A gene risk score using missense variants in SLCO1B1 is associated with earlier onset statin intolerance

Background and aims The efficacy of statin therapy is hindered by intolerance to the therapy, leading to discontinuation. Variants in SLCO1B1, which encodes the hepatic transporter OATB1B1, influence statin pharmacokinetics, resulting in altered plasma concentrations of the drug and its metabolites. Current pharmacogenetic guidelines require sequencing of the SLCO1B1 gene, which is more expensive and less accessible than genotyping. In this study, we aimed to develop an easy, clinically implementable functional gene risk score (GRS) of common variants in SLCO1B1 to identify patients at risk of statin intolerance. Methods and results A GRS was developed from four common variants in SLCO1B1. In statin users from Tayside, Scotland, UK, those with a high-risk GRS had increased odds across three phenotypes of statin intolerance [general statin intolerance (GSI): ORGSI 2.42; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29–4.31, P = 0.003; statin-related myopathy: ORSRM 2.51; 95% CI: 1.28–4.53, P = 0.004; statin-related suspected rhabdomyolysis: ORSRSR 2.85; 95% CI: 1.03–6.65, P = 0.02]. In contrast, using the Val174Ala genotype alone or the recommended OATP1B1 functional phenotypes produced weaker and less reliable results. A meta-analysis with results from adjudicated cases of statin-induced myopathy in the PREDICTION-ADR Consortium confirmed these findings (ORVal174Ala 1.99; 95% CI: 1.01–3.95, P = 0.048; ORGRS 1.76; 95% CI: 1.16–2.69, P = 0.008). For those requiring high-dose statin therapy, the high-risk GRS was more consistently associated with the time to onset of statin intolerance amongst the three phenotypes compared with Val174Ala (GSI: HRVal174Ala 2.49; 95% CI: 1.09–5.68, P = 0.03; HRGRS 2.44; 95% CI: 1.46–4.08, P < 0.001). Finally, sequence kernel association testing confirmed that rare variants in SLCO1B1 are associated with the risk of intolerance (P = 0.02). Conclusion We provide evidence that a GRS based on four common SLCO1B1 variants provides an easily implemented genetic tool that is more reliable than the current recommended practice in estimating the risk and predicting early-onset statin intolerance

Common Statin Intolerance Variants in ABCB1 and LILRB5 Show Synergistic Effects on Statin Response:An Observational Study Using Electronic Health Records

Background: Statin intolerance impacts approximately 10% of statin users, with side effects ranging from mild myalgia to extreme intolerance resulting in myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Statin intolerance results in poor adherence to therapy and can impact statin efficacy. Many genetic variants are associated with statin intolerance. The effect of these variants on statin efficacy has not been systematically explored.Methods: Using longitudinal electronic health records and genetic biobank data from Tayside, Scotland, we examined the effect of seven genetic variants with previously reported associations with simvastatin or atorvastatin intolerance on the outcome of statin response. Statin response was measured by the reduction achieved when comparing pre- and post-statin non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C). Post-treatment statin response was limited to non-HDL-C measured within 6months of therapy initiation. Univariate and multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the main and adjusted effect of the variants on statin efficacy.Results: Around 9,401 statin users met study inclusion criteria, of whom 8,843 were first prescribed simvastatin or atorvastatin. The average difference in post-treatment compared to pre-treatment non-HDL-cholesterol was 1.45 (±1.04) mmol/L. In adjusted analyses, only two variants, one in the gene ATP-binding cassette transporter B1 (ABCB1; rs1045642), and one in leukocyte immunoglobulin like receptor B5 (LILRB5; rs12975366), were associated with statin efficacy. In ABCB1, homozygous carriers of the C allele at rs1045642 had 0.06mmol/L better absolute reduction in non-HDL-cholesterol than carriers of the T allele (95% CI: 0.01, 0.1). In LILRB5 (rs12975366), carriers of the C allele had 0.04mmol/L better absolute reduction compared to those homozygous for the T allele (95% CI: 0.004, 0.08). When combined into a two-variant risk score, individuals with both the rs1045642-CC genotype and the rs12975366-TC or CC genotype had a 0.11mmol/L greater absolute reduction in non-HDL-cholesterol compared to those with rs1045642-TC or TT genotype and the rs12975366-TT genotype (95% CI: 0.05, 0.16; p&lt;0.001).Conclusion: We report two genetic variants for statin adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that are associated with statin efficacy. While the ABCB1 variant has been shown to have an association with statin pharmacokinetics, no similar evidence for LILRB5 has been reported. These findings highlight the value of genetic testing to deliver precision therapeutics to statin users

Polymorphism in <i>INSR</i> Locus Modifies Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients on Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy

AimsAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a risk for patients receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy. No published work has focused on pharmacogenetics relevant to thyroid dysfunction and AF risk. We aimed to assess the effect of L-thyroxine on AF risk stratified by a variation in a candidate gene.Methods and ResultsA retrospective follow-up study was done among European Caucasian patients from the Genetics of Diabetes Audit and Research in Tayside Scotland cohort (Scotland, United Kingdom). Linked data on biochemistry, prescribing, hospital admissions, demographics, and genetic biobank were used to ascertain patients on L-thyroxine and diagnosis of AF. A GWAS-identified insulin receptor-INSR locus (rs4804416) was the candidate gene. Cox survival models and sensitivity analyses by taking competing risk of death into account were used. Replication was performed in additional sample (The Genetics of Scottish Health Research register, GoSHARE), and meta-analyses across the results of the study and replication cohorts were done. We analyzed 962 exposed to L-thyroxine and 5,840 unexposed patients who were rs4804416 genotyped. The rarer G/G genotype was present in 18% of the study population. The total follow-up was up to 20 years, and there was a significant increased AF risk for patients homozygous carriers of the G allele exposed to L-thyroxine (RHR = 2.35, P = 1.6e–02). The adjusted increased risk was highest within the first 3 years of exposure (RHR = 9.10, P = 8.5e–04). Sensitivity analysis yielded similar results. Effects were replicated in GoSHARE (n = 3,190).ConclusionHomozygous G/G genotype at the INSR locus (rs4804416) is associated with an increased risk of AF in patients on L-thyroxine, independent of serum of free thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone serum concentrations

Treatment effect heterogeneity following type 2 diabetes treatment with GLP1-receptor agonists and SGLT2-inhibitors:a systematic review

Background: A precision medicine approach in type 2 diabetes requires the identification of clinical and biological features that are reproducibly associated with differences in clinical outcomes with specific anti-hyperglycaemic therapies. Robust evidence of such treatment effect heterogeneity could support more individualized clinical decisions on optimal type 2 diabetes therapy.Methods: We performed a pre-registered systematic review of meta-analysis studies, randomized control trials, and observational studies evaluating clinical and biological features associated with heterogenous treatment effects for SGLT2-inhibitor and GLP1-receptor agonist therapies, considering glycaemic, cardiovascular, and renal outcomes. After screening 5,686 studies, we included 101 studies of SGLT2-inhibitors and 75 studies of GLP1-receptor agonists in the final systematic review.Results: Here we show that the majority of included papers have methodological limitations precluding robust assessment of treatment effect heterogeneity. For SGLT2-inhibitors, multiple observational studies suggest lower renal function as a predictor of lesser glycaemic response, while markers of reduced insulin secretion predict lesser glycaemic response with GLP1-receptor agonists. For both therapies, multiple post-hoc analyses of randomized control trials (including trial meta-analysis) identify minimal clinically relevant treatment effect heterogeneity for cardiovascular and renal outcomes.Conclusions: Current evidence on treatment effect heterogeneity for SGLT2-inhibitor and GLP1-receptor agonist therapies is limited, likely reflecting the methodological limitations of published studies. Robust and appropriately powered studies are required to understand type 2 diabetes treatment effect heterogeneity and evaluate the potential for precision medicine to inform future clinical care.</p

Diabetes status modifies the long-term effect of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 on major coronary events

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity has an independent prognostic association with major coronary events (MCE). However, no study has investigated whether type 2 diabetes status modifies the effect of Lp-PLA2 activity or inhibition on the risk of MCE. We investigate the interaction between diabetes status and Lp-PLA2 activity with risk of MCE. Subsequently, we test the resulting hypothesis that diabetes status will play a role in modifying the efficacy of an Lp-PLA2 inhibitor. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study design was utilised in two study populations. Discovery analyses were performed in the Genetics of Diabetes Audit and Research in Tayside Scotland (GoDARTS) cohort based in Scotland, UK. Participants were categorised by type 2 diabetes control status: poorly controlled (HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol or ≥6.5%) and well-controlled (HbA1c &lt; 48 mmol/mol or &lt;6.5%) diabetes (n = 7420). In a secondary analysis of the Stabilization of Atherosclerotic Plaque by Initiation of Darapladib Therapy (STABILITY) trial of Lp-PLA2 inhibitor (darapladib) efficacy, 15,828 participants were stratified post hoc by type 2 diabetes diagnosis status (diabetes or no diabetes) at time of recruitment. Lp-PLA2 activity was then divided into population-specific quartiles. MCE were determined from linked medical records in GoDARTS and trial records in STABILITY. First, the interaction between diabetes control status and Lp-PLA2 activity on the outcome of MCE was explored in GoDARTS. The effect was replicated in the placebo arm of STABILITY. The effect of Lp-PLA2 on MCE was then examined in models stratified by diabetes status. This helped determine participants at higher risk. Finally, the effect of Lp-PLA2 inhibition was assessed in STABILITY in the higher risk group. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for confounders were used to assess associations. RESULTS: In GoDARTS, a significant interaction between increased Lp-PLA2 activity (continuous and quartile divided) and diabetes control status was observed in the prediction of MCE (p &lt; 0.0001). These effects were replicated in the placebo arm of STABILITY (p &lt; 0.0001). In GoDARTS, stratified analyses showed that, among individuals with poorly controlled diabetes, the hazards of MCE for those with high (Q4) Lp-PLA2 activity was 1.19 compared with individuals with lower (Q1-3) Lp-PLA2 activity (95% CI 1.11, 1.38; p &lt; 0.0001) and 1.35 (95% CI 1.16, 1.57; p &lt; 0.0001) when compared with those with the lowest activity (Q1). Those in the higher risk group were identified as individuals with the highest Lp-PLA2 activity (Q4) and poorly controlled diabetes or diabetes. Based on these observations in untreated populations, we hypothesised that the Lp-PLA2 inhibitor would have more benefit in this higher risk group. In this risk group, Lp-PLA2 inhibitor use was associated with a 33% reduction in MCE compared with placebo (HR 0.67 [95% CI 0.50, 0.90]; p = 0.008). In contrast, Lp-PLA2 inhibitor showed no efficacy in individuals with low activity, regardless of diabetes status, or among those with no baseline diabetes and high Lp-PLA2 activity. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: These results support the hypothesis that diabetes status modifies the association between Lp-PLA2 activity and MCE. These results suggest that cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with Lp-PLA2 activity is especially important in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly those with worse glycaemic control. Further investigation of the effects of Lp-PLA2 inhibition in diabetes appears warranted. DATA AVAILABILITY: STABILITY trial data are available from clinicaltrials.gov repository through the GlaxoSmithKline clinical study register https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00799903 . GoDARTS datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available following request to the GoDARTS Access Managements Group https://godarts.org/scientific-community/

Young onset diabetes in Asian Indians is associated with lower measured and genetically determined beta-cell function:an INSPIRED study

Aims/hypothesis: South Asians in general, and Asian Indians in particular, have higher risk of type 2 diabetes compared with white Europeans, and a younger age of onset. The reasons for the younger age of onset in relation to obesity, beta cell function and insulin sensitivity are under-explored. Methods: Two cohorts of Asian Indians, the ICMR-INDIAB cohort (Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes Study) and the DMDSC cohort (Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre), and one of white Europeans, the ESDC (East Scotland Diabetes Cohort), were used. Using a cross-sectional design, we examined the comparative prevalence of healthy, overweight and obese participants with young-onset diabetes, classified according to their BMI. We explored the role of clinically measured beta cell function in diabetes onset in Asian Indians. Finally, the comparative distribution of a partitioned polygenic score (pPS) for risk of diabetes due to poor beta cell function was examined. Replication of the genetic findings was sought using data from the UK Biobank. Results: The prevalence of young-onset diabetes with normal BMI was 9.3% amongst white Europeans and 24–39% amongst Asian Indians. In Asian Indians with young-onset diabetes, after adjustment for family history of type 2 diabetes, sex, insulin sensitivity and HDL-cholesterol, stimulated C-peptide was 492 pmol/ml (IQR 353–616, p&lt;0.0001) lower in lean compared with obese individuals. Asian Indians in our study, and South Asians from the UK Biobank, had a higher number of risk alleles than white Europeans. After weighting the pPS for beta cell function, Asian Indians have lower genetically determined beta cell function than white Europeans (p&lt;0.0001). The pPS was associated with age of diagnosis in Asian Indians but not in white Europeans. The pPS explained 2% of the variation in clinically measured beta cell function, and 1.2%, 0.97%, and 0.36% of variance in age of diabetes amongst Asian Indians with normal BMI, or classified as overweight and obese BMI, respectively. Conclusions/interpretation: The prevalence of lean BMI in young-onset diabetes is over two times higher in Asian Indians compared with white Europeans. This phenotype of lean, young-onset diabetes appears driven in part by lower beta cell function. We demonstrate that Asian Indians with diabetes also have lower genetically determined beta cell function