| 1. |
- Klionsky, Daniel J., et al.
(author)
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Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy
- 2012
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In: Autophagy. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1554-8635 .- 1554-8627. ; 8:4, s. 445-544
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Accordingly, it is important to update these guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Various reviews have described the range of assays that have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to measure autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. A key point that needs to be emphasized is that there is a difference between measurements that monitor the numbers or volume of autophagic elements (e.g., autophagosomes or autolysosomes) at any stage of the autophagic process vs. those that measure flux through the autophagy pathway (i.e., the complete process); thus, a block in macroautophagy that results in autophagosome accumulation needs to be differentiated from stimuli that result in increased autophagic activity, defined as increased autophagy induction coupled with increased delivery to, and degradation within, lysosomes (in most higher eukaryotes and some protists such as Dictyostelium) or the vacuole (in plants and fungi). In other words, it is especially important that investigators new to the field understand that the appearance of more autophagosomes does not necessarily equate with more autophagy. In fact, in many cases, autophagosomes accumulate because of a block in trafficking to lysosomes without a concomitant change in autophagosome biogenesis, whereas an increase in autolysosomes may reflect a reduction in degradative activity. Here, we present a set of guidelines for the selection and interpretation of methods for use by investigators who aim to examine macroautophagy and related processes, as well as for reviewers who need to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of papers that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a formulaic set of rules, because the appropriate assays depend in part on the question being asked and the system being used. In addition, we emphasize that no individual assay is guaranteed to be the most appropriate one in every situation, and we strongly recommend the use of multiple assays to monitor autophagy. In these guidelines, we consider these various methods of assessing autophagy and what information can, or cannot, be obtained from them. Finally, by discussing the merits and limits of particular autophagy assays, we hope to encourage technical innovation in the field.
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| 2. |
- Arking, D. E., et al.
(author)
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Genetic association study of QT interval highlights role for calcium signaling pathways in myocardial repolarization
- 2014
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 46:8, s. 826-836
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The QT interval, an electrocardiographic measure reflecting myocardial repolarization, is a heritable trait. QT prolongation is a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) and could indicate the presence of the potentially lethal mendelian long-QT syndrome (LQTS). Using a genome-wide association and replication study in up to 100,000 individuals, we identified 35 common variant loci associated with QT interval that collectively explain ∼ 8-10% of QT-interval variation and highlight the importance of calcium regulation in myocardial repolarization. Rare variant analysis of 6 new QT interval-associated loci in 298 unrelated probands with LQTS identified coding variants not found in controls but of uncertain causality and therefore requiring validation. Several newly identified loci encode proteins that physically interact with other recognized repolarization proteins. Our integration of common variant association, expression and orthogonal protein-protein interaction screens provides new insights into cardiac electrophysiology and identifies new candidate genes for ventricular arrhythmias, LQTS and SCD. © 2014 Nature America, Inc.
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| 3. |
- Do, Ron, et al.
(author)
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Common variants associated with plasma triglycerides and risk for coronary artery disease
- 2013
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 45:11, s. 1345-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Triglycerides are transported in plasma by specific triglyceride-rich lipoproteins; in epidemiological studies, increased triglyceride levels correlate with higher risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, it is unclear whether this association reflects causal processes. We used 185 common variants recently mapped for plasma lipids (P < 5 x 10(-8) for each) to examine the role of triglycerides in risk for CAD. First, we highlight loci associated with both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride levels, and we show that the direction and magnitude of the associations with both traits are factors in determining CAD risk. Second, we consider loci with only a strong association with triglycerides and show that these loci are also associated with CAD. Finally, in a model accounting for effects on LDL-C and/or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, the strength of a polymorphism's effect on triglyceride levels is correlated with the magnitude of its effect on CAD risk. These results suggest that triglyceride-rich lipoproteins causally influence risk for CAD.
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| 4. |
- Willer, Cristen J., et al.
(author)
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Discovery and refinement of loci associated with lipid levels
- 2013
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 45:11, s. 1274-1283
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol are heritable, modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease. To identify new loci and refine known loci influencing these lipids, we examined 188,577 individuals using genome-wide and custom genotyping arrays. We identify and annotate 157 loci associated with lipid levels at P < 5 x 10(-8), including 62 loci not previously associated with lipid levels in humans. Using dense genotyping in individuals of European, East Asian, South Asian and African ancestry, we narrow association signals in 12 loci. We find that loci associated with blood lipid levels are often associated with cardiovascular and metabolic traits, including coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, waist-hip ratio and body mass index. Our results demonstrate the value of using genetic data from individuals of diverse ancestry and provide insights into the biological mechanisms regulating blood lipids to guide future genetic, biological and therapeutic research.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Berndt, Sonja I., et al.
(author)
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Genome-wide meta-analysis identifies 11 new loci for anthropometric traits and provides insights into genetic architecture
- 2013
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 45:5, s. 501-U69
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Approaches exploiting trait distribution extremes may be used to identify loci associated with common traits, but it is unknown whether these loci are generalizable to the broader population. In a genome-wide search for loci associated with the upper versus the lower 5th percentiles of body mass index, height and waist-to-hip ratio, as well as clinical classes of obesity, including up to 263,407 individuals of European ancestry, we identified 4 new loci (IGFBP4, H6PD, RSRC1 and PPP2R2A) influencing height detected in the distribution tails and 7 new loci (HNF4G, RPTOR, GNAT2, MRPS33P4, ADCY9, HS6ST3 and ZZZ3) for clinical classes of obesity. Further, we find a large overlap in genetic structure and the distribution of variants between traits based on extremes and the general population and little etiological heterogeneity between obesity subgroups.
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| 7. |
- Aggarwal, M. M., et al.
(author)
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Event-by-event charged-neutral fluctuations in Pb plus Pb collisions at 158 A GeV
- 2011
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In: Physics Letters. Section B: Nuclear, Elementary Particle and High-Energy Physics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0370-2693. ; 701:3, s. 300-305
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Charged particles and photons have been measured in central Pb + Pb collisions at 158 A GeV in a common (eta-phi)-phase space region in the WA98 experiment at the CERN SPS. The measured distributions have been analyzed to quantify the frequency with which phase space regions of varying sizes have either small or large neutral pion fraction. The measured results are compared with VENUS model simulated events and with mixed events. Events with both large and small charged-neutral fluctuations are observed to occur more frequently than expected statistically, as deduced from mixed events, or as predicted by model simulations, with the difference becoming more prominent with decreasing size of the A Delta eta-Delta phi region. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 8. |
- Aggarwal, M. M., et al.
(author)
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Photon and eta production in p plus Pb and p plus C collisions at root(NN)-N-S=17.4 GeV
- 2013
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In: Nuclear Physics, Section A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0375-9474. ; 898, s. 14-23
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Measurements of direct photon production in p + Pb and p + C collisions at root(NN)-N-s = 17.4 GeV are presented. Upper limits on the direct photon yield as a function of p(T) are derived and compared to the results for Pb + Pb collisions at root(NN)-N-s = 17.3 GeV. The production of the eta meson, which is an important input to the direct photon signal extraction, has been determined in the eta -> 2 gamma channel for p + C collisions at root(NN)-N-s = 17.4 GeV. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 9. |
- Scott, Robert A., et al.
(author)
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Large-scale association analyses identify new loci influencing glycemic traits and provide insight into the underlying biological pathways
- 2012
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 44:9, s. 991-1005
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Through genome-wide association meta-analyses of up to 133,010 individuals of European ancestry without diabetes, including individuals newly genotyped using the Metabochip, we have increased the number of confirmed loci influencing glycemic traits to 53, of which 33 also increase type 2 diabetes risk (q < 0.05). Loci influencing fasting insulin concentration showed association with lipid levels and fat distribution, suggesting impact on insulin resistance. Gene-based analyses identified further biologically plausible loci, suggesting that additional loci beyond those reaching genome-wide significance are likely to represent real associations. This conclusion is supported by an excess of directionally consistent and nominally significant signals between discovery and follow-up studies. Functional analysis of these newly discovered loci will further improve our understanding of glycemic control.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Gustafsson, Lars L., et al.
(author)
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The 'wise list'- a comprehensive concept to select, communicate and achieve adherence to recommendations of essential drugs in ambulatory care in Stockholm
- 2011
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In: Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. - Copenhagen : Blackwell Publishing. - 1742-7835 .- 1742-7843. ; 108:4, s. 224-233
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim was to present and evaluate the impact of a comprehensive strategy over 10 years to select, communicate and achieve adherence to essential drug recommendations (EDR) in ambulatory care in a metropolitan healthcare region. EDRs were issued and launched as a 'Wise List' by the regional Drug and Therapeutics Committee in Stockholm. This study presents the concept by: (i) documenting the process for selecting, communicating and monitoring the impact of the 'Wise List'; (ii) analysing the variation in the number of drug substances recommended between 2000 and 2010; (iii) assessing the attitudes to the 'Wise List' among prescribers and the public; (iv) evaluating the adherence to recommendations between 2003 and 2009. The 'Wise List' consistently contained 200 drug substances for treating common diseases. The drugs were selected based on their efficacy, safety, suitability and cost-effectiveness. The 'Wise List' was known among one-third of a surveyed sample of the public in 2002 after initial marketing campaigns. All surveyed prescribers knew about the concept and 81% found the recommendations trustworthy in 2005. Adherence to recommendations increased from 69% in 1999 to 77% in 2009. In primary care, adherence increased from 83% to 87% from 2003 to 2009. The coefficient of variation (CV%) decreased from 6.1% to 3.8% for 156 healthcare centres between these years. The acceptance of the 'Wise List' in terms of trust among physicians and among the public and increased adherence may be explained by clear criteria for drug recommendations, a comprehensive communication strategy, electronic access to recommendations, continuous medical education and involvement of professional networks and patients.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Bastholm Rahmner, Pia, et al.
(author)
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Physicians' reported needs of drug information at point of care in Sweden
- 2012
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In: British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. - : Wiley. - 0306-5251 .- 1365-2125. ; 73:1, s. 115-125
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIMS Relevant and easily accessible drug information at point-of-care is essential for physicians' decision making when prescribing. However, the information available by using Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSSs) often does not meet physicians' requirements. The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is statutory information about drugs. However, the current structure, content and format of SmPCs make it difficult to incorporate them into CDSSs and link them to relevant patient information from the Electronic Health Records. The aim of the study was to evaluate the perceived needs for drug information among physicians in Sweden. METHODS We recruited three focus group discussions with 18 physicians covering different specialities. The information from the groups was combined with a questionnaire administered at the beginning of the group discussions. RESULTS Physicians reported their needs for knowledge databases at the point of drug prescribing. This included more consistent information about existing and new drugs. They also wished to receive automatically generated alerts for severe drug-drug interactions and adverse effects, and to have functions for calculating glomerular filtration rate to enable appropriate dose adjustments to be made for elderly patients and those with impaired renal function. Additionally, features enhancing electronic communication with colleagues and making drug information more searchable were suggested. CONCLUSIONS The results from the current study showed the need for knowledge databases which provide consistent information about new and existing drugs. Most of the required information from physicians appeared to be possible to transfer from current SmPCs to CDSSs. However, inconsistencies in the SmPC information have to be reduced to enhance their utility.
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| 14. |
- Bastholm Rahmner, Pia, et al.
(author)
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Whose job is it anyway? : Swedish general practitioners' perception of their responsibility for the patient's drug list.
- 2010
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In: Annals of Family Medicine. - : Annals of Family Medicine. - 1544-1709 .- 1544-1717. ; 8:1, s. 40-46
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE Information about the patient's current drug list is a prerequisite for safe drug prescribing. The aim of this study was to explore general practitioners' (GPs) understandings of who is responsible for the patient's drug list so that drugs prescribed by different physicians do not interact negatively or even cause harm. The study also sought to clarify how this responsibility was managed. METHODS We conducted a descriptive qualitative study among 20 Swedish physicians. We recruited the informants purposively and captured their view on responsibility by semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using a phenomenographic approach. RESULTS We found variation in understandings about who is responsible for the patient's drug list and, in particular, how the GPs use different strategies to manage this responsibility. Five categories emerged: (1) imposed responsibility, (2) responsible for own prescriptions, (3) responsible for all drugs, (4) different but shared responsibility, and (5) patient responsible for transferring drug information. The relation between categories is illustrated in an outcome space, which displays how the GPs reason in relation to managing drug lists. CONCLUSIONS The understanding of the GP's responsibility for the patient's drug list varied, which may be a threat to safe patient care. We propose that GPs are made aware of variations in understanding responsibility so that health care quality can be improved.
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| 15. |
- Cars, Thomas, et al.
(author)
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Extraction of Electronic Health Record Data in a Hospital Setting : Comparison of Automatic and Semi-Automatic Methods Using Anti-TNF Therapy as Model
- 2013
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In: Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. - : Wiley. - 1742-7835 .- 1742-7843. ; 112:6, s. 392-400
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There is limited experience and methods for extractions of drug therapy data from electronic health records (EHR) in the hospital setting. We have therefore developed and evaluated completeness and consistency of an automatic versus a semi-automatic extraction procedure applied on prescribing and administration of the TNF inhibitor infliximab using a hospital EHR system in Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. Using two different extraction methods (automatic and semi-automatic), all administered infusions of infliximab between 2007 and 2010 were extracted from a database linked to the EHR system. Extracted data included encrypted personal identity number (PIN), date of birth, sex, time of prescription/administration, healthcare units, prescribed/administered dose and time of admission/discharge. The primary diagnosis (ICD-10) for the treatment with infliximab was extracted by linking infliximab infusions to their corresponding treatment episode. A total of 13,590 infusions of infliximab were administered during the period of 2007 to 2010. Of those were 13,531 (99.6%) possible to link to a corresponding treatment episode, and a primary diagnosis was extracted for 13,530 infusions. Information on encrypted PIN, date of birth, time of prescription/administration, time of admission/discharge and healthcare unit was complete. Information about sex was missing in one patient only. Calculable information about dosage was extracted for 13,300 (98.3%) of all linked infusions. This methodological study showed the potential to extract drug therapy data in a hospital setting. The semi-automatic procedure produced an almost complete pattern of demographics, diagnoses and dosages for the treatment with infliximab.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Friman, Styrbjörn, 1948, et al.
(author)
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Kidney transplantation--a 46-year experience from the Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- 2011
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In: Clinical transplants. - 0890-9016. ; , s. 119-25
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The limiting factor in organ transplantation is the availability of organs. Ongoing work to improve donation rates both at the public and the organizational level in donating hospitals is essential. We also think that encouragement of live donation is important, and the possibility of ABO incompatible transplantation has increased the number of LD transplantations. The one-year graft survival rate is excellent and focus has shifted towards achieving long-term results to reduce the attrition rate. There is also an increasing interest in studying and working to reduce comorbidities on a long-term basis and thus, improve survival rates and recipient quality of life.
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| 18. |
- Godman, Brian, et al.
(author)
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Dabigatran - a continuing exemplar case history demonstrating the need for comprehensive models to optimize the utilization of new drugs
- 2014
-
In: Frontiers in Pharmacology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1663-9812. ; 5
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: There are potential conflicts between authorities and companies to fund new premium priced drugs especially where there are effectiveness, safety and/or budget concerns. Dabigatran, a new oral anticoagulant for the prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF), exemplifies this issue. Whilst new effective treatments are needed, there are issues in the elderly with dabigatran due to variable drug concentrations, no known antidote and dependence on renal elimination. Published studies showed dabigatran to be cost-effective but there are budget concerns given the prevalence of AF. These concerns resulted in extensive activities pre- to post-launch to manage its introduction. Objective: To (i) review authority activities across countries, (ii) use the findings to develop new models to better manage the entry of new drugs, and (iii) review the implications based on post-launch activities. Methodology: (i) Descriptive review and appraisal of activities regarding dabigatran, (ii) development of guidance for key stakeholder groups through an iterative process, (iii) refining guidance following post launch studies. Results: Plethora of activities to manage dabigatran including extensive pre-launch activities, risk sharing arrangements, prescribing restrictions and monitoring of prescribing post launch. Reimbursement has been denied in some countries due to concerns with its budget impact and/or excessive bleeding. Development of a new model and future guidance is proposed to better manage the entry of new drugs, centering on three pillars of pre-, pen-, and post-launch activities. Post-launch activities include increasing use of patient registries to monitor the safety and effectiveness of new drugs in clinical practice. Conclusion: Models for introducing new drugs are essential to optimize their prescribing especially where concerns. Without such models, new drugs may be withdrawn prematurely and/or struggle for funding.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
- Kanoni, Stavroula, et al.
(author)
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Total zinc intake may modify the glucose-raising effect of a zinc transporter (SLC30A8) variant : a 14-cohort meta-analysis
- 2011
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In: Diabetes. - Alexandria : American diabetes association. - 0012-1797 .- 1939-327X. ; 60:9, s. 2407-2416
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE Many genetic variants have been associated with glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes in genome-wide association studies. Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is important for β-cell function and glucose homeostasis. We tested the hypothesis that zinc intake could influence the glucose-raising effect of specific variants.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a 14-cohort meta-analysis to assess the interaction of 20 genetic variants known to be related to glycemic traits and zinc metabolism with dietary zinc intake (food sources) and a 5-cohort meta-analysis to assess the interaction with total zinc intake (food sources and supplements) on fasting glucose levels among individuals of European ancestry without diabetes.RESULTS We observed a significant association of total zinc intake with lower fasting glucose levels (β-coefficient ± SE per 1 mg/day of zinc intake: -0.0012 ± 0.0003 mmol/L, summary P value = 0.0003), while the association of dietary zinc intake was not significant. We identified a nominally significant interaction between total zinc intake and the SLC30A8 rs11558471 variant on fasting glucose levels (β-coefficient ± SE per A allele for 1 mg/day of greater total zinc intake: -0.0017 ± 0.0006 mmol/L, summary interaction P value = 0.005); this result suggests a stronger inverse association between total zinc intake and fasting glucose in individuals carrying the glucose-raising A allele compared with individuals who do not carry it. None of the other interaction tests were statistically significant.CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that higher total zinc intake may attenuate the glucose-raising effect of the rs11558471 SLC30A8 (zinc transporter) variant. Our findings also support evidence for the association of higher total zinc intake with lower fasting glucose levels.
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| 22. |
- Lambrechts, Marcel M., et al.
(author)
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The design of artificial nestboxes for the study of secondary hole-nesting birds: a review of methodological inconsistencies and potential biases
- 2010
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In: Acta Ornithologica. - 0001-6454 .- 1734-8471. ; 45:1, s. 1-26
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The widespread use of artificial nestboxes has led to significant advances in our knowledge of the ecology, behaviour and physiology of cavity nesting birds, especially small passerines Nestboxes have made it easier to perform routine monitoring and experimental manipulation of eggs or nestlings, and also repeatedly to capture, identify and manipulate the parents However, when comparing results across study sites the use of nestboxes may also Introduce a potentially significant confounding variable in the form of differences in nestbox design amongst studies, such as their physical dimensions, placement height, and the way in which they are constructed and maintained However, the use of nestboxes may also introduce an unconsidered and potentially significant confounding variable clue to differences in nestbox design amongst studies, such as their physical dimensions, placement height, and the way in which they are constructed and maintained Here we review to what extent the characteristics of artificial nestboxes (e g size, shape, construction material, colour) are documented in the 'methods' sections of publications involving hole-nesting passerine birds using natural or excavated cavities or artificial nestboxes for reproduction and roosting Despite explicit previous recommendations that authors describe in detail the characteristics of the nestboxes used, we found that the description of nestbox characteristics in most recent publications remains poor and insufficient We therefore list the types of descriptive data that should be included in the methods sections of relevant manuscripts and justify this by discussing how variation in nestbox characteristics can affect or confound conclusions from nestbox studies We also propose several recommendations to improve the reliability and usefulness of research based on long-term studies of any secondary hole-nesting species using artificial nestboxes for breeding or roosting.
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
- Malmström, Rickard E., et al.
(author)
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Dabigatran - a case history demonstrating the need for comprehensive approaches to optimize the use of new drugs
- 2013
-
In: Frontiers in Pharmacology. - : FRONTIERS RESEARCH FOUNDATION. - 1663-9812. ; 4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: There are potential conflicts between authorities and companies to fund new premium priced drugs especially where there are safety and/or budget concerns. Dabigatran, a new oral anticoagulant for the prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF), exemplifies this issue. Whilst new effective treatments are needed, there are issues in the elderly with dabigatran due to variable drug concentrations, no known antidote and dependence on renal elimination. Published studies have shown dabigatran to be cost-effective but there are budget concerns given the prevalence of AF. There are also issues with potentially re-designing anticoagulant services. This has resulted in activities across countries to better manage its use. Objective: To (i) review authority activities in over 30 countries and regions, (ii) use the findings to develop new models to better manage the entry of new drugs, and (iii) review the implications for all major stakeholder groups. Methodology: Descriptive review and appraisal of activities regarding dabigatran and the development of guidance for groups through an iterative process. Results: There has been a plethora of activities among authorities to manage the prescribing of dabigatran including extensive pre-launch activities, risk sharing arrangements, prescribing restrictions, and monitoring of prescribing post-launch. Reimbursement has been denied in some countries due to concerns with its budget impact and/or excessive bleeding. Development of a new model and future guidance is proposed to better manage the entry of new drugs, centering on three pillars of pre-, pen-, and post-launch activities. Conclusion: Models for introducing new drugs are essential to optimize their prescribing especially where there are concerns. Without such models, new drugs may be withdrawn prematurely and/or struggle for funding.
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| 25. |
- Mukonzo, Jackson K, et al.
(author)
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HIV/AIDS Patients Display Lower Relative Bioavailability of Efavirenz than Healthy Subjects.
- 2011
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In: Clinical pharmacokinetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0312-5963 .- 1179-1926. ; 50:8, s. 531-40
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Pharmacokinetic studies of antiretroviral drugs are often conducted in adult healthy subjects, and the results are extrapolated to HIV/AIDS patients. HIV/AIDS, however, is known to cause morphological and physiological changes that may alter the pharmacokinetics of antiretroviral drugs. We examined the effect of HIV/AIDS on the pharmacokinetics of efavirenz in Ugandans. Methods: After a first oral dose of efavirenz 600mg in treatment-naïve HIV-infected patients, blood samples were collected at nine time points up to 24 hours. The plasma-concentration time data from these patients were merged with previously reported data from adult healthy subjects. Population pharmacokinetic models were fitted to the data, using NONMEM VI software. Covariate analyses were performed to estimate the effects of HIV/AIDS disease, demographic characteristics (sex, bodyweight, age), biochemical variables (serum creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase) and pharmacogenetic variation in cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6, CYP3A5 and adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette, sub-family B, member 1 (ABCB1) on the population pharmacokinetic parameters. Results: Efavirenz plasma concentration-time data obtained from 29 HIV-1-infected, treatment-naïve patients were merged with previously reported data from 32 adult healthy subjects. The model identified sex and HIV/AIDS disease as statistically significant categorical predictors of efavirenz pharmacokinetics. Females were predicted to have a 2-fold higher volume of distribution of the peripheral compartment after oral administration (V(2)/F) than males (95% CI 1.53, 2.63), while HIV/AIDS patients were found to have 30% lower relative bioavailability (95% CI 18.7, 40.7) than healthy subjects. The increased V(2)/F in females resulted in a 2-fold longer elimination half-life than in males. Conclusion: On the basis of the findings of this analysis, we conclude that, apart from bodyweight-based differences, both HIV/AIDS disease and sex affect efavirenz pharmacokinetics in Ugandans. HIV/AIDS disease is associated with reduced relative bioavailability of efavirenz. We recommend that findings from healthy subject studies be confirmed in HIV/AIDS patients and that caution be applied in direct extrapolation of exposure data to the target patient population.
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