CYP2C9 polymorphism analysis in Han Chinese populations: building the largest allele frequency database

Optimisation of warfarin-dosing algorithms for Han Chinese patients with CYP2C9*13 variants

BACKGROUND

Existing pharmacogenetic algorithms cannot fully explain warfarin dose variability in all patients. CYP2C9*13 is an important allelic variant in the Han Chinese population. However, adjustment of warfarin dosing in CYP2C9*13 variant carriers remains unclear. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to assess the effects of adjusting warfarin dosages in Han Chinese patients harbouring CYP2C9*13 variants.

METHODS

In total, 971 warfarin-treated Han Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled in this study. Clinical data were collected, and CYP2C9*2, *3, *13 and VKORC1-1639 G > A variants were genotyped. We quantitatively analysed the effect of CYP2C9*13 on warfarin maintenance dose and provided multiplicative adjustments for CYP2C9*13 using validated pharmacogenetic algorithms.

RESULTS

Approximately 0.6% of the Han Chinese population carried CYP2C9*13 variant, and the genotype frequency was between those of CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3. The warfarin maintenance doses were significantly reduced in CYP2C9*13 carriers. When CYP2C9*13 variants were not considered, the pharmacogenetic algorithms overestimated warfarin maintenance doses by 1.03-1.16 mg/d on average. The actual warfarin dose in CYP2C9*13 variant carriers was approximately 40% lower than the algorithm-predicted dose. Adjusting the warfarin-dosing algorithm according to the CYP2C9*13 allele could reduce the dose prediction error.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the algorithm-predicted doses should be lowered for CYP2C9*13 carriers. Inclusion of the CYP2C9*13 variant in the warfarin-dosing algorithm tends to predict the warfarin maintenance dose more accurately and improves the efficacy and safety of warfarin administration in Han Chinese patients.

Enzymatic activity of 38 CYP2C9 genotypes on ibuprofen

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Ibuprofen, a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used clinically for pain relief and antipyretic treatment worldwide. However, regular or long-term use of ibuprofen may lead to a series of adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension and kidney injury. Previous studies have shown that CYP2C9 gene polymorphism plays an important role in the elimination of various drugs, which leads to the variation in drug efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 38 CYP2C9 genotypes on ibuprofen metabolism.

METHODS

Thirty-eight recombinant human CYP2C9 microsomal enzymes were obtained using a frugiperda 21 insect expression system according to a previously described method. Assessment of the catalytic function of these variants was completed via a mature incubation system: 5 pmol CYP2C9*1 and 38 CYP2C9 variants recombinant human microsomes, 5 μL cytochrome B5, ibuprofen (5-1000 μM), and Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.4). The ibuprofen metabolite contents were determined using HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis included a UV detector, Plus-C18 column, and mobile phase [50% acetonitrile and 50% water (containing 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid)]. The kinetic parameters of the CYP2C9 genotypes were obtained by Michaelis-Menten curve fitting.

RESULTS

The intrinsic clearance (CL_int) of eight variants was not significantly different from CYP2C9*1; four CYP2C9 variants (CYP2C9*38, *44, *53 and *59) showed significantly higher CL_int (increase by 35%-230%) than that of the wild-type; the remaining twenty-six variants exhibited significantly reduced CL_int (reduced by 30%-99%) compared to that of the wild-type.

CONCLUSION

This is the first systematic evaluation of the catalytic characteristics of 38 CYP2C9 genotypes involved ibuprofen metabolism. Our results provide a corresponding supplement to studies on CYP2C9 gene polymorphisms and kinetic characteristics of different variants. We need to focus on poor metabolizers (PMs) with severely abnormal metabolic functions, because they are more susceptible to drug exposure.

Identification and in vitro functional assessment of 10 CYP2C9 variants found in Chinese Han subjects

Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) participates in about 15% of clinical drug metabolism, and its polymorphism is associated with individual drug metabolism differences, which may lead to the adverse drug reactions (ADRs). In this study, 1163 Chinese Han individuals were recruited to investigate their distribution pattern of CYP2C9 gene and find out the variants that may affect their drug metabolic activities. We successfully developed a multiplex PCR amplicon sequencing method and used it for the genetic screening of CYP2C9 in a large scale. Besides the wild type CYP2C9*1, totally 26 allelic variants of CYP2C9 were detected, which included 16 previously reported alleles and 10 new non-synonymous variants that had not been listed on the PharmVar website. The characteristics of these newly detected CYP2C9 variants were then evaluated after co-expressing them with CYPOR in S. cerevisiae microsomes. Immunoblot analysis revealed that except for Pro163Ser, Glu326Lys, Gly431Arg and Ile488Phe, most of newly detected variants showed comparable protein expression levels to wild type in yeast cells. Two typical CYP2C9 probe drugs, losartan and glimepiride, were then used for the evaluation of metabolic activities of variants. As a result, 3 variants Thr301Met, Glu326Lys, and Gly431Arg almost lost their catalytic activities and most of other variants exhibited significantly elevated activities for drug metabolism. Our data not only enriches the knowledge of naturally occurring CYP2C9 variants in the Chinese Han population, but also provides the fundamental evidence for its potential clinical usage for personalized medicine in the clinic.

Identification and drug metabolic characterization of four new CYP2C9 variants CYP2C9*72-*75 in the Chinese Han population

Cytochrome 2C9 (CYP2C9), one of the most important drug metabolic enzymes in the human hepatic P450 superfamily, is required for the metabolism of 15% of clinical drugs. Similar to other CYP2C family members, CYP2C9 gene has a high genetic polymorphism which can cause significant racial and inter-individual differences in drug metabolic activity. To better understand the genetic distribution pattern of CYP2C9 in the Chinese Han population, 931 individuals were recruited and used for the genotyping in this study. As a result, seven synonymous and 14 non-synonymous variations were identified, of which 4 missense variants were designated as new alleles CYP2C9*72, *73, *74 and *75, resulting in the amino acid substitutions of A149V, R150C, Q214H and N418T, respectively. When expressed in insect cell microsomes, all four variants exhibited comparable protein expression levels to that of the wild-type CYP2C9 enzyme. However, drug metabolic activity analysis revealed that these variants exhibited significantly decreased catalytic activities toward three CYP2C9 specific probe drugs, as compared with that of the wild-type enzyme. These data indicate that the amino acid substitution in newly designated variants can cause reduced function of the enzyme and its clinical significance still needs further investigation in the future.

Clinical significance of the series of CYP2C9*non3 variants, an unignorable predictor of warfarin sensitivity in Chinese population

Backgrounds

Gene polymorphisms are critical for variations in warfarin dose. To date, more than 70 CYP2C9 alleles have been identified. This study was designed to clarify the clinical significance of CYP2C9*non-3 variants to warfarin sensitivity in Chinese Han patients.

Methods

The entire CYP2C9 gene region was sequenced in 1,993 individuals, and clinical data and VKORC1 genotypes were collected from 986 patients with atrial fibrillation treated with warfarin. The SKAT-O method was used to analyze the effects of CYP2C9*non-3 variants on warfarin sensitivity.

Results

A total of 20 CYP2C9 variants were identified, of which four were novel. Carriers with CYP2C9*non-3 variants may have lower warfarin dose requirements, and similar to CYP2C9*3, CYP2C9*non-3 variants are clearly relevant to warfarin-sensitive and highly sensitive responders.

Conclusion

Our results showed that, besides CYP2C9*3, the series of CYP2C9*non-3 variants is an unignorable predictor for warfarin sensitivity in Chinese population. From a safety consideration, people carried such variants may need a preferred choice of NOACs when they started anticoagulation therapy.

Hyper-responsiveness to warfarin in a young patient with the VKORC1 -1639GA/CYP2C9*1*46 genotype: a case report

BACKGROUND

Warfarin is the most widely used oral anticoagulant; nevertheless, dosing of warfarin is problematic for clinicians worldwide. Inter-individual variability in response to warfarin is attributed to genetic as well as non-genetic factors. Pharmacogenomics studies have identified variants in CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes as significant predictors of warfarin dose, however, phenotypes of rare variants are not well characterized.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of hyper-responsiveness to warfarin in a 22-year-old outpatient with Crohn's disease who presented with a swollen, red, and painful left calf. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the left lower extremity was confirmed via ultrasonography, and hence, anticoagulation therapy of heparin and concomitant warfarin was initiated. Warfarin dose of 7.5 mg/day was estimated by the physician based on clinical factors. Higher than the expected international normalized ratio (INR) value of 4.5 necessitated the reduction of the warfarin dose to 5 and eventually to 2.5 mg/day to reach a therapeutic INR value of 2.6. Pharmacogenetic profiling of the VKORC1 -1639G > A and CYP2C9 *2, *3, *4, *5, *8, *14, *20, *24, *26, *33, *40, *41, *42, *43, *45, *46, *55, *62, *63, *66, *68, *72, *73 and *78 revealed a VKORC1-1639GA/CYP2C9*1*46 genotype. The lower catalytic activity of the CYP2C9*46 (A149T) variant was previously reported in in vitro settings.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report on a case of warfarin hyper-responsive phenotype of a patient with the heterozygous CYP2C9*1*46 polymorphism.

Genetic Epidemiology of Medication Safety and Efficacy Related Variants in the Central Han Chinese Population With Whole Genome Sequencing

Medication safety and efficacy-related pharmacogenomic research play a critical role in precision medicine. This study comprehensively analyzed the pharmacogenomic profiles of the central Han Chinese population in the context of medication safety and efficacy and compared them with other global populations. The ultimate goal is to improve medical treatment guidelines. We performed whole-genome sequencing in 487 Han Chinese individuals and investigated the allele frequencies of pharmacogenetic variants in 1,731 drug response-related genes. We identified 2,139 (81.18%) previously reported variants in our population with annotations in the PharmGKB database. The allele frequencies of these 2,139 clinical-related variants were similar to those in other East Asian populations but different from those in other global populations. We predicted the functional effects of nonsynonymous variants in the 1,731 pharmacogenes and identified 1,281 novel and 4,442 previously reported deleterious variants. Of the 1,281 novel deleterious variants, five are common variants with an allele frequency >5%, and the rest are rare variants with an allele frequency <5%. Of the 4,442 known deleterious variants, the allele frequencies were found to differ from those in other populations, of which 146 are common variants. In addition, we found many variants in non-coding regions, the functions of which require further investigation. This study compiled a large amount of data on pharmacogenomic variants in the central Han Chinese population. At the same time, it provides insight into the role of pharmacogenomic variants in clinical medication safety and efficacy.

Enzymatic activity on valsartan of 38 CYP2C9 variants from the Chinese population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Valsartan is widely used for the treatment of moderate hypertension. However, previous studies have found that efficacy of the valsartan depends on the dose and intake. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 metabolizes ∼15% of the clinical drugs. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2C9 markedly affect the safety and effectiveness of many drugs, which might lead to adverse reactions and therapeutic failure. Twenty-four novel CYP2C9 variants (*36-*60) had been previously discovered via gene sequencing in the Han population. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of 38 CYP2C9 variants from the Chinese population on valsartan metabolism compared with CYP2C9*1 in vitro.

METHODS

Wild-type CYP2C9*1 and other CYP2C9 variants were expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda 21 insect cells. Incubations were performed at 37 °C with 20-2000 μM substrate for 30 min. The metabolite 4-OH valsartan was determined via UPLC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

Among the 38 CYP2C9 variants, the enzymatic activities of most variants were significantly altered compared with the wild-type. Three variants (CYP2C9*27, *40 and *49) exhibited increased intrinsic clearance values (134-153% relative clearance). However, 12 variants (CYP *8, *13, *16, *19, *33, *36, *42, *43, *45, *52, *54, *58) caused >90% decreases in the relative clearance of valsartan compared to CYP2C9*1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research provides systematic data for evaluating the effects of CYP2C9 variants on valsartan metabolism in the Chinese population. These results will expand our understanding of the impact of CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms on valsartan metabolism and will contribute to precision medicine.

CYP2C9 (*2&*3) and CYP2C19 (*2&*3) polymorphisms among children with nonlesional epilepsy: a single-center study

Cytochrome (CYP) P450 enzymes are responsible for metabolism of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and encoded by highly polymorphic genes. A case-control study was conducted in Mansoura University Children's Hospital, Egypt including 100 children with nonlesional epilepsy (50 AEDs responders and 50 resistant cases) and 50 healthy controls. All participants were investigated for frequencies of CYP2C9 (*2&*3) and CYP2C19 (*2&*3) genotypes and alleles using polymerase chain reaction. The current study reported higher frequencies of CYP2C9*2 (CT) genotype and (T) allele among responsive and resistant groups than controls (P < 0.001). Frequency of (TT) genotype was higher in resistant than responsive group (P = 0.02, OR 12, 95% CI 1.2-122.3). No significant differences were detected between responsive and resistant groups regarding CYP2C9*2 alleles (P = 0.2). CYP2C9*3 (AC) genotype was more frequent in controls than other groups (P < 0.001). No significant differences were detected between responsive and resistant groups regarding neither CYP2C9*3 genotypes nor alleles (P = 0.11 and 0.2, respectively). CYP2C19*2&*3 (GA) genotypes and (A) alleles were more frequent in responsive and resistant groups than controls (P < 0.001). No significant differences were detected between responsive and resistant groups regarding neither CYP2C19*2&*3 genotypes nor alleles (P = 0.21 and 0.89 for CYP2C19*2; P = 1 and 0.77 for CYP2C19*3). The CYP2C9*2 (TT) genotype, earlier seizure onset and higher seizures frequency were associated with higher risks of refractory epilepsy. We concluded that heterozygous genotypes of CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C19 (*2&*3) and mutant alleles of studied variants were more frequent among children with nonlesional epilepsy. CYP2C9*2 (TT) genotype increased refractory epilepsy susceptibility.

Allele and genotype frequencies of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP3A7, and GSTP1 gene polymorphisms among mainland Tibetan, Mongolian, Uyghur, and Han Chinese populations

Over 50% prescribed drugs are metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP1) adds a glutathione to the oxidative products by CYP3A, which increases the hydrophilic property of metabolites and facilitates the excretion. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP3A and GSTP1 show a diverse allele and genotype frequencies distribution among the world populations. The present study aimed to investigate the genotype and allele frequency distribution patterns of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP3A7 and GSTP1 polymorphisms among healthy participants in mainland Tibetan, Mongolian, Uyghur, and Han Chinese populations. Blood samples were collected from 842 unrelated healthy subjects (323 Tibetan, 134 Mongolian, 162 Uyghur, and 223 Han) for genotyping analysis. Variant allele frequencies of CYP3A4 rs2242480, CYP3A5 rs776746, CYP3A7 rs2257401, and GSTP1 Ile105Val were observed in Han (0.253, 0.686, 0.312 and 0.188), Tibetan (0.186, 0.819, 0.192 and 0.173), Mongolian (0.198, 0.784, 0.228 and 0.235) and Uyghur (0.179, 0.858, 0.182 and 0.250) respectively. The allele frequency of CYP3A7*1C in Uyghur (0.019) was higher than that in Tibetan (0.002, p < 0.01). There was a strong linkage disequilibrium between CYP3A4 rs2242480, CYP3A5 rs776746, and CYP3A7 rs2257401 among the four ethnic groups. The results might be useful for the precise medication in the Chinese populations.

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling for prediction of celecoxib pharmacokinetics according to CYP2C9 genetic polymorphism

Celecoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a representative selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, which is commonly prescribed for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute pain, and primary dysmenorrhea. It is mainly metabolized by CYP2C9 and partly by CYP3A4 after oral administration. Many studies reported that CYP2C9 genetic polymorphism has significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of celecoxib and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions. The aim of this study was to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of celecoxib according to CYP2C9 genetic polymorphism for personalized pharmacotherapy. Initially, a clinical pharmacokinetic study was conducted where a single dose (200 mg) of celecoxib was administered to 39 healthy Korean subjects with CYP2C9*1/*1 or CYP2C9*1/*3 genotypes to obtain data for PBPK development. Based on the conducted pharmacokinetic study and a previous pharmacokinetic study involving subjects with CYP2C9*1/*13 and CYP2C9*3/*3 genotype, PBPK model for celecoxib was developed. A PBPK model for CYP2C9*1/*1 genotype group was developed and then scaled to other genotype groups (CYP2C9*1/*3, CYP2C9*1/*13 and CYP2C9*3/*3). After model development, model validation was performed with comparison of five pharmacokinetic studies. As a result, the developed PBPK model of celecoxib successfully described the pharmacokinetics of each CYP2C9 genotype group and its predicted values were within the acceptance criterion. Additionally, all the predicted values were within two-fold error range in comparison to the previous pharmacokinetic studies. This study demonstrates the possibility of determining the appropriate dosage of celecoxib for each individual through the PBPK modeling with CYP2C9 genomic information. This approach could contribute to the reduction of adverse drug reactions of celecoxib and enable precision medicine.

Han Chinese specific cytochrome P450 polymorphisms and their impact on the metabolism of anti-hypertensive drugs with adrenoreceptor blocking properties

Introduction: Cytochrome P450 (CYP) is a monooxygenase superfamily mediating the elimination of anti-hypertensive drugs. Polymorphisms of CYP would lead to differential drug efficacy. Building relationships between genotype and phenotype will benefit individual medical treatment of hypertension.Areas covered: The review systematically summarizes the polymorphisms of four CYPs (CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4) concentrated distributed in the Han Chinese population. Moreover, the activity of variants on metabolizing anti-hypertensive drugs are reviewed, especially drugs with adrenoceptor blocking properties, as well as their clinical relevancies.Expert opinion: The polymorphisms of CYP can cause stratification in drug exposure of antihypertensive drugs. Although the clinical relevance has been built partially, the translational medicine still lacks reliable data support. Furthermore, the studies have demonstrated that even the same CYP variant will exhibit different catalytic capability for different drugs, which is another obstacle to hinder its application. With the deepening of multiomics research and structural biology, nucleotide polymorphisms can be combined with transcriptome, proteome, metabolome and molecular structure analyses to study the susceptibility to hypertension and drug efficacy. A complete data chain would be further estabolished by combining studies of pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics, which can effectively promote the precise application of anti-hypertensive drugs.

Metabolizer phenotype prediction in different Peruvian ethnic groups through CYP2C9 polymorphisms

OBJECTIVES

The CYP2C9 gene have three common alleles, CYP2C9*1, CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3, associated with different homozygous (*1/*1, *2/*2 and *3/*3) and heterozygous (*1/*2 and *1/*3) genotypes, which in turn are related to extensive (gEM), intermediate (gIM) and poor (gPM) metabolizers. Likewise, the inter-ethnic variability was intimately associated with different drug metabolism. Therefore, the aim of the present study was predict the metabolizer phenotypes in different Peruvian ethnic groups from lowland (<2,500 m) and highland (>2,500 m).

METHODS

TaqMan genotyping assays were performed in a group of 174 healthy unrelated Peruvian individuals.

RESULTS

In this study, the allelic comparison between the three eco-regions showed that the CYP2C9*1 was the most common in Andean (96.32%); the *2 was the most frequent in Coast (7.45%, p<0.05). Regarding the *3 was the most common in Amazonian (6.25%, p<0.05). In a corroborative manner, the gEM was the most common in Andean (94.74%), the gIM in Coast (17.02%) and gPM in Amazonian (6.25%) populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides a valuable source of information about to metabolizer phenotype drugs in different Peruvian ethnic groups. In this way, it could be established suitable genetic-dosage medicaments for various common diseases in these heterogenetic populations.

Identification and Enzymatic Activity Evaluation of a Novel CYP2C9 Allelic Variant Discovered in a Patient

Warfarin is a widely prescribed anticoagulant but the doses required to attain the optimum therapeutic effect exhibit dramatic inter-individual variability. Pharmacogenomics-guided warfarin dosing has been recommended to improve safety and effectiveness. We analyzed the cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) and vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) genes among 120 patients taking warfarin. A new coding variant was identified by sequencing CYP2C9. The novel A > G mutation at nucleotide position 14,277 led to an amino acid substitution of isoleucine with valine at position 213 (I213V). The functional consequence of the variant was subsequently evaluated in vitro. cDNA of the novel variant was constructed by site-directed mutagenesis and the recombinant protein was expressed in vitro using a baculovirus–insect cell expression system. The recombinant protein expression was quantified at apoprotein and holoprotein levels. Its enzymatic activities toward tolbutamide, warfarin and losartan were then assessed. It exhibited changed apparent Km values and increases of 148%, 84% and 67% in the intrinsic clearance of tolbutamide, warfarin and losartan, respectively, compared to wild-type CYP2C9*1, indicating dramatically enhanced in vitro enzymatic activity. Our study suggests that the amino acid at position 213 in wild-type CYP2C9*1 may be important for the enzymatic activity of CYP2C9 toward tolbutamide, warfarin and losartan. In summary, a patient taking high-dose warfarin (6.0 mg/day) in order to achieve the target international normalized ratio was found to have a mutation in the CYP2C9 gene.

Functional characterization of the defective CYP2C9 variant CYP2C9*18

Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) is one of the most important drugs metabolizing enzymes and accounts for the metabolism of about 13%-17% of clinical drugs. Like other members in CYP2 family, CYP2C9 gene exhibits great genetic polymorphism among different races and individuals. CYP2C9*18 is one CYP2C9 allelic variant identified in a Southeast Asian population and is estimated to cause the amino acid substitutions of I359L and D397A in CYP2C9 enzyme simultaneously. Limited by the low expression level in bacteria and COS-7 cells, no valuable enzyme kinetics have been reported on this CYP2C9 variant. In this study, the baculovirus-based system was used for the high expression of recombinant CYP2C9 s in insect cells. As a result, together with I359L substitution, D397A could significantly decrease the protein expression of CYP2C9.18 in insect cells, although substitution of D397A alone had no effect on the expression of CYP2C9 in vitro. As compared with that of wild-type enzyme, both CYP2C9.18 variant and D397A variant could decrease more than 80% of the catalytic activity of CYP2C9 enzyme toward three probe substrates, suggesting that caution should be exercised when patients carrying CYP2C9*18 taking medicines metabolized by CYP2C9 enzyme with a narrow therapeutic window.

Pharmacogenetics of tamoxifen therapy in Asian populations: from genetic polymorphism to clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

Compared with western countries, Asian breast cancer patients have unique pathological and biological characteristics. Most of them are premenopausal women with HR positive. Tamoxifen as the first-line drug for premenopausal women with HR+ is involved in multiple enzymes and transporters during metabolizing and transporting process. Variants that cause decreased or inactive gene products leading to abnormal responses in tamoxifen therapy have well been studied in western countries, whereas such information is much less reported in Asian populations.

OBJECTIVE

In order to elucidate the relationship between genetic variants and tamoxifen-induced individual drug reactions in different Asian populations and further identify genotypes/phenotypes with potential therapeutic significance.

METHODS

We reviewed the frequencies of genetic variants in major enzymes and transporter genes involved in the metabolism and transport of tamoxifen across Asian populations as well as significant correlations between genotypes/metabolic phenotypes and metabolites concentrations or BC clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Significant inter-ethnic differences in allele frequencies was found among Asian populations, such as CYP2D6*4, *10, *41, CYP2C9*2, ABCB1 C3435T and SLCO1B1*5, and CYP2D6*10/*10 is the most common genotype correlated with adverse clinical outcomes. Moreover, we summarized the barriers and controversies of implementing pharmacogenetics in tamoxifen therapy and concluded that more population-specific pharmacogenetic studies are needed in the future.

CONCLUSION

This review revealed more systematic pharmacogenomics of genes involved in the metabolism and transport besides CYP2D6, are required to optimize the genotyping strategies and guide the personalized tamoxifen therapy in Asian populations.

CYP2C9 Variations and Their Pharmacogenetic Implications Among Diverse South Asian Populations

Introduction

Allelic frequency distribution of drug metabolizing enzyme genes among populations is important to identify risk groups for adverse drug reaction and to select representative populations for clinical trials. Although India emerged as an important hub for clinical trials, information about the pharmacogenetic diversity for this region is still lacking. Here, we investigated genetic diversity of cytochrome-P450-2C9 (CYP2C9) gene which metabolizes wide range of drugs and is highly expressed in the human liver.

Methods

In total, 1278 individuals from 36 diverse Indian populations, 210 individuals from in-house data-repository and 489 other South Asian samples from the 1000 Genomes Project were selected. Variants observed in CYP2C9 gene were subjected to various statistical analyses.

Results

High frequency of CYP2C9*3 (~13%) and CYP2C9*3/*3 (~1%) was observed among South Asians, compared to 21 populations living outside the Indian subcontinent. The allelic/genotypic frequency does not correlate with geographical location or linguistic affiliation, except populations speaking Tibeto-Burmans language, who have lower frequency of CYP2C9*3 and CYP2C9*3/*3. Since, South Asians practice strict endogamy, presence of unique mutation and high frequency of homozygous genotypes not surprising. CYP2C9*3 has been associated with therapeutic response.The effect of CYP2C9*3/*3 is more pronounced compared to heterozygous and wild type homozygous genotypes as evident in many in vitro studies. As South Asians have high frequency, it would be interesting to explore potential of CYP2C9*3 as a marker for personalized therapy. Our study revealed several rare functional variants, which form eight novel and rare haplotypes of CYP2C9 (CYP2C9*63–*70). Of which, CYP2C9*64, *65, *66, *68, *69 and *70 haplotypes are South Asian-specific.

Conclusion

Overall, we find high genetic heterogeneity within South Asians and identified South Asian-specific putative functional CYP2C9 haplotypes. High frequency of CYP2C9*3 and CYP2C9*3/*3 was observed in South Asian populations. Taken together, current study greatly enriches the knowledge of naturally occurring CYP2C9 variants and its diversity in South Asia, which are relevant to further CYP2C9-related functional research and for personalized medicine.

Functional Measurement of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 Allelic Polymorphism on Sildenafil Metabolism

Aim

We aimed to systematically examine the effects of enzymatic activity of 38 human CYP2C9 alleles and 21 human CYP3A4 alleles, including wild-type CYP2C9.1 and CYP3A4.1, which contain the 24 CYP2C9 novel alleles (*36–*60) and 6 CYP3A4 novel alleles (*28–*34) newly found in the Chinese population, on sildenafil metabolism through in vitro experiment.

Methods

The recombinant cytochrome P450 alleles protein of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 expressed in insect baculovirus expression system were reacted with 10–500 µM sildenafil for 30 minutes at 37°C, and the reaction was terminated by cooling to −80°C immediately. Next, we used ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) detection system to detect sildenafil and its active metabolite N-desmethyl sildenafil.

Results

The intrinsic clearance (Vmax/Km) values of most CYP2C9 variants were significantly altered when compared with the wild-type CYP2C9*1, with most of these variants exhibiting either reduced Vmax and/or increased Km values. Four alleles (CYP2C9*11, *14, *31, *49) exhibited no markedly decreased relative clearance (1-fold). The relative clearance of the remaining thirty-three variants exhibited decrease in different levels, ranging from 1.81% to 88.42%. For the CYP3A4 metabolic pathway, when compared with the wild-type CYP3A4*1, the relative clearance values of four variants (CYP3A4*3, *10, *14 and *I335T) showed significantly higher relative clearance (130.7–134.9%), while five variants (CYP3A4*2, *5, *24, *L22V and *F113I) exhibited sharply reduced relative clearance values (1.80–74.25%), and the remaining nine allelic variants showed no statistical difference. In addition, the kinetic parameters of two CYP3A4 variants (CYP3A4*17 and CYP3A4*30) could not be detected, due to the defect of the CYP3A4 gene.

Conclusion

These findings were the first evaluation of all these infrequent CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 alleles for sildenafil metabolism; when treating people who carry these CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 variants, there should be more focus on the relation of dose intensity, side effects and therapeutic efficacy when administering sildenafil. The study will provide fundamental data on effect of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 allelic variation on sildenafil metabolism for further clinical research.

Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling to Predict the Impact of CYP2C9 Genetic Polymorphisms, Co-Medication and Formulation on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Flurbiprofen

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) models can serve as a powerful framework for predicting the influence as well as the interaction of formulation, genetic polymorphism and co-medication on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drug substances. In this study, flurbiprofen, a potent non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug, was chosen as a model drug. Flurbiprofen has absolute bioavailability of ~95% and linear pharmacokinetics in the dose range of 50–300 mg. Its absorption is considered variable and complex, often associated with double peak phenomena, and its pharmacokinetics are characterized by high inter-subject variability, mainly due to its metabolism by the polymorphic CYP2C9 (fmCYP2C9 ≥ 0.71). In this study, by leveraging in vitro, in silico and in vivo data, an integrated PBPK/PD model with mechanistic absorption was developed and evaluated against clinical data from PK, PD, drug-drug and gene-drug interaction studies. The PBPK model successfully predicted (within 2-fold) 36 out of 38 observed concentration-time profiles of flurbiprofen as well as the CYP2C9 genetic effects after administration of different intravenous and oral dosage forms over a dose range of 40–300 mg in both Caucasian and Chinese healthy volunteers. All model predictions for C_max, AUC_inf and CL/F were within two-fold of their respective mean or geometric mean values, while 90% of the predictions of C_max, 81% of the predictions of AUC_inf and 74% of the predictions of Cl/F were within 1.25 fold. In addition, the drug-drug and drug-gene interactions were predicted within 1.5-fold of the observed interaction ratios (AUC, C_max ratios). The validated PBPK model was further expanded by linking it to an inhibitory E_max model describing the analgesic efficacy of flurbiprofen and applying it to explore the effect of formulation and genetic polymorphisms on the onset and duration of pain relief. This comprehensive PBPK/PD analysis, along with a detailed translational biopharmaceutic framework including appropriately designed biorelevant in vitro experiments and in vitro-in vivo extrapolation, provided mechanistic insight on the impact of formulation and genetic variations, two major determinants of the population variability, on the PK/PD of flurbiprofen. Clinically relevant specifications and potential dose adjustments were also proposed. Overall, the present work highlights the value of a translational PBPK/PD approach, tailored to target populations and genotypes, as an approach towards achieving personalized medicine.

Effects of rare CYP2C9 alleles on stable warfarin doses in Chinese Han patients with atrial fibrillation

Aim: Gene polymorphisms are critical in warfarin dosing variation. Here, the role of rare CYP2C9 alleles on warfarin doses in Chinese Han patients was investigated. Methods: A retrospective study recruited 681 warfarin treated atrial fibrillation patients. The genetic and clinical data were collected. Dose-related variables were selected by univariate analyses and the warfarin-dosing algorithm was derived by multivariate regression analysis. Results: Three rare CYP2C9 alleles (CYP2C9*13, *16 and *60) were associated with lower stable doses. Inclusion of the rare CYP2C9 alleles in the prediction model added an extra 3.7% warfarin dose predictive power. Conclusion: CYP2C9*13, *16 and *60 was associated with lower stable warfarin doses in Chinese patients. The algorithm including rare CYP2C9 alleles tends to more accurately predict stable warfarin doses.

Pharmacogenetic-Guided Algorithm to Improve Daily Dose of Warfarin in Elder Han-Chinese Population

Objectives

To verify the accuracy of the International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium (IWPC) algorithm, identify the effects of genetic and clinical factors on warfarin stable dose, and to establish a new warfarin stable dose prediction algorithm for the elderly Han-Chinese population under the guidance of pharmacogenetics.

Methods

According to the inclusion criteria, 544 non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients taking warfarin for anticoagulation treatment were enrolled. Data information of three groups including the whole population, people under 65 years old and over 65 years old were substituted into the IWPC algorithm respectively to verify its accuracy. The basic data and clinical information of 360 elderly people were collected for statistical analysis and the genotypes of VKORC1-G1639A and CYP2C9 were detected by Sanger sequencing. The new algorithm of the elder pharmacogenetics warfarin dosing was obtained by stepwise multiple regression. The determination coefficient (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE), and the proportion of the predicted value within the true value range of ±20%(20%-p) were used to evaluate the accuracy of the IWPC algorithm and the new algorithm.

Results

Among the three different age groups, the warfarin stable dose predictive accuracy of IWPC algorithm was the lowest in the elderly patients above 65-year-old. In this study, the important factors influencing the stable dose of warfarin in the elderly Han-Chinese were height, weight, body surface area, serum creatinine level, amiodarone usage, CYP2C9 (*1*2, *1*3), and VKORC1 (GG/GA) genotypes. By means of stepwise multiple regression analysis, we established a new elder warfarin dosing algorithm (R²=0.3714) containing height, creatinine, amiodarone usage, CYP2C9 (*1*2 or *1*3), and VKORC1 (GA or GG) genotypes. The prediction accuracy and clinical availability of the Elderly algorithm was significantly better than that of IWPC algorithm verified by RMSE, R2, and (20%-p) methods.

Conclusions

The IWPC model may not be suitable for the elder Han-Chinese population. Polymorphism of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 obviously affected warfarin stable dose of the elder Han-Chinese. Combination of genetic data with demographic and clinical factors could help to better improve warfarin doses in the elder Han-Chinese population.

An identification and functional evaluation of a novel CYP2C9 variant CYP2C9*62

Warfarin is the most commonly used anticoagulant in the clinical treatment of thromboembolic diseases. The dose of warfarin varies significantly within populations, and the dose is closely related to the genetic polymorphisms of the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes. In this study, a new CYP2C9 nonsynonymous mutation (8576C > T) was detected after the genetic screening of 162 patients took warfarin. This mutation, named as the new allele CYP2C9*62, can result in an arginine to cysteine amino acid substitution at position 125 of the CYP2C9 protein (R125C). When expressed in insect cells, the protein expression of CYP2C9.62 was significantly lower than that of the wild-type, and its metabolic activity was also significantly decreased after the addition of three typical CYP2C9 probe drugs, suggesting that the new mutant can dramatically affect the metabolism of CYP2C9 drugs in vitro.

Comparison between MassARRAY and pyrosequencing for CYP2C19 and ABCB1 gene variants of clopidogrel efficiency genotyping

Clopidogrel is one of the most frequently used drugs in patients to reduce cardiovascular events. Since patients with different genetic variations respond quite differently to clopidogrel therapy, the related genetic testing plays a vital role in its dosage and genetic testing related to clopidogrel therapy is currently considered as routine test worldwide. In this study, we aim to use two different methods MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and pyrosequencing to detect gene variant of CYP2C19 and ABCB1. Six single nucleotides polymorphisms (SNP) within CYP2C19 (*2, *3, *4, *5, *17) and ABCB1 C3435T in 458 Chinese Han patients were determined using both MassARRAY and Pyrosequencing. Sanger sequencing was used for verification. Results of both methods were analyzed and compared. Allele frequencies of each SNP and distribution of different genotypes were calculated based on the MassARRAY and Sanger sequencing results. Both methods provided 100% call rates for gene variants, while results of six samples were different with two methods. With Sanger sequencing as the reference results, MassARRAY generated all the same results. The minor allele frequencies of the above six SNPs were 27.1% (CYP2C19*), 5.9% (CYP2C19*3), 0% (CYP2C19*4), 0% (CYP2C19*5), 1.1% (CYP2C19*17), 40.9% (ABCB1), respectively. MassARRAY provides accurate clopidogrel related genotyping with relatively high cost-efficiency, throughput and short time when compared with pyrosequencing.

CYP2C19*2 Polymorphism Is Associated with Impaired Oral Clearance of Gliclazide in Healthy Chinese

Background

Previous studies suggest gliclazide is metabolised primarily by CYP2C19 rather than CYP2C9, unlike other sulphonylureas. CYP2C19 *2 and *3 polymorphisms are more common in Asians.

Methods

We investigated the effect of CYP2C19 polymorphisms on gliclazide pharmacokinetics in 15 healthy male Chinese subjects after a single 80mg oral dose.

Results

In CYP2C19 poor metabolisers (*2/*2, n=4), plasma area-under-the-curve was higher by nearly two-fold compared with intermediate metabolisers (*2 and *3 heterozygotes, n=7) and extensive metabolisers (*1/*1, n=4) (p<0.001). Apparent oral clearance was mean (SD) 0.70 (0.12), 1.22 (0.22) and 1.52 (0.47) mL/min/kg in poor, intermediate and extensive metabolisers, respectively (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

CYP2C19*2 polymorphism is associated with increased total gliclazide concentration and reduced oral clearance. Pharmacogenetic studies are warranted on the impact of CYP2C19 polymorphisms on treatment response and hypoglycaemia.

Pharmacogenetic relevant polymorphisms of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A5 in Bhutanese population

Background Marked differences among genotype frequencies (Caucasians, Asians, and Africans) have been observed in cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes. Data on the frequency of pharmacogenetic relevant polymorphisms in Bhutanese population is absent. This study aimed to investigate the frequencies of pharmacogenetic relevant polymorphisms of CYP2C9 (*2 and *3), CYP2C19 (*2 and *3), CYP2D6 (*10), and CYP3A5 (*3) in Bhutanese population. Methods Genotyping was performed in 443 DNA samples using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results For CYP2C9, allele frequencies of *2 and *3 variants were 0.339% and 0%, respectively. For CYP2C19, frequencies of *2 and *3 variants were 30.135% and 15.689%, respectively. Allele frequencies of CYP2D6*10 and CYP3A5*3 were 21.332% and 77.314%, respectively. Allele frequencies of CYP2C9*2 are similar to most Asians while CYP2C9*3 was absent. CYP2C19*2 showed a close resemblance to Japanese and Burmese, while CYP2C19*3 is near to Japanese and Korean. CYP2D6*10 is noticeably lower than other Asians. CYP3A5*3 is similar to East Asians (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean). Conclusions The Bhutanese population is polymorphic for these CYP genes, except for CYP2C9*3. Similar to other populations, genetic testing for these genes may, therefore, be helpful to obtain the benefit from pharmacological treatments and prevent adverse drug reactions.

Functional Characterization of Pharmcogenetic Variants of Human Cytochrome P450 2C9 in Korean Populations

Human cytochrome P450 2C9 is a highly polymorphic enzyme that is required for drug and xenobiotic metabolism. Here, we studied eleven P450 2C9 genetic variants—including three novel variants F69S, L310V, and Q324X—that were clinically identified in Korean patients. P450 2C9 variant enzymes were expressed in Escherichia coli and their bicistronic membrane fractions were prepared The CO-binding spectra were obtained for nine enzyme variants, indicating P450 holoenzymes, but not for the M02 (L90P) variant. The M11 (Q324X) variant could not be expressed due to an early nonsense mutation. LC-MS/MS analysis was performed to measure the catalytic activities of the P450 2C9 variants, using diclofenac as a substrate. Steady-state kinetic analysis revealed that the catalytic efficiency of all nine P450 2C9 variants was lower than that of the wild type P450 2C9 enzyme. The M05 (R150L) and M06 (P279T) variants showed high k_cat values; however, their K_m values were also high. As the M01 (F69S), M03 (R124Q), M04 (R125H), M08 (I359L), M09 (I359T), and M10 (A477T) variants exhibited higher K_m and lower k_cat values than that of the wild type enzyme, their catalytic efficiency decreased by approximately 50-fold compared to the wild type enzyme. Furthermore, the novel variant M07 (L310V) showed lower k_cat and K_m values than the wild type enzyme, which resulted in its decreased (80%) catalytic efficiency. The X-ray crystal structure of P450 2C9 revealed the presence of mutations in the residues surrounding the substrate-binding cavity. Functional characterization of these genetic variants can help understand the pharmacogenetic outcomes.

Genetic insight into cytochrome P450 in Chinese from the Chinese Millionome Database

Genetic variations of cytochrome P450 (CYP) influence the inter-individual differences in drug response. Here, we collected 8682 variants of 57 CYP genes and cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) from a large-scale sequencing project in Chinese, Chinese Millionome Database (CMDB). In addition, 52 294 variants from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) had been simultaneously identified and analysed. Rare variants with a variant allele frequency (VAF) < 0.01 comprised 41.4% (3594/8682) of identified variations in the CMDB, while 98.1% (51 320/52 294) in the gnomAD were rare. Out of 8682 variants in the CMDB, 66.9% (5808/8682) were in introns and only 4.3% (377/8682) were missense variants. In contrast, 36.2% (18 929/52 294) variants in the gnomAD were missense. The common alleles with a VAF over 0.1 were found in CYP1A2*1C, CYP1A2*1F, CYP2C19*2, CYP2D6*2, CYP2D6*10, CYP3A5*3 and CYP4F2*3, with a VAF of 0.161, 0.6, 0.27, 0.274, 0.678, 0.92 and 0.233, respectively. The growing number of genetic variations in CYP genes as more genomes are sequenced would increase the power to predict drug metabolism and response based on the genotype of the particular individual.

Effect of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 Genotypes on the Efficacy of Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Southern Chinese Patients With Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, and age is strongly associated with the incidence of AD. This study aimed to investigate the association between the genotypes of CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP2C9 genes to the clinical efficacy and tolerability of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) in Chinese patients with AD. One hundred seventy-nine patients with AD with newly prescribed with ChEIs were recruited. The clinical response and tolerability were evaluated at baseline, 3rd-, 6th-, and 12th-month follow-ups and were compared according to their genotypes of CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP2C9. Among patients prescribed with donepezil/galantamine, CYP2D6*10 carriers showed significantly less side effects (P = .009). CYP2D6*10 carriers responded better to ChEIs and resulted in better improvement in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (P = .027) and Mini-Mental State Examination (P = .012). Further study is required to replicate the finding, and it might be useful for clinicians to decide the medication based on the patients' CYP genotypes.

Calling Star Alleles With Stargazer in 28 Pharmacogenes With Whole Genome Sequences

Variation in the enzymatic activity of pharmacogenes is defined by star alleles (haplotypes) comprised of single-nucleotide variants, small insertion-deletions, and large structural variants. We recently developed Stargazer, a next-generation sequencing-based tool to call star alleles for the clinically important CYP2D6 gene. Here, we present the utility of extending Stargazer to call star alleles for 28 pharmacogenes using whole genome sequencing (WGS) data. We applied Stargazer to WGS data from 70 ethnically diverse samples from the Genetic Testing Reference Materials Coordination Program (GeT-RM). These reference samples were extensively characterized by GeT-RM using multiple pharmacogenetic testing assays. In all 28 genes, Stargazer recalled 100% of star alleles (N = 92) present in GeT-RM's consensus genotypes (N = 1,559). Stargazer also detected star alleles not previously reported by GeT-RM, including complex structural variants. Our results demonstrate that combining WGS data and Stargazer enables automated, accurate, and comprehensive genotyping of pharmacogenes in the human genome.

Pharmacogenomic Next-Generation DNA Sequencing: Lessons from the Identification and Functional Characterization of Variants of Unknown Significance in CYP2C9 and CYP2C19

CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 are highly polymorphic pharmacogenes; however, clinically actionable genetic variability in drug metabolism due to these genes has been limited to a few common alleles. The identification and functional characterization of less-common open reading frame sequence variation might help to individualize therapy with drugs that are substrates for the enzymes encoded by these genes. The present study identified seven uncharacterized variants each in CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 using next-generation sequence data for 1013 subjects, and functionally characterized the encoded proteins. Constructs were created and transiently expressed in COS-1 cells for the assay of protein concentration and enzyme activities using fluorometric substrates and liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry with tolbutamide (CYP2C9) and (S)-mephenytoin (CYP2C19) as prototypic substrates. The results were compared with the SIFT, Polyphen, and Provean functional prediction software programs. Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CPR) activities were also determined. Positive correlations were observed between protein content and fluorometric enzyme activity for variants of CYP2C9 (P < 0.05) and CYP2C19 (P < 0.0005). However, CYP2C9 709G>C and CYP2C19 65A>G activities were much lower than predicted based on protein content. Substrate intrinsic clearance values for CYP2C9 218C>T, 343A>C, and CYP2C19 337G>A, 518C>T, 556C>T, and 557G>A were less than 25% of wild-type allozymes. CPR activity levels were similar for all variants. In summary, sequencing of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 in 1013 subjects identified low-frequency variants that had not previously been functionally characterized. In silico predictions were not always consistent with functional assay results. These observations emphasize the need for high-throughput methods for pharmacogene variant mutagenesis and functional characterization.

OATP1B3 (699G>A) and CYP2C9*2, *3 significantly influenced the transport and metabolism of glibenclamide and glipizide

Glibenclamide and glipizide show large substantial inter-individual variation in clinical efficacy, which may be resulted from the genetic differences of metabolic enzymes and transporters in individuals. This study purposed to investigate the effect of OATP1B3 and CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms on the transport and metabolism of glibenclamide and glipizide in human. An LC-MS method was used to determine the uptake of glibenclamide and glipizide in OATP1B3, OATP1B3 (344T > G) and OATP1B3 (699G > A)-HEK293T cells and their metabolism in CYP2C9*1, *2 and *3 recombinase system. Glibenclamide can be taken in OATP1B3 (wild-type), OATP1B3 (344T > G) and OATP1B3 (699G > A)-HEK293T cells with the V_max values of 44.91 ± 7.97, 46.08 ± 8.69, and 37.31 ± 5.04 pmol/min/mg, while glipizide was taken in with V_max of 16.50 ± 3.64, 16.87 ± 4.23, and 13.42 ± 2.79 pmol/min/mg, respectively. The internal clearance of glibenclamide and glipizide in OATP1B3 (699G > A) was less than that in wild-type. Glibenclamide can be metabolized in CYP2C9*1, *2 and *3 recombinase system with the V_max values of 1.58 ± 0.71, 0.69 ± 0.25, and 0.41 ± 0.13 nmol/min/mg protein, while glipizide was metabolized with V_max of 8.82 ± 2.78, 5.99 ± 1.95, and 2.87 ± 1.03 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. The internal clearance of glibenclamide and glipizide in CYP2C9*2 and *3 was markedly reduced compared to that in CYP2C9*1. These results collectively demonstrate that OATP1B3 (699G > A) and CYP2C9*2 and *3 have a significant influence on the transport and metabolism of glibenclamide and glipizide.

The effects of cytochrome P450 2C19 polymorphism on the metabolism of voriconazole in vitro

Background

CYP/CYP450 2C19 (CYP2C19) is a highly polymorphic enzyme and exhibits individual differences in metabolic activity. The purpose of this research was mainly to explore the catalytic activities of 30 CYP2C19 variants on the substrate voriconazole in vitro, including 24 novel CYP2C19 variants (2C19.2E-.2H, .2J, .3C, .29-.33, L16F, 35FS, R124Q, R125G, T130M, N231T, M255T, R261W, N277K, S303N, I327T, N403I, and A430V) found in Chinese Han population for the first time.

Methods

These CYP2C19 variants were expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf) 21 insect cells using the baculovirus-mediated expression system. The substrate voriconazole was incubated with the abovementioned proteins at 37°C for 30 minutes in an appropriate designed system. Then through detecting its major metabolite voriconazole N-oxide by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, available data were obtained to explain the influence of CYP2C19 polymorphisms on voriconazole.

Results

From the results, when compared to CYP2C19.1, most variants exhibited either reduced V_max and/or increased K_m value, indicating that the intrinsic clearance (V_max/K_m) values of most variants were significantly altered. The catalytic activities of 20 novel variants exhibited decreases in different degrees compared to CYP2C19.1, with relative clearance values ranging from 1.11% to 83.78%. However, L16F exhibited the increased catalytic activity for 135.68%. In addition, the kinetic parameters of four variants (2C19.2H, .3, 35FS, and R124Q) could not be detected, due to the defective gene.

Conclusion

This is the first study to report the effects of CYP2C19 polymorphisms on vori-conazole metabolism in vitro, and we hope these data could lay the foundation for the early clinical research and individualized treatment.

Genetic Polymorphisms and In Silico Mutagenesis Analyses of CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYPOR Genes in the Pakistani Population

Diverse distributions of pharmacogenetically relevant variants of highly polymorphic CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYPOR genes are responsible for some varied drug responses observed across human populations. There is limited data available regarding the pharmacogenetic polymorphisms and frequency distributions of major allele variants in the Pakistani population. The present in silico mutagenesis study conducted on genotype pharmacogenetic variants and comparative analysis with a global population aims to extend the currently limited pharmacogenetic available evidence for the indigenous Pakistani population. Extracted genomic DNA from 244 healthy individuals' venous blood samples were amplified for distinct variant loci in the CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYPOR genes. Two-way sequencing results were compared with standard PubMed data and sequence variant loci confirmed by Chromas. This study revealed significant variations in CYP2C9 (rs1799853, rs1057910 and rs72558189), CYP2D6 (rs16947 and rs1135840), and CYPOR (rs1057868, rs781919285 and rs562750402) variants in intraethnic and interethnic frequency distributions. In silico mutagenesis and three-dimensional protein structural alignment analysis approaches clearly exposed the possible varied impact of rare CYPOR (rs781919285 and rs562750402) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and confirmed that the influences of CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 variants are consistent with what was found in earlier studies. This investigation highlighted the need to study pharmacogenetic relevance loci and documentation since evidence could be utilized to elucidate genetic backgrounds of drug metabolism, and provide a basis for future pharmacogenomic studies and adequate dose adjustments in Pakistani and global populations.

Polymorphic analysis of CYP2C9 gene in Vietnamese population

Genetic variations in CYP2C9 are associated to inter-individual variability of drugs metabolism and response. The only report has been done previously mainly focusing on the common variant alleles of CYP2C9 in Vietnamese Kinh subjects. However, little is known about the complete spectrum of this gene polymorphism in different ethnic groups of Vietnam. We sequenced the promoter region and all exons of CYP2C9 in 100 healthy unrelated Vietnamese Kinh subjects. Additionally, common CYP2C9 variants, *2 and *3, were also analyzed by RFLP-PCR in extra 194 Kinh subjects and 279 of other four ethnic groups in Vietnam. The results of these common variants observed from five ethnic groups were compared with other populations in the world. Seven previously reported alleles and two genotypes were determined in Kinh subjects. The percentage of CYP2C9*1 and CYP2C9*3 alleles are 96.5 and 3.5%, respectively. We found one novel non-synonymous variant in exon 7 leading to amino acid change at 363 position from proline to histidine. Functional analysis by SIFT and Polyphen-2 indicated that this mutation is intolerant and probably damaging. Prevalence of CYP2C9*2 observed in Vietnamese population was significantly lower compared with that of other populations in the South and West of Asia as well as in Europe. This study provides information of genetic distribution pattern of CYP2C9 in Vietnamese, which would be useful for optimizing drug therapies in Vietnam.

CYP2C9 polymorphisms in epilepsy: influence on phenytoin treatment

Phenytoin (PHT) is an antiepileptic drug widely used in the treatment of focal epilepsy and status epilepticus, and effective in controlling focal seizures with and without tonic-clonic generalization and status epilepticus. The metabolization of PHT is carried out by two oxidative cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2C9 and CYP2C19; 90% of this metabolization is done by CYP2C9 and the remaining 10% by CYP2C19. Genetic polymorphism of CYP2C9 may reduce the metabolism of PHT by 25-50% in patients with variants *2 and *3 compared to those with wild-type variant *1. The frequency distribution of CYP2C9 polymorphism alleles in patients with epilepsy around the world ranges from 4.5 to 13.6%, being less frequent in African-Americans and Asians. PHT has a narrow therapeutic range and a nonlinear pharmacokinetic profile; hence, its poor metabolization has significant clinical implications as it causes more frequent and more serious adverse effects requiring discontinuation of treatment, even if it had been effective. There is evidence that polymorphisms of CYP2C9 and the use of PHT are associated with an increase in the frequency of some side effects, such as cerebellar atrophy, gingival hypertrophy or acute cutaneous reactions. The presence of HLA-B*15:02 and CYP2C9 *2 or *3 in the same patient increases the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis; hence, PHT should not be prescribed in these patients. In patients with CYP2C9 *1/*2 or *1/*3 alleles (intermediate metabolizers), the usual PHT maintenance dose (5-10 mg/kg/day) must be reduced by 25%, and in those with CYP2C9 *2/*2, *2/*3 or *3/*3 alleles (poor metabolizers), the dose must be reduced by 50%. It is controversial whether CYP2C9 genotyping should be done before starting PHT treatment. In this paper, we aim to review the influence of CYP2C9 polymorphism on the metabolization of PHT and the clinical implications of poor metabolization in the treatment of epilepsies.

Genistein Exposure Interferes with Pharmacokinetics of Celecoxib in SD Male Rats by UPLC-MS/MS

Objective

To discuss the effects of genistein on the metabolism of celecoxib in vitro and in vivo.

Method

In vitro, the effects of genistein on the metabolism of celecoxib were studied using rat and human liver microsomes. In vivo, pharmacokinetics of celecoxib was evaluated in rats with or without genistein. Fifteen Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into three groups: celecoxib (A group), celecoxib and 50 mg/kg genistein (B group), and celecoxib and 100 mg/kg genistein (C group). Single dose of 33.3 mg/kg celecoxib was orally administered 30 min after genistein ig. At 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 h after celecoxib administration, 300–400 µl blood samples were collected and the concentration of celecoxib was analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system.

Result

Genistein showed notable inhibitory effects on three microsomes. It affected pharmacokinetics of celecoxib in vivo experiments. Genistein had dramatically ability to suppress CYP2C9∗1 and ∗3. After pretreatment with genistein, AUC and C_max of the C group were higher than B group. CL_z/F of C group was lower than the B group.

Conclusion

Genistein inhibits the conversion of celecoxib in vitro and in vivo. So, the dosage of celecoxib should be adjusted if it was used associated with genistein.

Pharmacogenomics of CYP2C9: Functional and Clinical Considerations

CYP2C9 is the most abundant CYP2C subfamily enzyme in human liver and the most important contributor from this subfamily to drug metabolism. Polymorphisms resulting in decreased enzyme activity are common in the CYP2C9 gene and this, combined with narrow therapeutic indices for several key drug substrates, results in some important issues relating to drug safety and efficacy. CYP2C9 substrate selectivity is detailed and, based on crystal structures for the enzyme, we describe how CYP2C9 catalyzes these reactions. Factors relevant to clinical response to CYP2C9 substrates including inhibition, induction and genetic polymorphism are discussed in detail. In particular, we consider the issue of ethnic variation in pattern and frequency of genetic polymorphisms and clinical implications. Warfarin is the most well studied CYP2C9 substrate; recent work on use of dosing algorithms that include CYP2C9 genotype to improve patient safety during initiation of warfarin dosing are reviewed and prospects for their clinical implementation considered. Finally, we discuss a novel approach to cataloging the functional capabilities of rare 'variants of uncertain significance', which are increasingly detected as more exome and genome sequencing of diverse populations is conducted.

Metabolism of 7-ethoxycoumarin, flavanone and steroids by cytochrome P450 2C9 variants

CYP2C9 is a human microsomal cytochrome P450c (CYP). Much of the variation in CYP2C9 levels and activity can be attributed to polymorphisms of this gene. Wild-type CYP2C9 and mutants were coexpressed with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase in Escherichia coli. The hydroxylase activities toward 7-ethoxycoumarin, flavanone and steroids were examined. Six CYP2C9 variants showed Soret peaks (450 nm) typical of P450 in reduced CO-difference spectra. CYP2C9.38 had the highest 7-ethoxycoumarin de-ethylase activity. All the CYP2C9 variants showed lower flavanone 6-hydroxylation activities than CYP2C9.1 (the wild-type). CYP2C9.38 showed higher activities in testosterone 6β-hydroxylation, progesterone 6β-/16α-hydroxylation, estrone 11α-hydroxylation and estradiol 6α-hydroxylation than CYP2C9.1. CYP2C9.40 showed higher testosterone 17-oxidase activity than CYP2C9.1; CYP2C9.8 showed higher estrone 16α-hydroxylase activity and CYP2C9.12 showed higher estrone 11α-hydroxylase activity. CYP2C9.9 and CYP2C9.10 showed similar activities to CYP2C9.1. These results indicate that the substrate specificity of CYP2C9.9 and CYP2C9.10 was not changed, but CYP2C9.8, CYP2C9.12 and CYP2C9.40 showed different substrate specificity toward steroids compared with CYP2C9.1; and especially CYP2C9.38 displayed diverse substrate specificities towards 7-ethoxycoumarin and steroids.

Systematic screening for CYP3A4 genetic polymorphisms in a Han Chinese population

Aim: To systematically investigate the genetic polymorphisms of the CYP3A4 gene in a Han Chinese population. Materials & methods: The promoter and exons of CYP3A4 gene in 1114 unrelated, healthy Han Chinese subjects were amplified and genotyped by direct sequencing. Results: In total, five previously reported alleles (*1G, *4, *5, *18B and *23) were detected, of which one allele (*23) was reported for the first time in Han Chinese population. Additionally, seven novel exonic variants were also identified and designated as new alleles CYP3A4*28–*34. Conclusion: This study provides the most comprehensive data of CYP3A4 polymorphisms in Han Chinese population and detects the largest number of novel CYP3A4 alleles in one ethnic group.

Effect of 22 CYP2D6 variants found in the Chinese population on tolterodine metabolism in vitro

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) is an important member of the cytochrome P450 enzyme superfamily. We recently identified 22 novel variants in the Chinese population using PCR and bidirectional sequencing methods. The aim of this study is to characterize the enzymatic activity of these variants and their effects on the metabolism of the antimuscarinic drug tolterodine in vitro. A baculovirus-mediated expression system was used to express wild-type CYP2D6 and 24 variants (CYP2D6*2, CYP2D6*10, and 22 novel CYP2D6 variants) at high levels. The insect microsomes expressing CYP2D6 proteins were incubated with 0.1-50 μM tolterodine at 37 °C for 30 min and the metabolites were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system. Of the 24 CYP2D6 variants tested, 2 variants (CYP2D6*92 and CYP2D6*96) were found to be catalytically inactive, 4 variants (CYP2D6*94, F164L, F219S and D336N) exhibited markedly increased intrinsic clearance values (V_max/K_m) compared with the wild-type (from 66.34 to 99.79%), whereas 4 variants (CYP2D6*10, *93, *95 and E215K) exhibited significantly decreased values (from 49.02 to 98.50%). This is the first report of all these rare alleles for tolterodine metabolism and these findings suggest that more attention should be paid to subjects carrying these infrequent CYP2D6 alleles when administering tolterodine in the clinic.

Leukemia inhibitory factor stimulates steroidogenesis of rat immature Leydig cells via increasing the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has many physiological roles. However, its effects on Leydig cell development are still unclear. Rat immature and adult Leydig cells were cultured with different concentrations of LIF alone or in combination with luteinizing hormone (LH) for 24 h. LIF (1 and 10 ng/ml) significantly increased androgen production in immature Leydig cells, but had no effects on testosterone production in adult Leydig cells. Further studies revealed that LIF dose-dependently increased Star and Hsd17b3 expression levels in immature Leydig cells. Gene microarray revealed that the upregulation of anti-oxidative genes and Star might contribute to LIF-induced androgen production. In conclusion, LIF has stimulatory effects on androgen production in rat immature Leydig cells.

Mortality and Cardiovascular Risk of Sulfonylureas in South Asian, Chinese and Other Canadians with Diabetes

OBJECTIVES

Sulfonylureas have been inconsistently associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, there are no existing studies of long-term risk in South Asian and Chinese populations. Our objective was to determine whether sulfonylureas are associated with increased mortality or cardiovascular disease in a population cohort of South Asian, Chinese and other Canadian patients with incident diabetes.

METHODS

We studied a population-based cohort of adults 35 years of age or older who had diabetes and had been diagnosed between April 2004 and March 2014 by using administrative databases from British Columbia. The primary outcome was time to death from any cause or from a major cardiovascular event (MACE) with sulfonylurea treatment within each ethnicity. Propensity score modelling was applied using inverse probability of treatment weights. Results were stratified by agent and adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, income and other medications.

RESULTS

We included 208 870 patients: 13 755 South Asians, 22 871 Chinese, 172 244 other Canadians. Mortality and MACEs were higher in other Canadian patients for whom sulfonylureas had been prescribed (adjusted HR = 2.0; 95% confidence interval 1.9 to 2.2; and HR = 1.9, 1.7 to 2.2). Among Chinese and South Asian patients who had been prescribed sulfonylureas, mortality (HR = 2.6, 2.0 to 3.5; and HR = 2.4, 1.7 to 3.4, respectively) and MACEs (HR = 2.3; 1.4 to 4.0; and HR = 2.0, 1.2 to 3.2, respectively) were elevated.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the widespread use of sulfonylureas, there is a significant signal for increased mortality in all patients. In particular, increased mortality and MACEs were observed in South Asian and Chinese patients. These results should be confirmed in other studies, and patients of Asian descent should be included in clinical trials concerning diabetes.