetics and drug targets, and the potential for remedying this important gap through informed dialogue among clinical pharmacologists, human geneticists, bioethicists and applied social scientists.

Inhibitory effect of 5-fluorouracil on cytochrome P450 2C9 activity in cancer patients.

Drug interactions have been reported between 5-fluorouracil and cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates, S-warfarin and phenytoin. This study was performed to determine the influence of 5-fluorouracil on cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity in colorectal cancer patients (n=17) receiving 5-fluorouracil. Losartan was used as a marker to assess CYP2C9 activity. Losartan and its CYP2C9 dependent metabolite, E-3174, were determined in urine. The ratios of urinary losartan/E-3174 before and after the 5-fluorouracil treatment were compared for each patient. Genotyping was performed to detect the CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3. At the end of the first cycle of 5-fluorouracil, losartan/E-3174 ratio was increased by 28.0% compared to the pre-treatment values (P=0.15). In five patients recruited for phenotyping after three 5-fluorouracil cycles, the metabolic ratio was increased significantly by 5.3 times (P=0.03). The results suggest that in most patients 5-fluorouracil inhibited CYP2C9 activity. This inhibition was more pronounced when the total administered dose increased. This finding may help explain the mechanism of interaction between 5-fluorouracil and CYP2C9 substrates.