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Protocolo: Effect of the CYP3A5, CYP3A4, CYP3A7, ABCB1, POR and NR1I2 genes in the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in a pediatric cohort with stable serum concentrations after renal transplantation: study protocol.

by | Jan 16, 2017 | IBJClinicalPharmacology

Autores: Irene Dapia1,†, Aleksandra Tabakov2,†, Laura Espinosa Román3, Lucía Díaz4, Pedro Arias Lajara1, Marta Melgosa3, Angel Melgar3, Carlota Fernández3, Alicia Herranz Estellés5, Pablo Lapunzina1, Alberto M. Borobia4,6‡, Antonio J. Carcas4,6‡

Año: 2017 Volumen: 1 Edición: 1 Número: e0005

 antonio.carcas@uam.es, alberto.borobia@salud.madrid.org

Datos de filiación

1 Medical and Molecular Genetics Institute (INGEMM). La Paz University Hospital. Madrid.

2 Clinical Pharmacology Department. Gomez Ulla Hospital. Madrid

3 Pediatric Department, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ.

4 Clinical Pharmacology Department. La Paz University Hospital. School of Medicine. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. IdiPAZ

5 Clinical Trial Unit. Clinical Pharmacology Department. IdiPAZ

6 SCReN (Spanish Clinical Research Network)

† Contributed equally to this work

‡ Corresponding authors

Fuentes de financiación

Los autores declaran que no hubo o ha habido subvención(es) involucrada(s) en el apoyo de este trabajo.

Conflicto de intereses

El(los) autor(es) no tiene ningún conflicto de interés relevante a este artículo para divulgar.

 DOI: 10.24217/2530-4984.17v1.00005

 Editora: Hoi Yan Tong

 Citar como: Dapia I., Tabakov A., Espinosa Roman L., Díaz L., Arias Lajara P., Melgosa M., Melgar A., Fernandez C., Herranz Estellés A., Lapunzina P., Borobia AM., Carcas AJ., Effect of the CYP3A5, CYP3A4, CYP3A7, ABCB1, POR and NR1I2 genes in the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in a pediatric cohort with stable serum concentrations after renal transplantation: study protocol. IBJ Clin Pharmacol 2017 1(1):e0005.

 Lugar de edición: Madrid, España.

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BACKGROUND: Therapeutic response to pharmacological therapy in humans shows large intrapatient and interpatient variability both in treatment efficacy and adverse drug reactions (ADR). Part of this variability can be explained by genetic polymorphisms in genes encoding TAC metabolism related proteins. The aim of this study is to evaluate the contribution of genetic variation in the CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP3A7, POR, NR1I2 and ABCB1 genes to this variability in order to achieve a better understanding of TAC pharmacokinetics and a more personalized approach for TAC dosing in a cohort of pediatric patients with stable serum concentrations after renal transplantation.

METHODS AND DESIGN: This is a unicenter retrospective cross-sectional study. The protocol was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the La Paz University Hospital (Madrid, Spain) and will be carried in this same hospital. 50 pediatric patients with stable serum concentrations after renal transplantation are expected to be included. Peripheral blood samples will be collected for molecular analysis (pharmacogenetics studies) and AUC estimation (C0, C1 and C3 hours after TAC administration).

DISCUSSION: To date there are not dosing algorithms that can explain accurately TAC metabolism. The incorporation of a complete pharmacogenetic (PhGx) profile into these algorithms may help in the individualization and optimization of TAC treatment in pediatric renal transplant patients.

STUDY REGISTRATION: FC/HULP_002/2014

Background

Therapeutic response to pharmacological therapy in humans shows large intra and interindividual variability both in treatment efficacy and adverse drug reactions (ADR). Part of this variability can be explained by clinical features such as the stage of the disease or concomitant medications as well as patient age, sex, weight, liver and kidney function among others. However, it has been reported that interindividual variability in drug bioavailability and metabolism as well as differences in molecular and cellular drug targets (both controlled by genetic mechanisms) may have an even more important specific weight over therapeutic response to pharmacological treatments(1)(2)

The fast development of molecular techniques and bioinformatics has allowed the identification and characterization of many of the genetic factors explaining the interindividual variability in drug response. The increasing evidence supporting the association of genetic variation to drug efficacy and toxicity heterogeneity has led to the implementation of a Pharmacogenetic (PhGx) approach in the clinical setting which aims to achieve the individualization of therapies by the identification of the most suitable drug and dose for each patient.

Imunosuppressive agents prescribed for renal transplant recipients show a high interindividual pharmacokinetic variability making the individualization of the therapeutic plan necessary to optimize the treatment and avoid graft loss and toxicity. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is mandatory in those drugs showing a narrow therapeutic range such as the calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) tacrolimus (FK506, TAC)(3). Specifically, in pediatric population interindividual variability in TAC metabolism is significantly affected by the gradual maturation of enzyme systems. These differences in metabolic capacity as well as other physiological differences between children and adults lead to higher dose requirements (mg/kg) in children for achieving similar plasmatic concentrations(4).

TAC is a substrate of the drug-efflux pump ABCB1 or P-glycoprotein (encoded by the ABCB1 gene), which is expressed at high concentrations in the small intestine and thought to be related to TAC heterogeneous bioavailability. Following absorption, TAC is metabolized to up to 15 active and inactive metabolites in the liver, intestine and to a limited degree in the kidney by CYP3A isozymes (predominantly CYP3A5 with CYP3A4 contribution). Interindividual differences in CYP3A activity are the most important determinants of the variability in TAC clearance. However, genetic polymorphisms in other enzymes responsible of the regulation and activation of these drug-metabolizing enzymes such as the P450 oxidoreductase (POR) or the Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1 Group I Member 2 (NR1I2) may explain residual variability in the response to TAC(5).

The human CYP3A subfamily (CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP3A7 and CYP43) plays a dominant role in the metabolic elimination of drugs, other xenobiotic compounds and endogenous molecules from the body. These enzymes are encoded by the CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and CYP3A7 genes, located on chromosome 7. CYP3A4 is the dominant CYP3A enzyme in the adult liver and small intestine. CYP3A5 is also found in the adult liver but with a more variable pattern of expression. In addition, CYP3A5 is also polymorphically expressed in the fetal liver. CYP3A7 is the major fetal liver CYP3A enzyme and its expression generally decreases after birth giving rise to its adult form, CYP3A4. However, CYP3A7 has also been detected in some adults and it may contribute to drug/xenobiotic clearance(6).

1. CYP3A5 gene

Genetic polymorphisms in the CYP3A5 gene explain 40-50% of the variability in TAC dose requirements(3). It has been reported that the strongest predictor of TAC dosing requirements is the rs776746 SNP (c.219-237A>G; CYP3A5*3 allele; MAF=0,38 T) in intron 3. This variant creates an alternative splice site in the pre-mRNA and therefore production of aberrant mRNA resulting in truncation of the translated protein and a severe decrease of functional CYP3A5 enzyme. Homozygous carriers of the G allele of this SNP (CYP3A5*3/*3) are referred to as CYP3A5 non-expressers in contrast to CYP3A5*1 carriers (known as CYP3A5 expressers) who show normal protein function and therefore lower trough concentrations related to higher metabolic rates(7-9). This association between CYP3A5 genotype and TAC metabolism has been replicated many times in a variety of different studies. However, the contribution of this genetic variant to TAC pharmacokinetic variability specifically in paediatric population has not been widely reported yet. Turolo et al. (2010) performed a study in teenagers undergoing kidney transplantation and found that carriers of the CYP3A5*1 allele (CYP3A5 expressers) required a TAC loading dose that was 1,5 times higher than CYP3A5 non-expressers(10). The *1 allele has also been related to a slower achievement of therapeutic levels. Similar results were obtained by Durand et al. in a paediatric cohort(11).On the other hand, Shillbayeh et al. (2013) found this association only during the first 3 months after transplantation, however this may be due to CYP3A5 induction because of corticosteroid comedications or the low frequency of the *1 allele in their cohort (12). As TAC is metabolized by both intestinal and hepatic CYP3A5 enzymes, the combined contribution of CYP3A5 expression in the native intestine and liver allograft is likely to influence the pharmacokinetics of TAC in liver transplant. However, due to the short number of studies, up to date results have been inconclusive(3).

Other CYP3A5 SNPs have been reported in association to TAC pharmacokinetics, including the rs10264272 (c.624G>A; CYP3A5*6; MAF=0,04 T) and rs41303343 (c.1035_1036insT; CYP3A5*7; MAF=0,03 A) encoding nonfunctional proteins as well as the rs41279854 (c.1337T>C; CYP3A5*3K; MAF<0,01 G) encoding a protein with decreased activity. The rs55965422 (c.432+2T>C; CYP3A5*5; MAF<0,01 G) has also been reported affecting the intron 5 splicing donor site of the gene, however the in vitro results revealing the enzymatic activity of the encoded protein were unclear(13-15).

2. CYP3A4 gene

The CYP3A4 SNPs rs2740574 (c.-392G>A; CYP3A4*1B; MAF=0,23 C) and rs35599367 (c.522-191C>T; CYP3A4*22; MAF=0,01 A) have both been related to TAC pharmacokinetic variability. The rs2740574 is a promoter variant known to increase gene transcription. Therefore carriers of the CYP3A4*1B allele have shown 35% lower TAC dose-adjusted through concentrations compared to those homozygous for the *1 allele. However the rs2740574 was shown to be in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with CYP3A5 rs776746 and therefore its effect in TAC pharmacokinetics is likely mediated by this SNP(3). The rs35599367 is located in intron 6 of the CYP3A4 gene and has been related to reduced CYP3A4 enzymatic activity. In fact, a study in paediatric heart transplant patients reported that CYP3A4*22 carriers need 30% less TAC to reach similar target concentrations compared to CYP3A4 *1/*1(16). This SNP is not in LD with rs776746 in CYP3A5 and therefore its contribution to TAC metabolism is independent from the CYP3A5*3 allele. A combination of the CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genotypes has been proposed in order to predict TAC dosing requirements giving rise to three groups: Ultrarapid (CYP3A5 expressers and CYP3A4*1/*1), intermediate (CYP3A5 non-expressers and CYP3A4*1/*1) and poor (CYP3A5 non-expressers and CYP3A4*22 carriers) CYP3A metabolizers(17-19). The rs28371759 (c.875T>C; CYP3A4*18; MAF<0,01 G) in intron 10 of the CYP3A4 gene has also been related to TAC pharmacokinetics(3). Despite not having evidence of a direct association between the rs4646438 (c.827_828insA; CYP3A4*6) and rs55785340 (c.664T>C; CYP3A4*2; MAF<0,01 G)  TAC pharmacokinetics, Hsieh et al. (2001) reported that these SNPs were associated with reduced CYP3A4 enzymatic activity (in vivo and in vitro respectively) and may therefore affect TAC concentrations(20).

Recently Werk et al. (2014) described a kidney transplant patient with extremely high TAC plasma trough levels during immunosuppressant therapy and a novel CYP3A4 variant resulting in a premature stop codon in CYP3A4 exon 9, rs138105638 (c.802 C>T; CYP3A4*26) resulting in a complete failure of the CYP3A4 locus. In addition, this patient was a CYP3A5 non-expressor and therefore showed a complete failure of the CYP3A enzyme activity and unusually low TAC dosing requirements(21).

3. CYP3A7 gene

CYP3A7 is the most abundant CYP isoform and accounts for up to 50% of the total P450 in embryonic, fetal and neonate livers. Generally its expression decreases after birth giving rise to its adult form, CYP3A4; however it has been reported that individuals carrying the CYP3A7*1C allele that contains the proximal PXR/CAR element of CYP3A4 express significant levels of CYP3A7 in their adult life which could therefore contribute to TAC metabolism(22). 5 SNPs define the CYP2C7*1C allele: rs11568824 (c.-291G>T), rs45494802, rs45575938 (c.-282T>C; MAF=0,01), rs45467892 (c.-281A>T; MAF=0,01 A), rs11568825 (c.-270T>G), rs11568826 (c.-262T>A) and rs45446698 (c.-232A>C; MAF=0,02 G). This allele was reported at a frequency of 3% in Caucasian populations and 6% in African Americans(6).

Other SNPs in CYP3A7 5´-flanking region have been reported such as rs45465393 (c.-314C>T; CYP3A7*1B; MAF<0,01 A), rs55798860 (c.-91G>A; CYP3A7*1D; MAF=0,01 T) and rs28451617 (c.-49G>A ; CYP3A7*1E; MAF=0,04 T). However, these variants occur in regions outside those associated with the regulation of CYP3A transcription(6). Another common CYP3A7 SNP is the rs2257401 (c.1226C>G; CYP3A7*2; MAF=0,33 C), associated with higher drug metabolic rates but only in fetal livers. Lee et al. (2007) reported a novel CYP3A7 variant in a human fetal liver, (c.141_142insT; CYP3A7*3), that causes a premature termination of CYP3A7 translation which may result in a null phenotype(23).

4. ABCB1 gene

ABCB1 has been related to the low bioavailability of TAC as well as to TAC distribution throughout the body and its excretion into bile and urine(5). However, associations between TAC pharmacokinetics and variations in ABCB1 are controversial. The rs2032582 (c.2677T>G/A; ABCB1*2; MAF=0,05 T), rs1045642 (c.3435T>C; ABCB1*2; MAF=0,40 A) and rs1128503 (c.1236T>C; ABCB1*2; MAF=0,42 A) which are likely in LD are the most studied SNPs, however results are conflicting and there is no consistent evidence for an association between TAC adjusted-through concentrations and these variants(24, 25). Some studies report a significant association between rs1045642 and TAC dose(8, 26), however this association was not confirmed by other authors(27).

ABCB1 is also expressed in the membrane of lymphocytes so it may play a role in affecting the intracellular concentrations of TAC within this cells. Indeed, Capron et al (2010) reported an association between this SNPs and intracellular PBMC TAC concentrations (probably due to a reduction in P-glycoprotein expression and function). In addition, this association was not correlated with TAC blood concentrations, demonstrating that blood concentration may not accurately reflect the level of TAC available for immunosuppression(28). ABCB1 SNPs have also been related to TAC nephrotoxicity as P-gp expression in renal cells could determine the amount of TAC entering these cells and therefore tissue concentrations(29). However, this association was not replicated by other studies(30).

Kroetz et al. described the *13 haplotype(31). ABCB1*13 is indistinguishable from the *2 haplotype in terms of coding region and aminoacid sequence but different in 3 intronic variants: rs10276036 (c.1000-44G>A; ABCB1*13; MAF=0,43 A), rs2235033 (c.1554+24T>C; ABCB1*13; MAF=0,47 G) and rs2235013 (c.1725+38G>A; ABCB1*13; MAF=0,47 T). This haplotype does not affect ABCB1 protein function.

5. POR gene

P-450 oxidoreductase (POR) enables the activity of CYP3A enzymes and it is essential for CYP-mediated drug oxidation. The rs1057868 (c.1508C>T; POR*28; MAF=0,29 T) affects the electron binding domain of POR and therefore modifies POR modulation of the CYP3A emzymes. Indeed, it has been reported that homozygus carriers of the POR*28 allele show an increased CYP3A in vivo activity(32). In pediatric population, a recent study in 43 transplant children showed that heterozygous and homozygous carriers of the *28 allele show TAC concentration/dose ratios 20,2% lower than POR*1/*1 individuals. An association between POR rs2868177 (c.188+6405A>G; MAF=0,40 G) and CYP activity has also been described as it strongly related to warfarin maintenance dose variations(33).

6. NR1I2 gene

 

The Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1 Group I Member 2 (NR1I2) encodes the human pregnane X receptor (PXR), responsible of the upstream regulation of the CYP3A enzymes. The promoter NR1I2 SNP rs3814055 (c.-1570C>T; MAF=0,32 T) has been related to a significantly increased exposure to TAC. It has been suggested that this variant produces a downregulation of PXR and therefore decreased CYP metabolic activity resulting in decreased clearance of TAC(34)

In conclusion, TAC efficacy and toxicity show a great variability both in adult and pediatric population. Part of this variability can be explained by genetic variation in the CYP3A5, CYP3A4 and CYP3A7, POR, NR1I2 and ABCB1 genes. Therefore our group proposes this study for the evaluation of SNP affecting these genes could help us in the design and optimization of new strategies, such as dosing algorithms for treatment individualization and optimization (FC/HULP_002/2014).

Methods

1. Design and setting

This study was designed as a unicenter retrospective cross-sectional study to evaluate the contribution of genetic polymorphisms in TAC metabolism related genes in the pharmacokinetics of TAC in pediatric patients with stable serum concentrations after renal transplantation. The study will be performed in La Paz University Hospital in Madrid (Spain). This study has an estimated duration of 24 months. A Flowchart of the study procedures can be found in Figure 1.

2. Study population

The target population is a cohort of pediatric patients after renal transplantation referred to the Pediatric Nephrology Division of La Paz University Hospital and following a pharmacological treatment with TAC. Peripheral blood samples will be drawn for molecular analysis and AUC estimation.

3. Inclusion criteria

  • Male and female patients who underwent a renal transplantation procedure.
  • Under 18 years of age.
  • Follow stable immunosuppressive treatment with TAC. Treatment is considered stable when variations in the 3 last blood concentrations determinations are <30%, being these determinations separated by 1 week.
  • Patients give written consent to participate in the study once they have received information on the design, goals and possible risk of the study and they are made aware that they can withdraw from the study at any time.

4. Exclusion criteria

  • Inability to understand directions or lack of collaboration during the study.

5. Objectives

  1. Primary
    • To evaluate the contribution of genetic variation in the CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP3A7, POR, NR1I2 and ABCB1 genes to TAC pharmacokinetics.
  2. Secondary
    • To perform molecular analysis and characterization of CYP3A, ABCB1, POR and NR1I2 haplotypes in a pediatric cohort after renal transplantation.
    • To evaluate the contribution of genetic variation (in addition to other individual features) to TAC heterogeneity in clinical response and related adverse reactions by mathematical modelling.

6. Study timeline

The study will be distributed as shown in Table 1.

  1. Inclusion phase
    • Recruitment of a cohort of pediatric patients referred to the Pediatric Nephrology Division after renal transplant. Patients will be checked to ensure they meet the selection criteria.
    • Before any procedure is performed patients and relatives will be informed (verbally and in written by the patient information sheet). Informed consent sheets will be gathered. An example of the Informed Consent sheets can be found in the Supplementary Material.
    • Once patients and relatives have consent to participation in the study clinical and demographic information will be collected by personal interviews and review of medical history.
    • 3 blood samples will be taken from each patient for a TAC AUC study: C0, C1 (1 hour) and C3 (3 hours).
    • In order to minimize the number of blood extractions, one of the previous samples will be used for the PhGx studies.
  2. Result collection and analysis
    • PhGx tests will be performed. Results will be collected in electronic databases for subsequent statistical analysis.
    • To evaluate the contribution of genetic variation (in addition to other individual features) to TAC heterogeneity in clinical response and related adverse reactions by mathematical modelling.
  3. Results dissemination
    • Preparation of a final report.
    • Publication of the results in scientific journals.
    • Communications in scientific meetings and conferences.

Table 1. Study timeline

7. Data collection

Patient´s clinical information will be collected by medical history review and a personal interview with patients and relatives. Three blood samples will be drawn for AUC and PhGx studies. Information will be recorded in the Case Report Form (CRF).

    1. Pharmacogenetics studies

One of the blood samples obtained for the pharmacokinetic study will be used for DNA extraction and genotyping of various SNP in the following genes related to TAC metabolism and pharmacokinetics: CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP3A7, POR, NR1I2 and ABCB1 in the Medical and Molecular Genetics Institute (INGEMM) in La Paz University Hospital. Table 2 shows the final selection of SNPs for TAC PhGx analysis. After the assessment of different molecular techniques we finally selected the OpenArray® technique with a custom format: PharmArray® as well as direct sequencing for those SNPs which were not included in the design.

    1. Pharmacokinetic study

Three blood samples will be collected from each patient: One before drug administration (C0), and two after 1 and 3 hours respectively (C1 and C3) in order to calculate TAC abbreviated AUC as an indicator of total drug exposure. This method is completely validated and is performed on a daily basis in many patients (35). These determinations will be performed in the Clinical Pharmacology Department of La Paz University Hospital by an automatized immunoassay method (Architect®), which is generally used for TDM of immunosuppressive drugs.

 

Table 2. Final selection of SNPs included in the TAC PhGx study. Information about SNPs coordinates and Minor allele Frequencies (MAF) is shown.

Transcripts IDs: ABCB1 (NM_000927), CYP3A4 (NM_001202855), CYP3A5 (NM_000777), CYP3A7 (NM_000765), POR (NM_000941) and NR1I2 (NM_022002). Genome version: Human GRCh38.p7.

 

8. Case Report Form (CRF)

Each patient´s CRF will include the following infor-mation:

Age, sex, intercurrent diseases that may modify the activity of TAC metabolizing enzymes as well as possible concomitant treatments with enzyme inducers or inhibitors (erythromycin, phenobarbital, itraconazole, diltiazem, Ritonavir/Lopinavir, etc). TAC concentrations will also be recorded (abbreviated AUC in C0, C1 and C3). In the event of TAC-related adverse reactions, an independent evaluation of immunosuppressive treatment will be performed.

9. Withdrawal criteria

Patients can discontinue their participation in the study at any time. The research doctor, in his or her opinion or judgment, may also withdraw a patient from the study if required by the patient´s clinical situation or if the patient does not comply with the protocol. The motive and justification of the withdrawal will be reflected in the study development.

10. Sample size calculation

Due to the exploratory nature of this study our aim is to include all pediatric patients referred to the Pediatric Nephrology Division of La Paz University Hospital. Taking into account ~20% of patients that refuse to collaborate in the study and/or withdrawals, we estimate a number of patients of around 50, this sample size seemed adequate as compared to other previous similar studies(8, 12, 16).

11. Data analysis

Data will be collected in electronic databases for subsequent analysis:

  1. We will perform a descriptive analysis of socio-demographic factors, personal records and concomitant drugs, transplant and immunosuppression information, pharmacokinetic parametres (abbreviated AUC) and PhGx data (allelic and genotypic frequencies). Data will be ex-pressed as incidence (number/percentage) or average (with standard deviation, SD), as applicable.
  2. A univariate analysis will be performed for the evaluation of the relationship between kinetic parameters (drug exposure-AUC) and the other independent variables (including PhGx). T-Student, ANOVA and bivariate correlation (or its corresponding non-parametric test) will be applied. For the evaluation of each separate variable in AUC a univariate lineal regression will be performed and R2 and AIC will be used for comparison of the different variables.
  3. A multivariate regression analysis will be used for building an explicative model of the patient´s clinical response, being the independent variables the selected genetic variants and clinical a demographic features of the patients and the dependent variable the pharmacokinetic results (AUC).

12. Ethical aspects

Researchers will abide strictly to the provisions of this protocol as well as to the Good Clinical Practice guidelines. This project will be carried according to the recommendations for clinical studies and drug evaluation in humans as reflected in the Declaration of Helsinki (reviewed in successive world meetings) and in the current Spanish legislation on clinical studies (RD 223/2004) and patient data confidentiality. This study has been approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the La Paz University Hospital (Madrid, Spain).

Patients will receive verbal and written information about the study and the possible associated risks before being included in the study and a written consent form will be collected. Included patients will be underage and therefore different information sheets and informed consent forms suitable for the different age group will be designed. Patients will be able to withdraw from this study at any moment. Results obtained in this study are considered confidential and will be treated strictly as such.

Discussion

Tacrolimus is the most commonly used calcineurin inhibitor (with more than 90% of kidney transplants performed with TAC as immunosuppressive agent)(36). However, TAC therapy is complicated by its narrow therapeutic window requiring TDM to optimize treatment and avoid graft loss and toxicities(37-39). Despite TDM, a high inter and intraindividual pharmacokinetic variability has been reported in transplant patients treated with TAC. This pharmacokinetic variability depends on many clinical co-variants such as age, sex, weight, serum levels of albumin, haematocrit and haemoglobin, concomitant medications or post-operative time. However, it has been reported that genetic variations in the genes encoding proteins related to TAC metabolism and disposition may contribute in a high degree to this heterogeneity of responses(40-42).

Recently it has been proposed the implementation of dosing algorithms in the clinical routine that include all of these variables for increasing both the efficacy and safety of TAC in renal transplant patients. Several dosing algorithms have been proposed(43-45). However, these algorithms do not incorporate the complete TAC related PhGx profile and therefore are unable to accurately determine TAC clearance.

Our project aims to evaluate the individual contribution of the most common and important genetic variants reported in association to TAC pharmacokinetics in order to identify new variables that could be incorporated in dosing algorithms and therefore improve TAC dosing and security.

Passey et al. included CYP3A5 genotype as a variable in their TAC dosing algorithm. Genetic polymorphisms in the CYP3A5 gene explain 40-50% of the variability in TAC dose requirements. However TAC presents an extensive hepatic metabolism by other cytochrome P450 enzymes (such as CYP3A4 and CYP3A7), and its bioavailability is also influenced by the multidrug resistance genotypes (ABCB1)(8, 46). In addition, recent studies have related variants in POR and NR1I2 with TAC pharmacokinetics, as these genes encode proteins related to the regulation of the CYP3A enzymes(3). CYP3A7 is the major fetal liver metabolizing enzyme. Its expression generally decreases after birth, however it has been reported that individuals carrying the CYP3A7*1C allele express significant levels of CYP3A7 in their adult life. We therefore included CYP3A7 screening in our study as we hypothesize that this protein, especially in pediatric population, may contribute in some way to TAC metabolism(22).

In summary, the proposed study aims to review and identify the specific contribution of genetic variation in these genes in relation to TAC pharmacokinetics in pediatric population. Preemptive screening of these genes may result an informative tool that could help clarifying TAC heterogeneity of responses and help in the prevention of toxicities and graft loss as well as in the optimization of TAC dose and efficiency.

Acknowledgement

This work has had the support of the Spanish Clinical Research Network (SCReN), funded by ISCIII-Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fomento de la Investigación (project PT13/0002/0015), integrated in Plan Estatal de I+D+I 2013-2016 , and co-financed by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER).

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