Azathioprine drug has been in clinical use since its discovery in 1957 in which it was used as a chemotherapy drug. It produces a biological metabolite known as 6-mercaptopurine which is a metabolically active form and it acts as an immunosuppressant. In regard to pharmacokinetics of azathioprine, this drug functions by inhibiting purine synthesis in the body leading to the impairment of cellular proliferation because there is lack of adequate DNA molecules for the formation of new cell. In particular, immune cells are prevented from multiplication owing to the inhibition of purine synthesis in the lymphoid tissues. It has been found out that the inhibition of DNA synthesis hinders nucleotide salvage process which ensures continuous production of lymphocytes for immune responses, especially during infections (Desler, Lykke & Rasmussen, 2010). Therefore, this research paper focuses on azathioprine genetic polymorphisms.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Clinical Uses of Azathioprine
- Pertinent Genetic Variability
- Functional Effect of Genetic Variability
- Population Prevalence
- Clinical Relevancy
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper focuses on azathioprine genetic polymorphisms, exploring its clinical uses, pertinent genetic variability, functional effects, population prevalence, and clinical relevancy. It investigates the impact of genetic polymorphisms on the drug's efficacy and toxicity, particularly in relation to myelosuppression.
- Clinical uses of azathioprine in treating autoimmune diseases and immunosuppressive therapy
- Genetic variability in azathioprine metabolism, particularly in relation to the enzymes ITPA and TPMT
- Functional effects of genetic polymorphisms on azathioprine toxicity and efficacy
- Population prevalence of specific azathioprine genetic polymorphisms and their ethnic trends
- Clinical relevance of azathioprine genetic variability in various diseases, including Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: Introduces azathioprine, its history, mechanism of action as an immunosuppressant, and the research focus on its genetic polymorphisms.
- Clinical Uses of Azathioprine: Discusses the therapeutic applications of azathioprine in treating various autoimmune diseases and for immunosuppressive therapy following organ transplantation. It also mentions FDA approval for specific uses.
- Pertinent Genetic Variability: Highlights the link between azathioprine's mechanism of action and genetic variability, focusing on the role of enzymes ITPA and TPMT in its metabolism.
- Functional Effect of Genetic Variability: Explores the impact of enzyme polymorphisms on the toxicity and efficacy of azathioprine treatment, particularly in relation to myelosuppression.
- Population Prevalence: Examines the ethnic trends in the prevalence of specific azathioprine genetic polymorphisms, highlighting their distribution across different populations.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Azathioprine, genetic polymorphisms, immunosuppressant, autoimmune diseases, organ transplantation, ITPA, TPMT, myelosuppression, thiopurine S-methyltransferase, 6-mercaptopurine, efficacy, toxicity, population prevalence, clinical relevancy, ethnic trends.
- Quote paper
- Patrick Kimuyu (Author), 2017, Azathioprine Genetic Polymorphisms, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/381293
