Abstract :
'Tacrolimus is the cornerstone of immunosuppressive
therapy in organ transplantation with variable inter-individual
pharmacokinetics. This study assessed the relationship between
CYP3A5/3A4 polymorphisms and tacrolimus dose requirement as
well as 6-month transplant outcomes in Iranian kidney transplant
recipients.
Methods. In this prospective study, 110 adult kidney transplant
recipients treated with tacrolimus were genotyped for the presence
of common SNPs: rs776746: A > G (CYP3A5*3). Patients who carried
at least one CYP3A5*1 allele were known as CYP3A5 expressers
while those who were CYP3A5*3/*3 homozygotes were classified
as CYP3A5 non-expressers.
Results. The daily tacrolimus dose was significantly higher and
tacrolimus dose adjusted trough levels (C/D ratio) was significantly
lower in CYP3A5 expressers compared with non-expressers (P < .05).
Although the incidence of clinically suggested acute allograft rejection
was significantly higher (OR = 0.365 [95% CI: 0.14 - 0.93]; P < .05)
and median time to first acute rejection was sooner among CYP3A5
expressers compared with non-expressers (12.17 vs. 26.83 days,
P < .05); however, estimated glomerular filtration rate, incidence of
biopsy proven acute rejection and delayed graft function and 6-month
patients’ and grafts’ survival did not differ between the two groups.
Conclusion. CYP3A5 genetic polymorphism is significantly associated
with required tacrolimus dose. After achieving desired tacrolimus
blood level, although some transplant outcomes such as the incidence
of clinically suggested acute rejection and time to first rejection were
different between CYP3A5 expressers and non-expressers, however,
other clinical outcomes did not differ between groups. Therefore, it
is not the time to routinely assess kidney transplant recipients for
CYP3A5 genetic polymorphism before transplantation.'