Effects of genetic polymorphisms of CYP2C19 on the pharmacokinetics of zolpidem

Pharmacogenomics of Dementia: Personalizing the Treatment of Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

Dementia is a syndrome of global and progressive deterioration of cognitive skills, especially memory, learning, abstract thinking, and orientation, usually affecting the elderly. The most common forms are Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and other (frontotemporal, Lewy body disease) dementias. The etiology of these multifactorial disorders involves complex interactions of various environmental and (epi)genetic factors and requires multiple forms of pharmacological intervention, including anti-dementia drugs for cognitive impairment, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics and sedatives for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and other drugs for comorbid disorders. The pharmacotherapy of dementia patients has been characterized by a significant interindividual variability in drug response and the development of adverse drug effects. The therapeutic response to currently available drugs is partially effective in only some individuals, with side effects, drug interactions, intolerance, and non-compliance occurring in the majority of dementia patients. Therefore, understanding the genetic basis of a patient's response to pharmacotherapy might help clinicians select the most effective treatment for dementia while minimizing the likelihood of adverse reactions and drug interactions. Recent advances in pharmacogenomics may contribute to the individualization and optimization of dementia pharmacotherapy by increasing its efficacy and safety via a prediction of clinical outcomes. Thus, it can significantly improve the quality of life in dementia patients.

ABCB1 c.2677G>T/c.3435C>T diplotype increases the early-phase oral absorption of losartan

Losartan has been shown to be a substrate of the drug-efflux transporter MDR1, encoded by the ABCB1 gene. ABCB1 c.2677G>T and c.3435C>T variants are known to be associated with reduced expression and function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). We investigated the effects of ABCB1 diplotype on the pharmacokinetics of losartan. Thirty-eight healthy Korean volunteers with different ABCB1 diplotypes [c.2677G> T and c.3435C>T; carriers of GG/CC (n = 13), GT/CT (n = 12) and TT/TT (n = 13) diplotype] were recruited and administered a single 50 mg oral dose of losartan potassium. Losartan and its active metabolite E-3174 samples in plasma and urine were collected up to 10 and 8 h after drug administration, respectively, and the concentrations of both samples were determined by HPLC method. Significant differences were observed in C_max of losartan and losartan plus E-3174 (Lo + E) among the three diplotype groups (both P < 0.01). However, the power of the performed test is less than the desired power (0.800). The t_max of losartan and E-3174 in three diplotype groups were also significantly different (both P < 0.01). The AUC values of Lo + E were significantly different among the three diplotype groups until 6 h after losartan administration (P < 0.01). On the contrary, AUC at the periods of 8-10 h and 10 h-infinity of Lo + E were significantly lower in the TT/TT group than in the GG/CC group. Urinary excretion of losartan until 4 h after losartan administration in the TT/TT group was higher than that of the GG/CC group. These results suggest that c.2677G>T/c.3435C>T diplotypes of ABCB1 may significantly increase the early-phase absorption of losartan, but not the total absorption.

Effects of paroxetine on the pharmacokinetics of atomoxetine and its metabolites in different CYP2D6 genotypes

The aim of this study was to investigate the  effects of paroxetine, a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6, on the pharmacokinetics of atomoxetine and its two metabolites, 4-hydroxyatomoxetine and N-desmethylatomoxetine, in different CYP2D6 genotypes. Twenty-six healthy subjects were recruited and divided into CYP2D6*wt/*wt (*wt=*1 or *2, n = 10), CYP2D6*wt/*10 (n = 9), and CYP2D6*10/*10 groups (n = 7). In atomoxetine phase, all subjects received a single oral dose of atomoxetine (20 mg). In paroxetine phase, after administration of a single oral dose of paroxetine (20 mg) for six consecutive days, all subjects received a single oral dose of atomoxetine with paroxetine. Plasma concentrations of atomoxetine and its metabolites were determined up to 24 h after dosing. During atomoxetine phase, there were significant differences in C_max and AUC_0-24 of atomoxetine and N-desmethylatomoxetine among three genotype groups, whereas significant differences were not found in relation to CYP2D6*10 allele after administration of paroxetine. AUC ratios of 4-hydroxyatomoxetine and N-desmethylatomoxetine to atomoxetine were significantly different among three genotype groups during atomoxetine phase (all, P < 0.001), but after paroxetine treatment significant differences were not found. After paroxetine treatment, AUC_0-24 of atomoxetine was increased by 2.3-, 1.7-, and 1.3-fold, in CYP2D6*wt/*wt, CYP2D6*wt/*10, and CYP2D6*10/*10 groups in comparison to atomoxetine phase, respectively. AUC ratio of 4-hydroxyatomoxetine to atomoxetine in each group was significantly decreased, whereas AUC ratio of N-desmethylatomoxetine to atomoxetine significantly increased after administration of paroxetine. In conclusion, paroxetine coadministration significantly affected pharmacokinetic parameters of atomoxetine and its two metabolites, 4-hydroxyatomoxetine and N-desmethylatomoxetine. When atomoxetine was administered alone, C_max, AUC_0-24 and CL/F of atomoxetine were significantly different among the three CYP2D6 genotype groups. However, after paroxetine coadministration, no significant differences in these pharmacokinetic parameters were observed among the CYP2D6 genotype groups.

Effects of CYP2D6 genetic polymorphism on the pharmacokinetics of metoclopramide

Metoclopramide inhibits the central and peripheral D₂ receptors and is frequently prescribed in adults and children as an antiemetic or a prokinetic drug to control symptoms of upper gastrointestinal motor disorders. Metoclopramide is predominantly metabolized via N-dealkylation and it is primarily mediated by CYP2D6 which is highly polymorphic. Thus, the effects of CYP2D6 genetic polymorphism on the pharmacokinetics of metoclopramide were evaluated in this study. All volunteers were genotyped for CYP2D6 and divided into four different genotype groups (CYP2D6*wt/*wt [*wt = *1 or *2], CYP2D6*wt/*10, CYP2D6*10/*10, and CYP2D6*5/*10). Each subject received a single oral dose of metoclopramide 10 mg. Plasma concentrations of metoclopramide were measured by using HPLC-UV. Compared to CYP2D6*wt/*wt, AUC_inf of CYP2D6*wt/*10, CYP2D6*10/*10, and CYP2D6*5/*10 significantly increased by 1.5-, 2.3-, and 2.5-fold, respectively. C_max also increased significantly in comparison to CYP2D6*wt/*wt across all genotype groups, with 1.5-, 1.7-, and 1.7-fold increases seen in CYP2D6*wt/*10, CYP2D6*10/*10, and CYP2D6*5/*10 groups, respectively. The CL/F of metoclopramide decreased in CYP2D6 genotype groups with decreased function alleles, as decreases of 37%, 56% and 61% were observed in CYP2D6*wt/10, *10/10, and *5/*10 genotype groups in comparison to the CYP2D6*wt/*wt group. In conclusion, the genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6 significantly affected metoclopramide pharmacokinetics.

Relationship between plasma exposure of zolpidem and CYP2D6 genotype in healthy Korean subjects

Zolpidem, a widely prescribed hypnotic agent, is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4, and CYP2C9, CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 are also involved in the metabolism of zolpidem. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of CYP2D6 genotypes on the exposure of zolpidem. The healthy male volunteers were divided into three different genotype groups (CYP2D6*wt/*wt [*wt = *1 or *2], CYP2D6*wt/*10, and CYP2D6*10/*10). Each subject received a single oral dose of zolpidem 5 mg with or without a steady-state concentration of clarithromycin (a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4), and plasma concentrations of zolpidem were measured up to 12 h after zolpidem dosing by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. When zolpidem was administered alone, the exposure of zolpidem (the total areas under the curve and the mean peak plasma concentrations) was not significantly different among three different genotype groups. Even with the steady-state concentration of clarithromycin, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, there were no significant differences in the exposure of zolpidem in relation to CYP2D6 genotypes.

Effects of steady-state clarithromycin on the pharmacokinetics of zolpidem in healthy subjects

Zolpidem is extensively metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP1A2. Previous studies demonstrated that pharmacokinetics of zolpidem was affected by CYP inhibitors, but not by short-term treatment of clarithromycin. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of steady-state clarithromycin on the pharmacokinetics of zolpidem in healthy subjects. In the control phase, 33 subjects received a single dose of zolpidem (5 mg). One week later, in the clarithromycin phase, the subjects received clarithromycin (500 mg) twice daily for 5 days to reach steady state concentrations, followed by zolpidem (5 mg) and clarithromycin (500 mg). In each phase, plasma concentrations of zolpidem were evaluated up to 12 h after drug administration by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. In the clarithromycin phase, mean total area under the curve of zolpidem (AUC_inf) was 1.62-fold higher and the time to reach peak plasma concentration of zolpidem (t_max) was prolonged by 1.95-fold compared to the control phase. In addition, elimination half-life (t_1/2) of zolpidem was 1.40-fold longer during co-administration with clarithromycin and its apparent oral clearance (CL/F) was 36.2% lower with clarithromycin administration. The experimental data demonstrate the significant pharmacokinetic interaction between zolpidem and clarithromycin at steady-state.

Influence of CYP2D6 genetic polymorphism on pharmacokinetics of active moiety of tolterodine

Tolterodine is metabolized to an active 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine (5-HMT) by CYP2D6. This study investigated the relationship between CYP2D6 genotypes and pharmacokinetics of tolterodine and its active metabolite in healthy Korean subjects. All volunteers were genotyped for CYP2D6 and divided into four different genotype groups (CYP2D6*wt/*wt [*wt = *1 or *2], CYP2D6*wt/*10, CYP2D6*10/*10, and CYP2D6*5/*10). Each subject received a single oral dose of tolterodine tartrate (2 mg) in single-dose phase of the study. After the single-dose phase of the study, the same subjects received a single oral dose of tolterodine tartrate (2 mg) once daily for 1 week during multiple-dose tolterodine administration phase. Plasma concentrations of tolterodine and 5-HMT were measured by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Our study demonstrated that plasma exposure of tolterodine in CYP2D6*10/*10 and CYP2D6*5/*10 group significantly increased, compared with CYP2D6*wt/*wt group (P < 0.001). The pharmacokinetic parameters of 5-HMT were not significantly different in relation to CYP2D6 genotype, as 5-HMT itself is also metabolized by CYP2D6. With regard to active moiety (tolterodine + 5-HMT), C_max and AUC_0-24 was significantly increased in CYP2D6*10/*10 group, compared with CYP2D6*wt/*wt group (P < 0.001). Thus, our study showed the pharmacokinetics of tolterodine and its active moiety was significantly different in relation to CYP2D6 genotype.

The influences of CYP2C9*1/*3 genotype on the pharmacokinetics of zolpidem

Zolpidem is predominantly metabolized by CYP3A4, and to a lesser extent by CYP2C9, CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP2C19. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of CYP2C9*3 allele on the pharmacokinetics of zolpidem. Healthy male subjects were divided into two genotype groups, CYP2C9*1/*1 and CYP2C9*1/*3. They received a single oral dose of 5 mg zolpidem, and the plasma concentrations of zolpidem were determined up to 12 h after drug administration. In addition, since zolpidem is metabolized at a high rate by CYP3A4, the effect of CYP2C9*3 allele on the pharmacokinetics of zolpidem was also observed in the condition where CYP3A4 was sufficiently inhibited by the steady-state concentration of clarithromycin, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor. For this, clarithromycin 500 mg was administered twice daily for 5 days. Plasma concentrations of zolpidem were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The overall pharmacokinetic parameters of zolpidem were not significantly different between two CYP2C9 genotypes. Even with the potent CYP3A4 inhibitor clarithromycin present at steady-state concentrations, there were no significant differences in the exposure of zolpidem, except for elimination half-life (t_1/2). In conclusion, our study suggests that CYP2C9*1/*3 genotype does not affect the plasma exposure of zolpidem.