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Genetic susceptibility to adverse drug effects - Epidemiology ...

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Chapter 4.4<br />

Introduction<br />

Sulfonylurea <strong>drug</strong>s have been used extensively for decades in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Since the<br />

publication of the University Group Diabetes Program trial in 1970, in which <strong>to</strong>lbutamide treatment was<br />

compared with other treatments and placebo, sulfonylurea have been associated with an increased risk of<br />

cardiovascular mortality. 1 However, there was criticism on this study in subsequent publications. 2-4 In 1998<br />

the results of another trial with sulfonylurea were published. In this UK Prospective Diabetes Study trial,<br />

in which treatment with a sulfonylurea (chlorpropamide, glibenclamide or glipizide) was compared with<br />

insulin treatment and conventional policy with diet, no detrimental <strong>effects</strong> of sulfonylurea were seen. 5 Ever<br />

since, controversy remains as <strong>to</strong> whether sulfonylurea may increase the risk of cardiovascular death.<br />

Sulfonylurea stimulate insulin secretion by the pancreatic β-cells. 6-8 The sulfonylurea recep<strong>to</strong>r (SUR) is<br />

part of the ATP-sensitive K + (KATP) channel. Binding of the sulfonylurea <strong>to</strong> SUR causes inhibition of the<br />

KATP-channel, decreasing the K + efflux and depolarization of the cell membrane. This triggers the opening<br />

of voltage dependent Ca 2+ channels, eliciting Ca 2+ influx and a rise in intracellular Ca 2+ . In the pancreatic<br />

β-cell, this rise stimulates the exocy<strong>to</strong>sis of insulin-containing secre<strong>to</strong>ry granules.<br />

Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are the enzymes responsible for nitric oxide generation. Nitric oxide regulates<br />

cardiovascular homeostasis. 9 Recently, two nearby single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs10494366<br />

and rs10918594, in the gene encoding Nitric Oxide Synthase 1 Adap<strong>to</strong>r Protein (NOS1AP) have been<br />

associated with QTc-interval prolongation in electrocardiograms (ECGs). 10-12 NOS1AP is a regula<strong>to</strong>r of<br />

neuronal NOS (nNOS encoded by NOS1), one of the isoforms of NOS. The nNOS enzyme is believed<br />

<strong>to</strong> regulate intracellular calcium levels. 9, 13 It is thought that nNOS inhibits the inward Ca 2+ current through<br />

voltage dependent calcium channels, reducing the intracellular calcium concentrations. Thereby it suppresses<br />

β-adrenorecep<strong>to</strong>r stimulation of the heart. nNOS has also been associated with insulin release.<br />

14, 15<br />

There are similarities between the <strong>effects</strong> of nNOS and sulfonylurea. Both nNOS and sulfonylurea influence<br />

the calcium influx through voltage dependent calcium channels. Moreover nNOS and sulfonylurea<br />

modulate the release of insulin by pancreatic β-cells. Both might be associated with cardiovascular mortality.<br />

In view of these similarities we hypothesized that genetic variation in the NOS1AP gene influences<br />

the glucose lowering effect of sulfonylurea and mortality risk in patients using sulfonylurea.<br />

Methods<br />

Setting. The data were obtained from the Rotterdam Study, a prospective population based closed cohort<br />

study in the suburb Ommoord in Rotterdam. All inhabitants who were 55 years of age or older and had<br />

lived in the district for at least one year, were invited between 1990 and 1993 <strong>to</strong> participate in the study.<br />

Of the 10,275 eligible persons, 7,983 participated and were followed since then. At baseline, trained<br />

interviewers administered a questionnaire during a home interview covering socioeconomic background<br />

and medical his<strong>to</strong>ry, among other <strong>to</strong>pics. During subsequent visits <strong>to</strong> the study center, labora<strong>to</strong>ry assessments<br />

and clinical examinations were performed, including recording of ECGs. Follow-up examinations<br />

were carried out periodically (every 4 <strong>to</strong> 5 years). All participants of the Rotterdam Study gave written<br />

120

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