Genetic Variations in Drug Metabolism

Impact of Genetic Variations on Drug Metabolism

• Genetic variations can affect drug metabolism efficiency, leading to varying responses to medications in different individuals.
• Pharmacogenes, a subset of genes, play a crucial role in drug metabolism, influencing how the body processes medications.

Pharmacogenes

• Pharmacogenes are genes that code for enzymes, transporters, and receptors involved in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Genetic Variations and Drug Metabolism Efficiency

• Genetic variations in pharmacogenes can alter drug metabolism efficiency, leading to varying rates of drug activation, inactivation, or elimination.
• These variations can result in differences in drug efficacy and safety, causing adverse reactions or ineffectiveness in some individuals.

Phenotypes of Genetic Variants in Pharmacogenes

• Genetic variants in pharmacogenes can be classified into three phenotypes:
  • Poor metabolizers: exhibit reduced drug metabolism efficiency, leading to increased drug concentrations and potential toxicity.
  • Intermediate metabolizers: display moderately reduced drug metabolism efficiency, with variable responses to medications.
  • Extensive metabolizers: exhibit normal drug metabolism efficiency, with optimal responses to medications.
  • Ultrarapid metabolizers: exhibit increased drug metabolism efficiency, potentially leading to reduced drug efficacy.

Influence of Genetic Variations on Drug Efficacy and Safety

• Genetic variations can influence drug efficacy by altering the concentration of the active drug compound, leading to varying therapeutic responses.
• These variations can also impact drug safety by increasing the risk of adverse reactions or interactions, particularly in poor metabolizers.