Descripción de polimorfismos genéticos en CYP3A5 y MDR-1 y su impacto en el rechazo agudo clínico de pacientes trasplantados de hígado del Hospital San Vicente Fundación Rionegro / Description of genetic polymorphisms in CYP3A5 and MDR-1 and their impact on clinical acute rejection in liver transplant patients at Hospital San Vicente Fundación Rionegro

Introducción. El tacrolimus es un medicamento inmunosupresor ampliamente usado en trasplante hepático, que presenta una gran variabilidad interindividual la cual se considera asociada a la frecuencia de polimorfismos de CYP3A5 y MDR-1. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la frecuencia de los polimorfismos rs776746, rs2032582 y rs1045642 y su asociación con rechazo clínico y toxicidad farmacológica. Métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes inmunosuprimidos con tacrolimus a quienes se les realizó trasplante hepático en el Hospital San Vicente Fundación Rionegro entre 2020 y 2022, con supervivencia mayor a un mes. Se evaluaron las variables clínicas, rechazo agudo y toxicidad farmacológica. Se secuenciaron los genes de estudio mediante PCR, comparando la expresión o no en cada uno de los pacientes. Resultados. Se identificaron 17 pacientes. El 43 % de los pacientes se clasificaron como CYP3A5*1/*1 y CYP3A5*1/*3, entre los cuales se encontró asociación con aumento en la tasa de rechazo agudo clínico, al comparar con los pacientes no expresivos (100 % vs. 44 %, p=0,05); no hubo diferencias en cuanto a la toxicidad farmacológica u otros desenlaces. Se encontró el polimorfismo rs2032582 en un 50 % y el rs1045642 en un 23,5 % de los pacientes, sin embargo, no se identificó asociación con rechazo u otros eventos clínicos. Conclusiones. Se encontró una asociación entre el genotipo CYP3A5*1/*1 y CYP3A5*1/*3 y la tasa de rechazo clínico. Sin embargo, se requiere una muestra más amplia para validar estos datos y plantear modelos de medicina personalizada.

Introduction. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug widely used in liver transplantation, which presents great interindividual variability which is considered associated with the frequency of CYP3A5 and MDR-1 polymorphisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of the rs776746, rs2032582 and rs1045642 polymorphisms and their association with clinical rejection and drug toxicity. Methods. Immunosuppressed patients with tacrolimus who underwent a liver transplant at the Hospital San Vicente Fundación Rionegro between 2020 and 2022 were included, with survival of more than one month. Clinical variables, acute rejection and pharmacological toxicity were evaluated. The study genes were sequenced by PCR, comparing their expression or not in each of the patients. Results. Seventeen patients were identified. 43% of the patients were classified as CYP3A5*1/*1 and CYP3A5*1/*3, among which an association was found with increased rates of clinical acute rejection when compared with non-expressive patients (100% vs. 44%, p=0.05). There were no differences in drug toxicity or other outcomes. The rs2032582 polymorphism was found in 50% and rs1045642 in 23.5% of patients; however, no association with rejection or other clinical events was identified. Conclusions. An association was found between the CYP3A5*1/*1 and CYP3A5*1/*3 genotype and the clinical rejection rate. However, a larger sample is required to validate these data and propose models of personalized medicine.

Role of the IL8 rs4073 polymorphism in central nervous system toxicity in patients receiving multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment / Papel do polimorfismo rs4073 do gene IL8 na toxicidade do sistema nervoso central em pacientes em tratamento para tuberculose multirresistente

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the role of the IL8 rs4073 polymorphism in predicting the risk of central nervous system (CNS) toxicity in patients receiving standard pharmacological treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Methods: A cohort of 85 consenting MDR-TB patients receiving treatment with second-line antituberculosis drugs had their blood samples amplified for the IL8 (rs4073) gene and genotyped. All patients were clinically screened for evidence of treatment toxicity and categorized accordingly. Crude and adjusted associations were assessed. Results: The chief complaints fell into the following categories: CNS toxicity; gastrointestinal toxicity; skin toxicity; and eye and ear toxicities. Symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity were reported by 59% of the patients, and symptoms of CNS toxicity were reported by 42.7%. With regard to the genotypes of IL8 (rs4073), the following were identified: AA, in 64 of the study participants; AT, in 7; and TT, in 11. A significant association was found between the dominant model of inheritance and CNS toxicity for the crude model (p = 0.024; OR = 3.57; 95% CI, 1.18-10.76) and the adjusted model (p = 0.031; OR = 3.92; 95% CI, 1.13-13.58). The AT+TT genotype of IL8 (rs4073) showed a 3.92 times increased risk of CNS toxicity when compared with the AA genotype. Conclusions: The AT+TT genotype has a tendency to be associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical features during MDR-TB treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar o papel do polimorfismo rs4073 do gene IL8 na previsão do risco de toxicidade do sistema nervoso central (SNC) em pacientes em tratamento farmacológico padrão para tuberculose multirresistente (TBMR). Métodos: Amostras de sangue de uma coorte de 85 pacientes com TBMR que assinaram um termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido e que estavam recebendo tratamento com medicamentos antituberculosos de segunda linha foram amplificadas para o gene IL8 (rs4073) e genotipadas. Todos os pacientes foram avaliados clinicamente quanto a evidências de toxicidade do tratamento e categorizados de acordo com os achados. Foram avaliadas as associações brutas e ajustadas. Resultados: As principais queixas enquadraram-se nas seguintes categorias: toxicidade do SNC; toxicidade gastrointestinal; toxicidade cutânea; e toxicidade ocular e ototoxicidade. Sintomas de toxicidade gastrointestinal foram relatados por 59% dos pacientes, e sintomas de toxicidade do SNC foram relatados por 42,7%. Foram identificados os seguintes genótipos de IL8 (rs4073): AA, em 64 dos participantes; AT, em 7; TT, em 11. Houve associação significativa entre o modelo dominante de herança e toxicidade do SNC no modelo bruto (p = 0,024; OR = 3,57; IC95%: 1,18-10,76) e no ajustado (p = 0,031; OR = 3,92; IC95%: 1,13-13,58). O genótipo AT+TT do gene IL8 (rs4073) apresentou risco 3,92 vezes maior de toxicidade do SNC que o genótipo AA. Conclusões: O genótipo AT+TT tende a se associar a um maior risco de características clínicas adversas durante o tratamento da TBMR.

Reshaping neuroimmunology: diagnosis and treatment in the era of precision medicine / Remodelando a neuroimunologia: diagnóstico e tratamento na era da medicina de precisão

Abstract Precision medicine has revolutionized the field of neuroimmunology, with innovative approaches that characterize diseases based on their biology, deeper understanding of the factors leading to heterogeneity within the same disease, development of targeted therapies, and strategies to tailor therapies to each patient. This review explores the impact of precision medicine on various neuroimmunological conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), optic neuritis, autoimmune encephalitis, and immune-mediated neuropathies. We discuss advances in disease subtyping, recognition of novel entities, promising biomarkers, and the development of more selective monoclonal antibodies and cutting-edge synthetic cell-based immunotherapies in neuroimmunological disorders. In addition, we analyze the challenges related to affordability and equity in the implementation of these emerging technologies, especially in situations with limited resources.

Resumo A medicina de precisão está revolucionando o campo da neuroimunologia, com uma abordagem inovadora caracterizada pela classificação de doenças com base em sua biologia, compreensão mais profunda dos fatores que levam à heterogeneidade dentro da mesma doença, desenvolvimento de terapias com alvos específicos e estratégias para adaptar as terapias a cada paciente. Esta revisão explora o impacto da medicina de precisão em várias condições neuroimunológicas, incluindo esclerose múltipla (EM), distúrbio do espectro da neuromielite óptica (NMOSD), doença associada ao anticorpo anti-glicoproteína da mielina do oligodendrócito (MOGAD), neurites ópticas, encefalites autoimunes e neuropatias imunomediadas. Discutimos avanços na subclassificação de doenças, reconhecimento de novas entidades, biomarcadores promissores e desenvolvimento de anticorpos monoclonais mais seletivos e imunoterapias de ponta baseadas em células sintéticas para as condições acima. Além disso, analisamos os desafios relacionados com acessibilidade e equidade na implementação dessas tecnologias emergentes, especialmente em ambientes com recursos limitados.

Polimorfismo de proteína 5, 10-metilentetrahidrofolatoreductasa en población venezolana / Polymorphisms proteína 5, 10-metilentetrahidrofolatoreductasa in venezuelan people

El folato es un miembro del grupo de la vitamina B y está relacionado con enfermedades crónicas como anemia megaloblástica, enfermedad cardiovascular, cáncer, disfunción cognitiva y riesgo de defectos del tubo neural. La proteína 5,10-metilentetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) juega un papel clave en el metabolismo del folato mediante la síntesis de nucleótidos y reacciones de metilación. El gen MTHFR se encuentra en el cromosoma 1 (1p36.3), y se han descrito dos alelos comunes, el alelo C677T (termolábil) y el alelo A1298C.El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la distribución de los polimorfismos genéticos en MTHFR C677T y A1298C en la población venezolana. METODOS: estudio de tipo transversal, descriptivo, experimental y correlacional Las muestras de sangre se colectaron en 314 donantes no emparentados y sanos de la población. Los polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido(SNP) MTHFR 677C>T y 1298A>C se analizaron mediante polimorfismo de longitud de fragmento de restricción de reacción en cadena de polimerasa (PCR-RFLP). El desequilibrio de ligamiento (LD) entre pares de SNP se calculó mediante la prueba X. usando Prism 5 (GraphPad software, Inc). RESULTADOS: Encontramos mayor frecuencia genotípica de heterocigotos para el polimorfismo MTHFR C677T en la población general venezolana, con excepción del grupo caucásico. El polimorfismo MTHFR A1298C en el 70%de la población de estudio es homocigoto de tipo salvaje, encontrándose una baja frecuencia de homocigoto mutado. CONCLUSIONES: Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre grupos étnicos, destacando la importancia del genotipado racial de estos polimorfismos en la población venezolana(AU)

Folate is a member of the vitamin B and it has also been indicated that may be related to chronic diseases such as megaloblastic anemia, cardiovascular disease, cognitive dysfunction and risk of neural tube. Methylenetetrahydro folatereductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme of folate pathway by nucleotide synthesis and methylation reactions. Several polymorphisms were reported in MTHFR gene but C677Tand A1298 polymorphism are most studied and these have been reported to be risk factor for several diseases/disorders. The present study was designed to determine the frequency of MTHFR polymorphisms in Venezuelan healthy population. METHODS: The blood samples were collected from 314 unrelated and healthy donors from population. Both the MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed by Polymerase chainreaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between pair of SNPs was calculated through the .. test using Prism 5 (GraphPad sftoware, Inc). RESULTS: We find higher genotypic frequency of heterozygotes for the MTHFR C677T polymorphism in the Venezuelan general population, with the exception of the Caucasian group. MTHFR A1298C polymorphism in 70%of the study population is homozygous wild type, finding alow frequency of homozygous mutated. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences between ethnic groups were found,highlighting the importance of racial genotyping of these polymorphisms in the Venezuelan population(AU)

Impact of pharmacogenetics on aspirin resistance: a systematic review / Impacto da farmacogenética na resistência à aspirina: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Background Pharmacogenetics promises better control of diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin, prevents the formation of an activating agent of platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction, and it is used to prevent CVD. Nevertheless, patients may have treatment failure due to genetic variants that modify the metabolism of the drug causing aspirin resistance (AR). Objectives To realize a systematic literature review to determine the impact of genetic variants on AR. Methods Articles published in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, LILACS, and SCIELO databases were systematically screened. A total of 290 articles were identified and 269 articles were excluded because they did not comply with the previously established inclusion criteria. A total of 20 case-control studies and 1 cohort was included. Results The genetic variants rs1126643 (ITGA2), rs3842787 (PTGS1), rs20417 (PTGS2), and rs5918 (ITGB3) were the most studied. As for relevance, of the 64 genetic variants evaluated by the articles, 14 had statistical significance (p< 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]) in at least one article. Among them, the following have had unanimous results: rs1371097 (P2RY1), rs1045642 (MDR1), rs1051931 and rs7756935 (PLA2G7), rs2071746 (HO1), rs1131882 and rs4523 (TBXA2R), rs434473 (ALOX12), rs9315042 (ALOX5AP), and rs662 (PON1), while these differ in real interference in AR: rs5918 (ITGB3), rs2243093 (GP1BA), rs1330344 (PTGS1), and rs20417 (PTGS2). As study limitations, we highlight the nonuniform methodologies of the analyzed articles and population differences. Conclusion It is noteworthy that pharmacogenetics is an expanding area. Therefore, further studies are needed to better understand the association between genetic variants and AR.

Resumo Antecedentes A farmacogenética promete melhorar o controle de doenças como as cardiovasculares. O ácido acetilsalicílico, a aspirina, previne a formação de um agente ativador da agregação plaquetária e vasoconstrição e é usado na prevenção de tais doenças. No entanto, os pacientes podem ter falha no tratamento devido a variantes genéticas que modificam o metabolismo da droga causando resistência à aspirina (RA). Objetivos Realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura para determinar o impacto das variantes genéticas na resistência à aspirina. Métodos Artigos publicados nos bancos de dados MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, LILACS e SCIELO foram sistematicamente selecionados. Foram identificados 290 artigos e, destes, 269 artigos foram excluídos por não atenderem aos critérios de inclusão previamente estabelecidos. Um total de 20 estudos caso-controles e 1 coorte foi incluído. Resultados As variantes genéticas rs1126643 (ITGA2), rs3842787 (PTGS1), rs20417 (PTGS2) e rs5918 (ITGB3) foram as mais estudadas. Quanto à relevância, das 64 variantes genéticas avaliadas pelos artigos, 14 tiveram significância estatística (p< 0,05; intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%) em pelo menos um artigo. Entre eles, os seguintes tiveram resultados unânimes: rs1371097 (P2RY1), rs1045642 (MDR1), rs1051931 e rs7756935 (PLA2G7), rs2071746 (HO1), rs1131882 e rs4523 (TBXA2R), rs434473 (ALOX12), rs9315042 (ALOX5AP) e rs662 (PON1), enquanto estes diferiram na interferência real na RA: rs5918 (ITGB3), rs2243093 (GP1BA), rs1330344 (PTGS1) e rs20417 (PTGS2). Como limitações do estudo, destacam-se as metodologias não uniformes dos artigos analisados e as diferenças populacionais. Conclusão Vale ressaltar que a farmacogenética é uma área em expansão. Portanto, mais estudos são necessários para entender melhor a associação entre variantes genéticas e RA.

Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2B6*6, CYP2C8*3 and CYP2D6*4 in vivax malaria patients from Brazilian Amazon

Abstract Genetic variability in the host metabolism of antimalarial drugs influenced by the polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 (CYP) could lead to significant changes in antimalarial treatment response. However, little is known about the frequency of alleles CYP2B6, CYP2C8, and CYP2D6 in an Amazonian population, especially with vivax malaria. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the frequency of CYP alleles CYP2B6*6, CYP2C8*3, and CYP2D6*4 in patients with vivax malaria. The study included 231 patients with vivax malaria treated at a health care reference in Manaus, northern Brazil. A sample of peripheral blood from each subject was collected to perform DNA extraction and genotypic analysis. Genotyping of polymorphisms was performed by allelic discrimination using Real-time polymerase chain reaction. The CYP2D6*4 allele was the most prevalent among patients who developed severe malaria. The frequencies of the CYP2B6*6 and CYP2D6*4 were not different between the severe and uncomplicated malaria. There was a significant association between heterozygous CYP2D6*4 and severe cases of malaria. The results are in agreement with other reports described in the literature for different populations. Future studies are needed to understand the clinical implications of the polymorphisms in patients with vivax malaria.

Genetic testing for cannabinoid use / Testes genéticos para uso de canabinoides

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cannabis is the most popular and consumed illicit drug in the world, it has about 540 bioactive phytocannabinoids, including tetrahydrocarbinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The therapeutic potential of phytocannabinoids has been the subject of many studies in recent decades for many medical situations, including the management of chronic pain. The advent of pharmacogenetics currently allows the indication of the Cannabis dose to be evaluated individually. The objective of this work was to carry out a survey of the literature on the medicinal use of Cannabis and the application of pharmacogenetics in this therapy. CONTENTS: THC and CBD phytocannabinoids are the most abundant and researched. In the endocannabinoid system there are compounds similar to phytocannabinoids, cell receptors and metabolism enzymes. All these molecules are secreted from genes, which may have individual genetic polymorphisms that determine the modulation of the endocannabinoid system, and consequently impact the patients' therapeutic response. CONCLUSION: The existence of genetic tests for the prior assessment of the patients genetic profile in order to avoid side effects and to have more assertiveness in the indication of the cannabis product is an important tool to increase adherence to cannabis treatment.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A cannabis é a droga ilícita mais popular e consumida no mundo, possuindo cerca de 540 fitocanabinoides bioativos, entre eles o tetra-hidrocarbinol (THC) e o canabidiol (CBD). O potencial terapêutico dos fitocanabinoides tem sido alvo de muitos estudos nas últimas décadas para muitas situações médicas, incluindo o manejo da dor crônica. O advento da farmacogenética permite que atualmente a indicação da dose de cannabis seja avaliada individualmente. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um levantamento da literatura sobre o uso medicinal da cannabis e a aplicação da farmacogenética nessa terapia. CONTEÚDO: Os fitocanabinoides THC e CBD são os mais abundantes e pesquisados. No sistema endocanabinoide, existem compostos similares aos fitocanabinoides, receptores celulares e enzimas de metabolismo. Todas essas moléculas são secretadas a partir de genes que podem possuir polimorfismos genéticos individuais determinantes para a modulação do sistema endocanabinoide e, consequentemente, impactam a resposta terapêutica do paciente. CONCLUSÃO: A existência de testes genéticos para avaliação prévia do perfil genético do paciente a fim de evitar efeitos colaterais e ter mais assertividade na indicação do produto de cannabis é uma importante ferramenta para aumentar a aderência ao tratamento com cannabis.

Bioética e medicina personalizada no envelhecimento: explorando complexidades / Bioethics and concierge medicine in aging: exploring complexities / Bioética y medicina personalizada en el envejecimiento: explorar las complejidades

Resumo A medicina personalizada surgiu como uma abordagem promissora para fornecer tratamentos exclusivos e personalizados para doenças usando ferramentas genômicas. No campo dos estudos do envelhecimento, a medicina personalizada tem grande potencial para transformar o tratamento e a prevenção de doenças associadas à idade e relacionadas à nutrigenômica e à farmacogenômica. No entanto, o uso de dados genômicos na medicina personalizada levanta preocupações bioéticas significativas, incluindo questões como privacidade, consentimento, equidade e potencial uso indevido de dados genômicos para fins discriminatórios. Portanto, é crucial considerar cuidadosamente os aspectos biomédicos, sociais e éticos da medicina personalizada no contexto de condições relacionadas à idade. Esta revisão tem o objetivo de explorar os principais aspectos da medicina personalizada concernentes a doenças relacionadas à idade nos dados farmacogenômicos e nutrigenômicos, abordando as preocupações bioéticas envolvidas no uso desses dados.

Abstract Concierge medicine emerged as a promising approach to offer exclusive and personalized treatments using genomic tools. In aging studies, concierge medicine has the potential to transform the treatment and prevention of age-associated and related diseases through pharmacogenetics and nutrigenomics; however, its use of genomic data raises important bioethical concerns, including privacy, consent, equity issues and potential misuse of these data for discriminatory purposes. Hence, careful consideration should be given to the biomedical, social, and ethical aspects of concierge medicine in aging contexts. Our review explores the main aspects of age-related pharmacogenetics and nutrigenomics data in concierge medicine, discussing the bioethical concerns involved in its use.

Resumen La medicina personalizada surgió como un enfoque prometedor con el fin de proporcionar tratamientos únicos y personalizados a enfermedades utilizando herramientas genómicas. En los estudios de envejecimiento, la medicina personalizada puede transformar el tratamiento y la prevención de enfermedades asociadas a la edad y relacionadas con la nutrigenómica y la farmacogenómica. Sin embargo, el uso de datos genómicos en medicina personalizada plantea importantes preocupaciones bioéticas, incluidos temas como la privacidad, el consentimiento, la equidad y el posible uso indebido de los datos genómicos con fines discriminatorios. Así, es fundamental ponderar cuidadosamente los aspectos biomédicos, sociales y éticos de la medicina personalizada en el contexto de las afecciones relacionadas con la edad. Esta revisión pretende explorar los principales aspectos de la medicina personalizada sobre las enfermedades relacionadas con la edad en los datos farmacogenómicos y nutrigenómicos al abordar las preocupaciones bioéticas involucradas en el uso de estos datos.

Metodología de investigación en farmacogenética: estudios de casos y controles / Methodology for research in pharmacogenetics: Case-control studies

RESUMEN La farmacogenética estudia la asociación entre el fenotipo farmacológico de un individuo con su constitución genética, y el diseño de estudios de casos y controles es una metodología de uso frecuente. Este diseño consiste en que se analiza la frecuencia de las variantes genéticas en los casos, es decir, de los pacientes que presentan el fenotipo (desenlaces o resultados) comparado con los controles. Para obtener una calidad metodológica adecuada en este tipo de estudios es importante trabajar con fenotipos precisos, adecuada selección de los casos y controles y tamaño de la muestra; seleccionar una metodología adecuada para la identificación de variantes genéticas; y en el momento del análisis de resultados utilizar el Equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg (EHW) e interpretar los resultados considerando la posibilidad de un fenómeno de fenoconversión.

ABSTRACT Pharmacogenetics studies the association between the pharmacological phenotype of an individual with his/her genetic constitution. Case-control studies is a commonly used methodology when performing pharmacogenetics research. This design analyses the frequency of genetic variants in cases; that is, of those patients who have a particular phenotype (outcomes or results) compared with controls. For obtaining adequate methodological quality in pharmacogenetic case-control studies, it is important to work with precise phenotypes, have adequate case and control selection and appropriate sample size; select an adequate methodology for the identification of genetic variants, analyze the results using Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE); and interpret the results considering the possibility of a phenoconversion phenomenon.

Significance of molecular diagnostic technology in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

With the development of biological technology, molecular diagnosis has been increasingly applied in clinical practice and treatment.Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children is a chronic intestinal inflammation caused by infection, immunity, environment and other factors in a specific genetic background.Children with IBD, especially early-onset and very early-onset IBD, can be considered a monogenic disease.Early identification of such children in clinical work and timely improvement of gene detection can identify the types of gene defects and reveal the inflammatory signal transduction pathways, providing a theoretical basis for the selection of treatment options.Moreover, drug-related pharmacogenetics in the treatment of IBD directly affects the organism′s response rate to drugs, thereby affecting the clinical remission and intestinal mucosal repair.Therefore, the understanding of the characteristics of drug immunogenicity of the Asian population, which can reduce the unnecessary waste of medical resources, the adverse drug reactions in children during the induction and maintenance of remission and complications and recurrence rate, is of great importance.

Evaluation of the influence of genetic variants in Cereblon gene on the response to the treatment of erythema nodosum leprosum with thalidomide

BACKGROUND Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an acute and systemic inflammatory reaction of leprosy characterised by painful nodules and involvement of various organs. Thalidomide is an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drug currently used to treat this condition. Cereblon (CRBN) protein is the primary target of thalidomide, and it has been pointed out as necessary for the efficacy of this drug in others therapeutics settings. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of CRBN gene variants on the dose of thalidomide as well as its adverse effects during treatment of ENL. METHODS A total of 103 ENL patients in treatment with thalidomide were included in this study. DNA samples were obtained from saliva and molecular analysis of CRBN gene were performed to investigate the variants rs1620675, rs1672770 and rs4183. Different genotypes of CRBN variants were evaluated in relation to their influence on the dose of thalidomide and on the occurrence of adverse effects. FINDINGS No association was found between CRBN variants and thalidomide dose variation. However, the genotypes of rs1672770 showed association with gastrointestinal effects (p = 0.040). Moreover, the haplotype DEL/C/T (rs4183/rs1672770/rs1620675) was also associated with gastrointestinal adverse effects (p = 0.015). MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results show that CRBN variants affect the treatment of ENH with thalidomide, especially on the adverse effects related to the drug.

Susceptibility to thiopurine toxicity by TPMT and NUDT15 variants in Colombian children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia / Asociación de variantes genéticas en TPMT y NUDT15 con los eventos de toxicidad durante la terapia de mantenimiento en niños colombianos con Leucemia Linfoide Aguda

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to correlate the genetic profile of the NUDT15 and TPMT genes with the side effects of the treatment of pediatric patients with acute lymphoid leukemia who were undergoing maintenance therapy at a tertiary care hospital in 2017. Methods: This was an analytical, longitudinal, observational study in which the genotypes of the genes of interest were determined by PCR allelic discrimination with TaqMan® probes in patients receiving chemotherapy during the maintenance phase in the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit in 2017. Sociodemographic and clinical data corresponding to the first six months of their maintenance chemotherapy were collected, and the correlation between the genotypes obtained and the development of side effects during the maintenance phase of chemotherapy in these patients was evaluated. Results: Seventy pediatric patients were included in the study. Genetic analyses were carried out of these for NUDT15 and TPMT (rs1800462 and rs1800460) on 68 patients, while for the rs1142345 polymorphism, typing was achieved in 42 patients. 4/68 patients were heterozygous for NUDT15, and the same number of patients were heterozygous for rs1800462 and rs1142345, while for rs1800460, 6 heterozygous patients were identified. No statistically significant association was identified between the genetic variants and the outcomes of interest. Conclusion: Studies with a larger population size are needed and the evaluation of other genetic variants that may influence the development of side effects during maintenance chemotherapy.

Resumen Objetivo: la finalidad de este estudio fue evaluar las asociaciones entre los perfiles de los genes NUDT15 y TPMT con los efectos adversos del tratamiento de mantenimiento en pacientes pediátricos con Leucemia Linfoblástica Aguda atendidos en un hospital de referencia durante el 2017. Métodos: Este fue un estudio observacional analítico, de corte longitudinal en el que los genotipos de los genes de interés fueron determinados mediante PCR de discriminación alélica con sondas TaqMan® en pacientes que estaban recibiendo quimioterapia de mantenimiento en la Unidad de Oncohematología Pediátrica durante el 2017. Los datos clínicos y sociodemográficos correspondientes a los primeros 6 meses de sus tratamientos de mantenimiento fueron colectados, y se evaluó la correlación entre los genotipos identificados y el desarrollo de efectos secundarios en estos pacientes. Resultados: setenta pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio, de estos, los análisis genéticos para NUDT15 y TPMT (rs1800462 and rs1800460) fueron realizados en 68 pacientes, en tanto que para el polimorfismo rs1142345 se logró la tipificación en 42 pacientes. 4/68 pacientes fueron heterocigotos para NUDT15 y el mismo número de pacientes fueron heterocigotos para rs1800462 and rs1142345, mientras que para rs1800460, 6 pacientes heterocigotos fueron identificados. No se identificaron asociaciones estadísticamente significantes entre las variants genéticas y los resultados clínicos de interés. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos resaltan la importancia de realizar estudios de este tipo con un mayor número de sujetos de estudio, así como plantean la necesidad de evaluar otras variantes genéticas que podrían tener algún impacto en el desarrollo de efectos secundarios durante la quimioterapia de mantenimiento.

Análisis farmacogenético retrospectivo de una paciente pediátrica en tratamiento anticoagulante: caso clínico / Retrospective pharmacogenetic analysis of a pediatric patient under anticoagulant treatment: Clinical case

Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente de 10 años diagnosticada con miocardiopatía dilatada, quien registró valores en el índice internacional normalizado (International Normalized Ratio, INR) superiores a 10 con la dosis estándar de acenocumarol, además de otros valores que indicaban el estado incoagulable, lo que obligó a suspender y reiniciar el tratamiento en varias ocasiones. Después de más de 30 días de tratamiento, sorprendentemente se lograron los niveles esperados y estables en el INR con la mitad de la dosis recomendada para una paciente de su edad y peso.Se decidió hacer un análisis farmacogenético retrospectivo del caso mediante RT-PCR con sondas TaqMan™ que incluyó cinco polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido y distinto grado de asociación con la dosis-respuesta a los fármacos antivitamínicos K (AVK): rs2108622 (gen CYP4F2), rs9923231, rs7294 (gen VKORC1), rs1799853 y rs1057910 (gen CYP2C9). La paciente resultó ser homocigota para el rs9923231 (VKORC1) y heterocigota para el rs2108622 (CYP4F2). Se ha evidenciado a nivel nacional e internacional que este perfil genético está fuertemente asociado con una necesidad de dosis menores de antivitamínicos K.En conclusión, el análisis farmacogenético confirmó que la condición genética de la paciente, la cual conlleva una baja expresión de la enzima VKORC1 (blanco terapéutico de los antivitamínicos K), hacía predecible la necesidad de una dosis menor a la establecida según los protocolos clínicos recomendados por la Food and Drug Administration (FDA) y PharmGKB™ para los fármacos cumarínicos. El análisis genotípico previo de la paciente hubiese permitido alcanzar el rango terapéutico más prontamente, evitando potenciales riesgos de hemorragia, lo que demuestra la importancia de los análisis farmacogenéticos en tratamientos de gran variabilidad y estrecho rango terapéutico.

Abstract We present the clinical case of a 10-year-old patient diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy who registered INR values above 10 upon receiving standard doses of acenocoumarol, as well as other values reported as uncoagulable, forcing the discontinuation and restart of treatment more than once. Expected and stable INR levels were achieved after more than 30 days of treatment, surprisingly with half the recommended dose for a patient of her age and weight. We decided to conduct a retrospective pharmacogenomic analysis including nucleotide genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) with different degrees of association with the dose/response to antivitamin K (AVK) drugs: rs2108622 (gene CYP4F2), rs9923231, rs7294 (gene VKORC1), rs1799853, and rs1057910 (CYP2C9 gene) using TaqMan® RT-PCR. The patient was homozygous for rs9923231 (VKORC1) and heterozygous for rs2108622 (CYP4F2), a genetic profile strongly associated with a requirement of lower AVK doses as shown by national and international evidence. In conclusion, the pharmacogenetic analysis confirmed that this patient's genetic conditions, involving low expression of the VKA therapeutic target, required a lower dose than that established in clinical protocols as recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the PharmGKB® for coumarin drugs. A previous genotypic analysis of the patient would have allowed reaching the therapeutic range sooner, thus avoiding potential bleeding risks. This shows the importance of pharmacogenetic analyses for highly variable treatments with a narrow therapeutic range.

Personalized medicine of non-gene-specific chemotherapies for non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is recognized as the deadliest cancer across the globe. In some areas, it is more common in women than even breast and cervical cancer. Its rise, vaulted by smoking habits and increasing air pollution, has garnered much attention and resource in the medical field. The first lung cancer treatments were developed more than half a century ago. Unfortunately, many of the earlier chemotherapies often did more harm than good, especially when they were used to treat genetically unsuitable patients. With the introduction of personalized medicine, physicians are increasingly aware of when, how, and in whom, to use certain anti-cancer agents. Drugs such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies possess limited utility because they target specific oncogenic mutations, but other drugs that target mechanisms universal to all cancers do not. In this review, we discuss many of these non-oncogene-targeting anti-cancer agents including DNA replication inhibitors (

Farmacogenómica: principios y aplicaciones en la práctica médica / Pharmacogenomics: principles and application on medical practice

Introducción: La farmacogenómica, como parte de la medicina de precisión, garantiza un tratamiento óptimo de los pacientes basado en su perfil genético. Objetivo: Describir los principales principios en que se sustenta la farmacogenómica y sus aplicaciones a la práctica clínica diaria. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión crítica de la farmacogenómica en las bases de datos principales: SciELO, MedLine/PubMed/PMC y Scopus con los descriptores farmacogenómica/pharmacogenomics, farmacogenética/pharmacogenetics, medicina personalizada/personalized medicine y medicina de precisión/precision medicine. También en la biblioteca virtual de salud de Infomed. El periodo de búsqueda y localización de artículos: noviembre 2019-enero 2020. Se seleccionaron artículos publicados entre 2008 y enero de 2020. Resultados: Los principios de la farmacogenómica se basan en el conocimiento del genoma humano que permite determinar el perfil genético de los pacientes y la mejor respuesta al tratamiento medicamentoso con un mínimo de reacciones adversas. Se aplica en diferentes especialidades médicas como oncología, cardiología, medicina interna y endocrinología. Entre los biomarcadores farmacogenéticos estudiados están CACNA1S, RYR1, CYP2D6, SLCO1B1, CYP2C19, F5, CFTR, CYP2C9, CYP4F2, VKORC1, HLA-B, UGT1A1, IFNL3, CYP3A5, TPMT, G6PD, HLA-A, BRCA1, DPYD, RARG, SLC28A3, TPMT y UGT1A6. Conclusiones: Los biomarcadores farmacogenéticos constituyen valiosas herramientas para la identificación de genes implicados en la respuesta medicamentosa, importantes para aplicar una medicina personalizada que mejore la respuesta a los medicamentos y evite o minimice los efectos adversos, aunque quedan desafíos para convertirla en una herramienta de uso frecuente en la práctica médica(AU)

Introduction: Pharmacogenomics, as part of precision medicine, guarantees patients´ optimal treatment based on their genetic profile. Objective: To describe the principles of pharmacogenomics and its application in daily clinical practice. Materials and Methods: A critical review of pharmacogenomics was carried out in SciELO, MedLine/PubMed/PMC, Scopus databases and the Cuban Virtual Health Library using Spanish and English descriptors such as: farmacogenómica/pharmacogenomics, farmacogenética/pharmacogenetics, medicina personalizada/personalized medicine and medicina de precisión/precision medicine. The articles were searched and located during the period between November 2019 and January 2020. The articles published between 2008 and January 2020 were selected. Results: The principles of pharmacogenomics are based on the knowledge of the human genome that allows the determination of the genetic profile of patients and the best response to drug treatment with a minimum of adverse reactions. It is applied in different medical specialties such as Oncology, Cardiology, Internal Medicine and Endocrinology. The most studied pharmacogenetic biomarkers include: CACNA1S, RYR1, CYP2D6, SLCO1B1, CYP2C19, F5, CFTR, CYP2C9, CYP4F2, VKORC1, HLA-B, UGT1A1, IFNL3, CYP3A5, TPMT, G6PD, HLA-A, BRCA1, DPYD, RARG, SLC28A3, TPMT and UGT1A6. Conclusions: Pharmacogenetic biomarkers are valuable tools for the identification of genes involved in the drug response. They are very important in the application of personalized medicine which is intended to improve the response to drugs and avoid or minimize adverse effects. However, substantial challenges remain in respect of making it a frequently used tool in medical practice(AU)

Farmacogenômica e Doença Cardiovascular: Onde Estamos e Para Onde Vamos / Pharmacogenomics and Cardiovascular Disease: Where are We and Where do We go from Here?

Resumo A farmacogenômica (FGx) investiga a interação entre genes e medicamentos. Através da análise de regiões específicas do DNA, informações sobre o perfil de metabolização do paciente para um determinado fármaco podem ser descritas, assim como o perfil esperado de resposta ao tratamento. Objetivamente, esse tipo de teste pode ter impacto no tratamento de pacientes que não estão respondendo adequadamente a um determinado medicamento, seja pela ausência dos efeitos esperados ou em virtude do aparecimento de efeitos adversos. Neste cenário, o objetivo desta revisão é o de informar o cardiologista clínico sobre esta importante área do conhecimento e atualizá-lo sobre o tema, procurando preencher as lacunas no que diz respeito à relação custo-benefício da aplicação da FGx nas doenças cardiovasculares, além de fornecer informações para a implementação da terapia guiada pela FGx na prática clínica.

Immunopharmacology 2020. V International Congress on Immunopharmacology

The Organizing Committee of the V International Congress on Immunopharmacology (Immunopharmacology 2020) organized by the Cuban Society of Pharmacology, BioCubaFarma and the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) would like to invite you to participate in this important event, scheduled for June 9 to 13, 2020 at the Convention Centre of the Melia Marina Varadero Hotel, Varadero Beach, Matanzas, Cuba. The Congress will be formed by different workshops and symposia such as: Fifth workshop on new advances in immunopharmacology Fifth workshop on neuroimmunology, neuroimmunopharmacology and neuroimmunomodulation. Immunopharmacology of brain tumors Symposium on hereditary ataxias Fifth symposium on pharmacology of cytochrome P450 and transporters Fourth symposium on inflammation and pain 2nd symposium on NFkB Synthetic peptides as immunopharmacological tools Novel designs in clinical trials. Biosimilar pharmaceuticals Pharmacogenetics, pharmacogenomics, proteomics and phosphoproteomics Immune response in cancer First symposium on business and international cooperation on biologics Immunopharmacology 2020 is sponsored by: Cuban Society of Pharmacology (SCF) International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) Latin-American Association of Pharmacology (ALF) PAHO / WHO BioCubaFarma National research centers: Finlay Vaccine Institute (IFV); Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB); Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM); Center for Control of Drugs, Equipment and Medical Devices (CECMED); National Center for Animal and Plant Health (CENSA); Tropical Medicine Institute "Pedro Kourí" (IPK); National Center for Biopreparations (BioCEN); Center for Drug Research and Development (CIDEM); Center for Clinical Trials (CENCEC); among others International Manufacturers and Companies The key objectives of the Congress are: To provide a progressive state-of-the-art report for scientists, manufacturers, governmental authorities and healthcare workers, who need to be updated about the latest scientific developments for human vaccines, including basic science, product development, market introduction, immunization programs and epidemiological surveillance. To promote the scientific collaboration among experts and institutions through the experience exchange, the presentation of results and the discussion on the conference topics. To accelerate progress in the development of vaccines and the acceptance and introduction of new methods and technologies. Opening lectures, oral presentations and posters will provide you the opportunity to be involved in a high quality congress to discuss about the progress in the field of immunology and pharmacology sciences(AU)

Nurse empowerment through Pharmacogenetics / Empoderamento do enfermeiro por meio da Farmacogenética / Empoderamiento del enfermero a través de la farmacogenética

Objective: to verify the existence of elements that justify the use of pharmacogenetics by the Brazilian nurse. Method: this is a quantitative, cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study, whose final sample was 67 individuals. The participants were healthy at the time of the study and reported a history of previous use and the occurrence of adverse effects by drugs commonly used and metabolized by CYP2C9. We collected 4 mL of venous blood for subsequent DNA extraction by salting out method and genotyping of the CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 polymorphisms, using Polymerase Chain Reaction in real time using Taqman assays. Results: the use of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 was frequent (more than 75% of the individuals have already used between 2 or 4 of these drugs). Regarding adverse events, there were 19 perceived symptomatic occurrences associated with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9. The allele frequency of the polymorphism * 2 and * 3 in the population studied was 11.1% and 7.5%, respectively, and there was a coincidence between the presence of alleles of low enzyme activity and the occurrence of adverse effects. Conclusion: there are elements that justify the adoption of pharmacogenetics in the nursing care to reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions to drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.

Objetivo: verificar a existência de elementos que justifiquem o uso da farmacogenética pelo enfermeiro brasileiro. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, do tipo transversal, observacional descritivo, cuja amostra final foi de 67 indivíduos. Os participantes estavam saudáveis no momento do estudo e reportaram histórico de uso prévio e ocorrência de efeitos adversos por fármacos comumente utilizados e metabolizados pela CYP2C9. Coletamos 4 mL de sangue venoso para posterior extração de DNA por método salting out e genotipagem dos polimorfismos CYP2C9*2 e CYP2C9*3 através de Polymerase Chain Reaction em tempo real, utilizando ensaios Taqman. Resultados: o uso de fármacos metabolizados pela CYP2C9 foi frequente (mais de 75% dos sujeitos já utilizaram entre 2 ou 4 desses fármacos). A respeito dos eventos adversos, houve 19 ocorrências sintomáticas percebidas, associadas a fármacos metabolizados pela CYP2C9. A frequência alélica do polimorfismo *2 e *3 na população estudada foi de 11,1% e 7,5%, respectivamente, com coincidência entre a presença dos alelos de baixa atividade enzimática e ocorrência de efeitos adversos. Conclusão: existem elementos que justificam a adoção da farmacogenética no cuidado do enfermeiro com objetivo de redução da ocorrência de reações adversas a fármacos metabolizados pela CYP2C9.

Objetivo: verificar la existencia de elementos que justifiquen el uso de la farmacogenética por parte del enfermero brasileño. Método: se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, transversal, observacional, descriptivo, cuya muestra final fue de 67 individuos. Los participantes estaban sanos en el momento del estudio e informaron un historial de uso previo y la aparición de efectos adversos por fármacos comúnmente utilizados y metabolizados por el CYP2C9. Recolectamos 4 ml de sangre venosa para la posterior extracción de ADN mediante el método de salazón y genotipificación de los polimorfismos CYP2C9 * 2 y CYP2C9 * 3 a través de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real utilizando ensayos Taqman. Resultados: el uso de drogas metabolizadas por el CYP2C9 fue frecuente (más del 75% de las personas ya han usado entre 2 o 4 de estas drogas). Con respecto a los eventos adversos, hubo 19 casos sintomáticos percibidos asociados con medicamentos metabolizados por el CYP2C9. La frecuencia alélica del polimorfismo * 2 y * 3 en la población estudiada fue de 11.1% y 7.5%, respectivamente, y hubo una coincidencia entre la presencia de alelos de baja actividad enzimática y la aparición de efectos adversos. Conclusión: existen elementos que justifican la adopción de la farmacogenética en el cuidado del enfermero para reducir la aparición de reacciones adversas a los medicamentos metabolizados por el CYP2C9.

Drug hypersensitivity reactions in Asia: regional issues and challenges

There are geographical, regional, and ethnic differences in the phenotypes and endotypes of patients with drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) in different parts of the world. In Asia, aspects of drug hypersensitivity of regional importance include IgE-mediated allergies and T-cell-mediated reactions, including severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), to beta-lactam antibiotics, antituberculous drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and radiocontrast agents. Delabeling of low-risk penicillin allergy using direct oral provocation tests without skin tests have been found to be useful where the drug plausibility of the index reaction is low. Genetic risk associations of relevance to Asia include human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B*1502 with carbamazepine SCAR, and HLA-B*5801 with allopurinol SCAR in some Asian ethnic groups. There remains a lack of safe and accurate diagnostic tests for antituberculous drug allergy, other than relatively high-risk desensitization regimes to first-line antituberculous therapy. NSAID hypersensitivity is common among both adults and children in Asia, with regional differences in phenotype especially among adults. Low dose aspirin desensitization is an important therapeutic modality in individuals with cross-reactive NSAID hypersensitivity and coronary artery disease following percutaneous coronary intervention. Skin testing allows patients with radiocontrast media hypersensitivity to confirm the suspected agent and test for alternatives, especially when contrasted scans are needed for future monitoring of disease relapse or progression, especially cancers.

Genetic variation of CYP3A and its influence on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor

Background: Tacrolimus (Tac) a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), is a potent immunosuppressive drug which is widely used in organ transplant recipients. The drug has a narrow therapeutic window and high inter-individual pharmacokinetic variability. Tac is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) enzymes. The CYP3A5 activity is largely determined by the single nucleotide variant (SNV) CYP3A5*3 (c.219-237A>G; rs776746), which results in alternate mRNA splicing and a non-functional protein.Methods: An observational prospective study was carried out at nephrology centre of army hospital where the consenting patients were enrolled in the study. The whole blood sample drawn was utilized to analyze for plasma drug concentration of Tac and genotyping for the CYP3A*5 polymorphism by the method as described by Cheung et al.Results: 100 patients participated with an average of 98±8 days after transplantation. Recipients having heterozygous CYP3A5*1 genotype manifested 70% lower mean steady state concentration of Tac (C0/D ratio) 1.67±0.43 ?g*l-1/mg in comparison to homozygote carriers of CYP3A5*3 5.60±1.94 ?g*l-1/mg p<0.001.Conclusions: Study suggested that Indian sub population closely mimics Caucasian population in terms of genotype expression for CYP3A5*3, who are expressing a non-functional enzyme for metabolism. Also, this study reinforces that population genotype CYP3A5*1 is significantly associated with lower C0/D ratio for Tac than the ones expressing homozygous CYP3A5*3 genotype. It also established the importance of pre-transplant genotyping, for better individualization of Tac doses. Further studies are suggested for population pharmacokinetic modelling study in future to derive starting dosage of Tac based on profiling of CYP3 genetics in recipients.