Cited 84 times since 2016 (9 per year) source: EuropePMC Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology, Volume 12, Issue 5, 7 1 2016, Pages 555-565 Pharmacogenetic aspects of the use of tacrolimus in renal transplantation: recent developments and ethnic considerations. Tang JT, Andrews LM, van Gelder T, Shi YY, van Schaik RH, Wang LL, Hesselink DA
Introduction
Tacrolimus (Tac) is effective in preventing acute rejection but has considerable toxicity and inter-individual variability in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Part of this is explained by polymorphisms in genes encoding Tac-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. A better understanding of Tac pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics may help to minimize different outcomes amongst transplant recipients by personalizing immunosuppression.
Areas covered
The pharmacogenetic contribution of Tac metabolism will be examined, with a focus on recent discoveries, new developments and ethnic considerations.
Expert opinion
The strongest and most consistent association in pharmacogenetics is between the CYP3A5 genotype and Tac dose requirement, with CYP3A5 expressers having a ~ 40-50% higher dose requirement compared to non-expressers. Two recent randomized-controlled clinical trials using CYP3A5 genotype, however, did not show a decrease in acute rejections nor reduced toxicity. CYP3A4*22, CYP3A4*26, and POR*28 are also associated with Tac dose requirements and may be included to provide the expected improvement of Tac therapy. Studies focusing on the intracellular drug concentrations and on calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity also seem promising. For all studies, however, the ethnic prevalence of genotypes should be taken into account, as this may significantly impact the effect of pre-emptive genotyping.
