title: The pharmacogenomics of statins.
abstract: The statin class of cholesterol-lowering drugs have been used for decades to successfully lower plasma cholesterol concentrations and cardiovascular risk. Adverse effects of statins are generally considered mild, but increase with age of patients and polypharmacy. One aspect of statin therapy that is still difficult for prescribers to predict is the individual's response to statin therapy. Recent advances in the field of pharmacogenomics have indicated variants of candidate genes that affect statin efficacy and safety. In this review, a number of candidates that affect statin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are discussed. Some of these candidates, in particular those involved in import and efflux of statins, have now been linked to increased risk of side effects. Furthermore, pharmacogenomic studies continue to reveal new players that are involved in the fine-tuning of the complex regulation of cholesterol homeostasis and response to statins.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: ingrid.gelissen@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Ingrid C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Gelissen
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: McLachlan
mesh_terms: D054316:Biomarkers, Pharmacological; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D027381:Liver-Specific Organic Anion Transporter 1; D027361:Organic Anion Transporters / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D054316:Biomarkers, Pharmacological; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D027381:Liver-Specific Organic Anion Transporter 1; D027361:Organic Anion Transporters; C503999:SLCO1B1 protein, human
keywords: Drug metabolism; Drug transport; LDL-cholesterol; Pharmacogenomics; Statins