Important pharmacogenomic aspects in the management of HIV/AIDS

In managing HIV/AIDS with highly active antiretroviral agents, the historical therapeutic aim remains to maintain the plasma concentrations at a level above the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) required for 50% inhibition in viral replication. Concentration dependent toxicity is often observed in patients with elevated drug exposure and high peak plasma levels in lieu accurately calculated drug dosages. Similarly low plasma concentrations are frequently witnessed in individuals receiving adequate dosage regimens. Pharmacogenetic variations in drug metabolizing enzymes may contribute to this phenomenon. Over the last decade, knowledge about the role of pharmacogenetics in the treatment and prediction of ARV plasma levels have increased significantly. However, the extent of these genetic variations remain largely unknown in the South African population,which has sparked a renewed enthusiasm for local pharmacogenetic studies

Important pharmacogenomic aspects in the management of HIV/AIDS

In managing HIV/AIDS with highly active antiretroviral agents, the historical therapeutic aim remains to maintain the plasma concentrations at a level above the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) required for 50% inhibition in viral replication.Concentration dependent toxicity is often observed in patients with elevated drug exposure and high peak plasma levels in lieu of accurately calculated drug dosages. Similarly lowplasmaconcentrationsarefrequently witnessed in individuals receiving adequate dosage regimens. Pharmacogenetic variations in drug metabolizing enzymes may contribute to this phenomenon.Over the last decade, knowledge about the role of pharmacogenetics in the treatment and prediction of ARV plasma levels have increased significantly. However, the extent of these genetic variations remain largely unknown in the South African population,which has sparked a renewed enthusiasm forlocalpharmacogenetic studies

In Vitro Activity of Medicinal Plants of the Venda region; South Africa; against Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalis is an important and common cause of urogenital infections in both developed and in developing countries. In view of the high prevalence; increase in resistance to drug therapy and associated risk of acquisition and transmission of HIV; we screened the aqueous extracts of 29 plants. These plants are used to treat venereal diseases and infections in the Venda region. Extracts of four plants showed trichomonicidal activity: Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. (Polygalaceae; 0.10 mg/ml); Solanum aculeastrum Dun. (Solanaceae; 1.06 mg/ml); Piper capense L.f. (Piperaceae; 11.19 mg/ml) and Cassine transvaalensis (Burtt. Davy) Codd (Celastraceae; 9.69 mg/ml). Further investigations are required to determine whether these plants possess the potential to be developed as new drugs for the treatment of trichomoniasis