Effects of CYP2C19 Genetic Polymorphisms on PK/PD Responses of Omeprazole in Korean Healthy Volunteers

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of CYP2C19*2 and *3 genetic polymorphisms on omeprazole pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) responses. Twenty-four healthy Korean volunteers were enrolled and given 20 mg omeprazole orally once daily for 8 days. The genotypes of CYP2C19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (*2, *3, and *17) were screened. The plasma concentrations of omeprazole, omeprazole sulfone, and 5-hydroxy (5-OH) omeprazole were determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The noncompartmental method was used for the determination of PK parameters. Change of mean pH and proportion (%) of time of gastric pH above 4.0 were estimated. The poor metabolizer (PM) group had the lowest metabolic ratio and exhibited the highest area under the curve (AUC) for omeprazole among the CYP2C19 phenotype groups. The PM group showed the greatest change of mean pH and the highest % time of gastric pH above 4.0. The relationship between AUC of omeprazole and % time of gastric pH above 4.0 was confirmed. The study demonstrates that CYP2C19*2 and *3 influence the PKs and PDs of omeprazole in Korean healthy volunteers. Clinical trial registry at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (https://clinicaltrials.gov), number NCT02299687.

Clinical and psychological characteristics of propofol abusers in Korea: a survey of propofol abuse in 38, non-healthcare professionals / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of propofol abuse based on the results of a survey analysis of abusers among non-healthcare professionals in Korea. METHODS: Thirty-eight propofol abusers were questioned between October and December 2010, and were enrolled and voluntarily participated in a structured survey consisting of an interview and completing a previously prepared questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into three distinct parts: part 1 dealt with the history of propofol abuse; part 2 highlighted the problems caused by propofol abuse; and part 3 enquired regarding demographics of abusers. RESULTS: Thirty-one (81.6%) of the 38 interviewees abused propofol for more than one year. During the last 12 months, 34 (89.0%) received propofol at two or three times a week. The minimum and maximum amounts of propofol (median, range) administered each time were 500 (100, 1000) and 2000 (500, 4000) mg, respectively. Stress relief and the maintenance of a sense of well-being were quoted the most important reasons for the first-time administration of propofol and its subsequent abuse, respectively. The majority of abusers (36.0, 97.3%) reported a sense of pleasure or euphoria at the time of their propofol injection. Withdrawal symptoms occurred in five abusers (13.2%). Thirteen (36.1%) reported disruptions in their work life. None of the respondents had previously admitted to and or reported abuse of any other controlled substances. CONCLUSIONS: These results provided reference data for the regulation of propofol in Korea as a controlled substance and may also be of interest to international agencies in other countries.

Adhesion Activity of Lactobacillus plantarum PM 008 Isolated from Kimchi on the Intestine of Mice

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), including L. plantarum isolated from Kimchi, are beneficial and safe microorganisms that improve disturbances of the indigenous microflora and the host's immune system. The adhesion abilities of Kimchi-derived L. plantarum PM008 and yogurt-derived L. casei were measured in vitro and in vivo. When L. plantarum or L. casei was incubated with Caco-2 cells, these Lactobacillus strains were potently attached. When these strains were orally administered to mice, the LABs were attached on the large intestine of mice. The attachment of L. plantarum on murine intestine or Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cell lines was more potent than that of L. casei, although numbers of LAB between their feces were not different. Treatment with either L. plantarum or L. casei for 14 days suppressed fecal beta-glucuronidase activity, although treatment for one day did not affect it. L. plantarum showed more potent inhibition than L. casei. In addition, L. plantarum and L. casei were stable to artificial gastric and intestinal juice. L. plantarum was more stable than L. casei. Based on these findings, the survival and adhesion effects of orally administered LAB strains in the intestine may increase numbers of LAB in intestine and express their biological activities.