The role of a common variant of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene in the progression of coronary atherosclerosis

Article Abstract:

Variants in the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene may alter the effectiveness of a cholesterol-lowering drug in men with coronary artery disease. CETP has a role in the metabolism of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Researchers analyzed the DNA of 807 men with coronary artery disease, then randomly assigned them to receive cholesterol-lowering pravastatin or placebo. The drug failed to slow progression of the disease in 16% of the men, all of whom had a particular variant of the gene. Tests for this gene may help predict a patient's response to pravastatin.

Development and progression, Transferases, Atherosclerosis, Pravastatin

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The effect of common polymorphisms of the beta(sub 2)-adrenergic receptor on agonist-mediated vascular desensitization

Article Abstract:

African-Americans are more likely than whites to have a genetic variation that makes them resistant to substances that relax blood vessels. This was the conclusion of researchers who studied genetic variations in the beta(sub 2)-adrenergic receptor. One variant made people responsive to blood vessel dilators but another variant made them resistant.

Blood vessels, Vasodilation, Beta adrenoceptors, Adrenergic beta receptors

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Racial differences in the response to drugs -- pointers to genetic differences

Article Abstract:

Genetic polymorphisms in the enzymes the metabolize drugs may account for racial differences in response to drug therapies. Genetic polymorphisms can also occur in the cell receptor that a particular drug binds to, which would also affect the patient's response to the drug.

Editorial, Health, Health and race, Ethnic groups, Drug metabolism

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