Next Article in Journal
Supercritical Fluid Chromatography—Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Rapid Quantification of Pentacyclic Triterpenoids in Plant Extracts
Previous Article in Journal
Spray-Drying Encapsulation of the Live Biotherapeutic Candidate Akkermansia muciniphila DSM 22959 to Survive Aerobic Storage
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Antifungal Drug Plasma Exposures: A Possible Contribution of Vitamin D-Related Gene Variants

1
Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, 10149 Turin, Italy
2
ASL Città di Torino, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, 10149 Turin, Italy
3
Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
4
Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, 10149 Turin, Italy
5
Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, City of Health and Sciences, 10126 Turin, Italy
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(5), 630; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15050630
Submission received: 11 April 2022 / Revised: 11 May 2022 / Accepted: 18 May 2022 / Published: 20 May 2022
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)

Abstract

:
Vitamin D (VD) seems to influence drug clearance and outcome. Antifungal drugs (AFU) are the most used azoles in clinical practice. In the literature, no data are available concerning VD’s impact on AFU therapy. The aim of this study was to analyze if VD pathway-related polymorphisms may influence voriconazole (VRC), itraconazole (ITC), and posaconazole (PSC) drug concentrations in order to identify patients with the highest probability of response and toxicity. Allelic discrimination was performed through real-time PCR, whereas drug concentrations were through liquid chromatography. A total of 636 samples of AFU-treated patients were included in the analysis. Concerning VRC, concentrations higher than the 1000 ng/mL efficacy cut-off value were predicted by Caucasian ethnicity, CYP24A1 3999, and CYP27B1 + 2838 polymorphisms, whereas levels higher than the 5000 ng/mL toxicity value by Caucasian, female sex, e.v. administration, and GC 1296. Considering PSC, concentrations higher than the 700 ng/mL efficacy cut-off value were predicted by VDR Cdx2, CYP27B1 − 1260, and GC 1296. Finally, for ITC, VDR BsmI was the only predictor of drug exposure higher than the 500 ng/mL efficacy cut-off value, whereas female sex, CYP27B1 − 1260, and VDR TaqI remained in the final regression model related to concentrations higher than the 1000 ng/mL toxicity-associated cut-off value. This is the first study reporting the influence of VD pathway-related gene SNPs on AFU exposures, efficacy, and toxicity.

1. Introduction

Azoles are the largest class of antifungal drugs (AFU) for clinical use. The first generation of azole drugs includes miconazole, whereas itraconazole (ITC) belongs to the second generation, and it is available in both endovenous (e.v.) and oral (p.o.) formulations. Following further discoveries, the third-generation broad-spectrum azoles were introduced: voriconazole (VRC), posaconazole (PSC), and isavuconazole. The merits of these recent azoles are substantial, as they have improved antifungal activity, safety, and pharmacokinetics (PK) [1]. Azoles reduce ergosterol synthesis by inhibition of lanosterol 14α-demethylase, a CYP450-dependent enzyme. The ergosterol is replaced by unusual methylated sterols, and the normal permeability and fluidity of the fungal membrane are compromised; thus, the mycete dies [2].
Several studies are present in the literature concerning AFU clinical trial data, but their optimal clinical use is still debated [3]: the combination of PK, pharmacodynamics (PD), and pharmacogenetics (PG) could be an important tool in order to personalize treatment, identifying a range of strategies that should be important for AFU optimal clinical use [4]. As an example, a PK/PD model for VRC could be useful in preventing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, providing a prophylactic AFU regimen: in a study by Taotao Wang et al. based on a Monte Carlo simulation, authors suggested 200 mg of VRC e.v. or p.o. twice daily for Aspergillus infections and 300 mg administered p.o. twice daily or with 200 mg administered e.v. twice daily for Candida infections [5].
It is known that the vitamin D (VD) pathway may have an impact on drug clearance and therapy outcome: in this context, Lindh et al. showed that seasonal variation in VD plasma levels (due to low or high light exposure) was associated with immunosuppressant drug concentrations. The two analyzed drugs (sirolimus and tacrolimus) are metabolized by CYP3A4 and showed variations during the year according to VD levels; supporting this, the enzyme induction increases when VD levels are high, leading to reduced drug exposure [6]. Other factors could impact seasonality: for example, the nitric oxide is released in tissue after solar exposition, leading to a darker skin pigmentation [7].
Recently, our group described anti-HIV drug plasma variation over a period of 10 years: we suggested an annual fluctuation in samples for lopinavir, etravirine, and maraviroc. In detail, lopinavir showed higher concentrations in winter than in summer, whereas the other drugs had an opposite trend [8]. Moreover, we found that seasonality influenced the achievement of etravirine efficacy concentrations of 300 ng/mL. We concluded that VD genetics has to be investigated in order to understand the possible mechanism underlying these seasonal drug variations.
VD modulates the enzymes involved in drug metabolism and elimination through a classic activation of VD receptor (VDR)-mediated gene transcription [9].
Seasonal AFU fluctuations data are not available since these treatments are generally used for a brief period of time: for this reason, the aim of this study was to analyze if polymorphisms related to this pro-hormone pathway may influence VRC, ITC, and PSC drug concentrations. This could lead to the identification of VD-related predictors useful for selecting patients with the highest probability of drug response and those more predisposed to toxicity.

2. Results

In this retrospective study, 636 samples of patients treated with AFU were included in the analysis.

2.1. Voriconazole

Patient characteristics are reported in Table 1: 357 subjects administered with VRC were analyzed; their median age was 51 years, females were 235, and the medium BMI was 21.9 kg/m2.
A statistically significant positive correlation between age and VRC exposure was observed (p = 0.015, PC = 0.129). Furthermore, CYP24A1 3999 CC was found to influence VRC levels, both in the total population (p = 0.007, Figure 1) and in 184 individuals who were treated with the most frequent VRC posology of 200 mg (bid in day) BID (p = 0.034).
Finally, logistic regression analyses evaluating predictors of concentration higher than the efficacy cut-off value of 1000 ng/mL and the toxicity limit of 5000 ng/mL were performed; concerning the first target (Table 2), Caucasian ethnicity, CYP24A1 3999 CC, and CYP27B1 + 2838 TT genotypes were predictive parameters, whereas Caucasian, female sex, e.v. administration and GC 1296 AC/CC genotype patients were for the second aim (Table 2).

2.2. Posaconazole

Characteristics of individuals treated with PSC are reported in Table 1: for 136 subjects, the median age was 51 years, females were 66, and the medium BMI was 24.2 kg/m2.
No correlation between age, BMI, creatin levels, and PSC exposure was suggested.
Considering the genetic analyses, CYP27B1 + 2838 TC/CC (p = 0.038, Figure 2A) and CYP27B1 − 1260 TT (p = 0.004, Figure 2B) were able to affect PSC plasma exposure.
Only one patient showed a PSC concentration higher than the toxicity cut-off value of 3500 ng/mL. For this reason, only the efficacy (levels > 700 ng/mL) logistic regression analysis was performed (Table 3), and VDR Cdx2 AG/GG (Figure 3), CYP27B1 − 1260 TT, and GC 1296 CC genotypes were predictors.

2.3. Itraconazole

A total of 143 pediatric (median age = 9 years) patients were analyzed: their characteristics are resumed in Table 1. Females were 87, and the medium BMI was 16.5 kg/m2.
Concerning age, BMI, creatin levels, and ITC plasma concentrations, no correlations were highlighted.
VDR BsmI AG/GG (p = 0.002, Figure 4), VDR ApaI AA (p = 0.035), and CYP24A1 8620 AG/GG (p = 0.020) affected ITC levels.
In the regression analysis evaluating concentration higher than the efficacy cut-off value of 500 ng/mL (Table 4A), VDR BsmI AG/GG was the only predictor. On the other hand, the female sex, CYP27B1 − 1260 GT/TT and VDR TaqI CC remained in the final regression model related to the toxicity-associated cut-off value of 1000 ng/mL (Table 4B).

3. Discussion

Azoles are responsible for PK interactions: AFU are both substrates and inhibitors, in particular of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, which metabolize some drugs; this could lead to increased blood and tissue exposures with possible side effects [1]. For these reasons, it is important to monitor and predict AFU concentrations, also according to genetics [10].
Our group explored the role of some SNPs of encoding enzymes and transporters associated with AFU metabolism and elimination: VRC plasma levels were affected by SLCO1B3 c.334, ABCG2 c.1194 + 928 CC, and ABCC2 c. − 24; in addition, sex, ethnicity, SLCO1B3 c.334 GT/TT, and ABCB1 c.3435 TT remained in the final regression model as VRC plasma exposure predictive factors [11].
VD has a role in affecting the immune-modulation, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, but also drug exposures [6,8,12,13]. In fact, Lindh et al. observed high VD levels associated with extended enzymes and transporters induction: this leads to increased drug metabolism and elimination, thus reduced drug exposures. No data are present in the literature concerning AFU treatment and VD-related gene SNPs: for this reason, the aim of this study was to investigate their role in this context.
In this study, Caucasian ethnicity, CYP24A1 3999 CC, and CYP27B1 + 2838 TT genotypes were predictors of concentrations higher than the efficacy cut-off value in 357 VRC-treated patients.
CYP24A1 3999 C allele was associated with increased CYP24A1 mRNA expression, consequently decreased VD levels, and, possibly, the reduced probability of having efficacy [12]. In contrast, in our work, we found CC genotype related to VRC exposure higher than 1000 ng/mL, but this could be due to lower VD levels leading to a longer VRC permanence in blood [8].
CYP27B1 + 2838 CC genotype leads to reduced calcitriol synthesis, causing a lower response since the activated VD hormonal form has an impact on innate and adaptative immune pathways [14]. These data support our findings showing TT genotype as a positive predictor of VRC efficacy.
Specifically, CYP27B1 − 1260 is in complete linkage disequilibrium with CYP27B1 + 2838: the GT/TT genotype was a positive predictive factor of PSC concentrations > 700 ng/mL, whereas the TT genotype was negative for ITC toxicity cut-off value. Since the CYP27B1 − 1260 TT genotype, as CYP27B1 + 2838 CC, is associated with reduced VD synthesis, we could expect reduced active VD, thus decreased protective function and higher drug exposures. We found this variant related to the PSC efficacy cut-off level, with a negative prediction for the ITC toxicity-related limit; thus, our data seem to be in contrast compared to the literature, and they have to be confirmed in other and larger studies.
Caucasian ethnicity remained in the final regression analyses for both VRC efficacy and toxicity as a positive predictive factor, probably due to other genetic characteristics or parameters affecting drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. E.v. administration is a predictor of VRC concentration higher than the toxicity cut-off value, probably due to the increased levels reached by the e.v. dose compared to the p.o. administration. In this context, also GC 1296 AC/CC was a positive predictor of this cut-off: the literature suggests that VD levels are not influenced by this variant [15,16]. A study highlighted the GC 1296/1307 diplotype (the two variants are in complete linkage disequilibrium) associated with a more likely altered transcription rate, changes in mRNA stability, or a self-clearance of the protein affecting VDBP serum concentrations [15]. Considering these data, our results seem to be the opposite since TG/GG genotype could be associated with higher VDBP levels; thus, higher VD transport to its targets in order to perform its activities (reducing drug concentration and/or modulating protective functions); the same SNP was associated with PSC efficacy cut-off as a negative predictor and, also, in this case, results did not agree with what expected.
VDR gene variants were found associated with both PSC and ITC efficacies and ITC toxicity: Cdx2 AG/GG for PSC > 700 ng/mL, BsmI AG/GG for ITC > 500 ng/mL and TaqI CC for > 1000 ng/mL. Particularly, all the AA genotype patients for VDR Cdx2 had PSC levels lower than 700 ng/mL: this genotype was associated with higher VDR transcriptional activity compared to the GG genotype, thus probably higher VDR expression and activity, leading to a possible decrease in PSC metabolism. BsmI GA/AA was highlighted as a predictor of ITC > 500 ng/mL; data in the literature already showed AA genotype associated with lower VD levels, according to our findings [17].
TaqI TC/CC was a predictor of ITC concentration higher than 1000 ng/mL: in 2013, Dongmei Yu et al. in 2013 showed CC genotype associated with lower VD levels according to our results, suggesting an increased ITC exposure related to toxicity [18]. The same was described for female patients, who showed an increased risk of having a concentration higher than the toxicity cut-off value since they have a smaller volume of distribution [19].
Finally, the only suggested correlation was between age and VRC exposure: higher drug plasma levels are more frequent in older patients. These data confirm what is shown in the literature: Cheng et al. suggested a median VRC trough concentration of 4.31 μg/mL for elderly patients compared to the 3.11 μg/mL for adult patients [20].
Some limitations are present in this study: concerning ITC, only pediatric patients were investigated; thus, we have to consider that their capability in metabolizing drugs is different compared to adults; consequently, further studies have to focus on adults in order to highlight differences.
In addition, VD levels were not quantified: this could be a problem since we do not have an overall picture. In fact, we could suppose VD SNPs have an impact, considering genetic predisposition, but we have to understand if different VD metabolites could affect the clinical outcome according to the seasonality, the supplementation, or the patient’s sun exposure.
Finally, different and larger cohorts are needed to be analyzed to reinforce these data.

4. Materials and Methods

4.1. Characteristics of Enrolled Patients

Samples were obtained from two centers in Piedmont (Italy): the Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics (Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, ASL “Città di Torino”, Turin, Italy) and Clinical Pharmacology Service “Franco Ghezzo” (Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital).
Inclusion criteria were: invasive fungal infection diagnosis and VRC-PSC or ITC treatment, for prophylaxis or therapy purposes, with a compliance of 90%. Individuals with potential interacting drugs (such as some anti-HIV, immunosuppressant, rifampin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, and long-acting barbiturates drugs), allergy or intolerance to AFU, liver cirrhosis, severe malnutrition, chronic renal failure (with estimated creatinine clearance, eCRCl < 60 mL min−1) or sepsis diagnosis were excluded (Figure 5).
The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee (PkPG_J02AC “Studio retrospettivo per la valutazione farmacocinetica e farmacogenetica della terapia antimicotica con farmaci triazolici”). Written informed consent for the study was obtained from each patient, signed by the natural/biological father or mother of a child with full parental legal rights.

4.2. Pharmacogenetic Analyses

Patients’ DNA was extracted from whole blood samples with a semi-automated instrument (MagnaPure Compact, Roche, Monza, Italy). Genotypes were assessed with allelic discrimination (Taqman) through a real-time polymerase chain reaction allelic discrimination system (LightCycler 96, Roche, Monza, Italy).
The following gene SNPs were investigated:
CYP27B1: rs4646536 (+2838) C > T, rs10877012 (−1260) G > T;
CYP24A1: rs927650 C > T, rs2248359 T > C, rs2585428 A > G;
VDR: rs731236 (TaqI) T > C, rs10735810 (FokI) T > C, rs11568820 (Cdx2) A > G, rs1544410 (BsmI) G > A, rs7975232 (ApaI) C > A;
GC: rs7041 T > G.

4.3. Pharmacokinetic Analyses

For each patient, one blood sample was collected immediately before drug intake (Ctrough), under steady-state conditions (5 days after both endovenous (e.v.) and oral (p.o) administration). Plasma samples were obtained by centrifugation at 2000× g for 10 min at 4 °C. 6,7-dimethyl-2,3-di(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline (QX) was purchased from Sigma–Aldrich Corporation (Milan, Italy) and used as the internal standard. Analytical standard powders of VRC (purity of 99.97%), PSC (99.83%), and ITC (99.15%) were purchased from Clinisciences (Guidonia Montecelio, Italy). Acetonitrile (HPLC grade) and methanol (HPLC grade) were purchased from VWR (Milan, Italy). Formic acid was from Sigma–Aldrich. HPLC-grade water was produced by a Milli-DI system coupled with a Synergy 185 system by Millipore (Milan, Italy).
VRC, PSC, and ITC quantification were obtained using an HPLC-mass spectrometry system (HLPC-MS), according to a fully validated method [21]. Chromatographic separation was performed at 40 °C, using a column oven, on an Acquity UPLC® BEH C18 (100 mm × 2.1 mm × 1.7 µm) column Waters (Milan, Italy). The mobile phases were composed as follows: phase A, water with formic acid (0.05%); phase B, acetonitrile with formic acid (0.05%). The flow rate was set 1 mL/min, and the total run time was 13 min.
The method was validated following Food and Drug Administration guidelines, and accuracy and precision did not exceed 15%. This work was carried out in a UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 and 13 485:2012 (CE-IVD)-certified laboratory.

4.4. Statistical Analyses

The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to test the normality. Non-normal variables were resumed as average ± standard deviation (SD) values, whereas categorical variables were described as numbers and percentages. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests have been adopted to test differences for continuous variables and genetic groups, considering the level of statistical significance (p-value) < 0.05.
Correlations were evaluated through Pearson tests (PC, Pearson coefficient). The predictive power of the considered variables was finally evaluated through univariate (p < 0.2) and multivariate (p < 0.05) logistic regression analysis.
All the tests were performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0 for Windows (Chicago, IL, USA).

5. Conclusions

In conclusion, this is the first study reporting the influence of VD pathway-related gene SNPs on AFU exposures, efficacy, and toxicity. These results could be useful to better understand the mechanism underlying VD actions in the context of AFU metabolism and elimination for tailoring medicine. In fact, genetic analyses coupled with PK are fundamental in order to optimally dose these drugs. Finally, these data could be interesting in order to clarify if the prevalent role of VD is as an immunomodulator; thus, its high concentration could help our immune system or as a drug metabolism and elimination inducer; consequently, its high concentration leads to reduced drug exposure, with a low probability of reaching the clinical outcome.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, J.C., A.D., and A.C.; methodology, M.A., A.D.N., and S.A.; software, A.P., A.M., and J.M.; validation, F.C.; formal analysis, S.D.F.; investigation, F.C.; resources, G.D.P., F.G.D.R., and A.D.; data curation, F.G.D.R., A.D., and A.C.; writing—original draft preparation, J.C., A.P., J.M., and A.M.; writing—review and editing, A.C., F.G.D.R., and A.D.; visualization, G.D.P.; supervision, J.C.; project administration, J.C.; funding acquisition, G.D.P. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee (PkPG_J02AC “Studio retrospettivo per la valutazione farmacocinetica e farmacogenetica della terapia antimicotica con farmaci triazolici”).

Informed Consent Statement

A written informed consent for the study was obtained from each patient, signed by the natural/biological father or mother of a child with full parental legal rights.

Data Availability Statement

Data is contained within the article.

Acknowledgments

We thank CoQua Lab (www.coqualab.it) (accessed on 19 May 2022) for its methodological support and assistance in the preparation and execution of the study and analysis.

Conflicts of Interest

A.C. has received honoraria from Gilead, Insmed, Janssen-Cilag, MSD, ViiV, and he is currently receiving research grants from Gilead and ViiV. G.D.P. and S.B. have received honoraria from Abbvie, BMS, Gilead, Janssen-Cilag, MSD, and ViiV. AB advisory board from ViiV Healthcare, personal fees from Janssen Cilag. The other authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

References

  1. Odds, F.C.; Brown, A.J.; Gow, N.A. Antifungal agents: Mechanisms of action. Trends Microbiol. 2003, 11, 272–279. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  2. Egbuta, C.; Lo, J.; Ghosh, D. Mechanism of inhibition of estrogen biosynthesis by azole fungicides. Endocrinology 2014, 155, 4622–4628. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Theuretzbacher, U.; Ihle, F.; Derendorf, H. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile of voriconazole. Clin. Pharm. 2006, 45, 649–663. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  4. Hope, W.W. Population pharmacokinetics of voriconazole in adults. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 2012, 56, 526–531. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  5. Wang, T.; Chen, S.; Sun, J.; Cai, J.; Cheng, X.; Dong, H.; Wang, X.; Xing, J.; Dong, W.; Yao, H.; et al. Identification of factors influencing the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole and the optimization of dosage regimens based on monte carlo simulation in patients with invasive fungal infections. J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 2014, 69, 463–470. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  6. Lindh, J.D.; Andersson, M.L.; Eliasson, E.; Bjorkhem-Bergman, L. Seasonal variation in blood drug concentrations and a potential relationship to vitamin D. Drug Metab. Dispos. 2011, 39, 933–937. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  7. Moan, J.; Juzeniene, A. Solar radiation and human health. J. Photochem. Photobiol. B 2011, 101, 109–110. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  8. Cusato, J.; Mula, J.; Palermiti, A.; Manca, A.; Antonucci, M.; Avataneo, V.; De Vivo, E.D.; Ianniello, A.; Calcagno, A.; Di Perri, G.; et al. Seasonal Variation of Antiretroviral Drug Exposure during the Year: The Experience of 10 Years of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. Biomedicines 2021, 9, 1202. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Lindh, J.D.; Bjorkhem-Bergman, L.; Eliasson, E. Vitamin d and drug-metabolising enzymes. Photochem. Photobiol. Sci. 2012, 11, 1797–1801. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  10. Andes, D.; Pascual, A.; Marchetti, O. Antifungal therapeutic drug monitoring: Established and emerging indications. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 2009, 53, 24–34. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  11. Allegra, S.; Fatiguso, G.; Francia, S.; Pirro, E.; Carcieri, C.; Cusato, J.; Nicolo, A.; Avataneo, V.; Perri, G.D.; D’Avolio, A. Pharmacogenetic of voriconazole antifungal agent in pediatric patients. Pharmacogenomics 2018, 19, 913–925. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  12. Ramasamy, A.; Trabzuni, D.; Forabosco, P.; Smith, C.; Walker, R.; Dillman, A.; Sveinbjornsdottir, S.; Hardy, J.; Weale, M.E.; Ryten, M. Genetic evidence for a pathogenic role for the vitamin d3 metabolizing enzyme cyp24a1 in multiple sclerosis. Mult. Scler. Relat. Disord 2014, 3, 211–219. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  13. Yin, K.; Agrawal, D.K. Vitamin d and inflammatory diseases. J. Inflamm. Res. 2014, 7, 69–87. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  14. Ramos-Lopez, E.; Bruck, P.; Jansen, T.; Pfeilschifter, J.M.; Radeke, H.H.; Badenhoop, K. Cyp2r1-, cyp27b1- and cyp24-mrna expression in german type 1 diabetes patients. J. Steroid. Biochem. Mol. Biol. 2007, 103, 807–810. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  15. Carpenter, T.O.; Zhang, J.H.; Parra, E.; Ellis, B.K.; Simpson, C.; Lee, W.M.; Balko, J.; Fu, L.; Wong, B.Y.; Cole, D.E. Vitamin d binding protein is a key determinant of 25-hydroxyvitamin d levels in infants and toddlers. J. Bone Miner. Res. 2013, 28, 213–221. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  16. Malik, S.; Fu, L.; Juras, D.J.; Karmali, M.; Wong, B.Y.; Gozdzik, A.; Cole, D.E. Common variants of the vitamin d binding protein gene and adverse health outcomes. Crit. Rev. Clin. Lab. Sci. 2013, 50, 1–22. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  17. Rahmadhani, R.; Zaharan, N.L.; Mohamed, Z.; Moy, F.M.; Jalaludin, M.Y. The associations between vdr bsmi polymorphisms and risk of vitamin d deficiency, obesity and insulin resistance in adolescents residing in a tropical country. PLoS ONE 2017, 12, e0178695. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  18. Yu, D.; Shang, Y.; Luo, S.; Hao, L. The taqi gene polymorphisms of vdr and the circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin d levels confer the risk for the keloid scarring in chinese cohorts. Cell. Physiol. Biochem. 2013, 32, 39–45. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  19. Soldin, O.P.; Mattison, D.R. Sex differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Clin. Pharm. 2009, 48, 143–157. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  20. Cheng, L.; Xiang, R.; Liu, F.; Li, Y.; Chen, H.; Yao, P.; Sun, F.; Xia, P. Therapeutic drug monitoring and safety of voriconazole in elderly patients. Int. Immunopharmacol. 2020, 78, 106078. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  21. Fatiguso, G.; Favata, F.; Zedda, I.; Nicolò, A.D.; Cusato, J.; Avataneo, V.; Allegra, S.; Pensi, D.; Perri, G.D.; D’Avolio, A. Development and full validation of a hplc-ms method for quantification of novel isavuconazole and four other antifungal drugs in human plasma sample. In Proceedings of the 4th Annual European Congress of Clinical Mass Spectometry (MSACL), Salzburg, Austria, 10–14 September 2017. [Google Scholar]
Figure 1. Influence of CYP24A1 3999 T > C SNP on voriconazole exposure (p = 0.007). Outliers are represented by little circles, and extreme outliers are represented by little stars.
Figure 1. Influence of CYP24A1 3999 T > C SNP on voriconazole exposure (p = 0.007). Outliers are represented by little circles, and extreme outliers are represented by little stars.
Pharmaceuticals 15 00630 g001
Figure 2. CYP27B1 + 2838 T > C ((A), p = 0.038) and CYP27B1 − 1260 G > T ((B), p = 0.004) SNPs influence on posaconazole exposure. Outliers are represented by little circles, and extreme outliers are represented by little stars.
Figure 2. CYP27B1 + 2838 T > C ((A), p = 0.038) and CYP27B1 − 1260 G > T ((B), p = 0.004) SNPs influence on posaconazole exposure. Outliers are represented by little circles, and extreme outliers are represented by little stars.
Pharmaceuticals 15 00630 g002
Figure 3. Influence of VDR Cdx2 A > G SNP on posaconazole exposure.
Figure 3. Influence of VDR Cdx2 A > G SNP on posaconazole exposure.
Pharmaceuticals 15 00630 g003
Figure 4. Influence of VDR BsmI A>G SNP on ITC exposure. p = 0.002.
Figure 4. Influence of VDR BsmI A>G SNP on ITC exposure. p = 0.002.
Pharmaceuticals 15 00630 g004
Figure 5. Diagram of patients enrolment considering inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Figure 5. Diagram of patients enrolment considering inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Pharmaceuticals 15 00630 g005
Table 1. Characteristics of subjects involved in the study.
Table 1. Characteristics of subjects involved in the study.
VoriconazolePosaconazoleItraconazole
No. of patients357136143
Caucasians, n (%)300 (84%)125 (91.9%)84 (58.7%)
Sex (female), n (%)235 (66.2%)66 (48.5%)87 (56.9%)
Age,average ± SD42.51 ± 25.0146.70 ± 19.928.78 ± 4.70
BMI, average ± SD21.98 ± 5.2924.50 ± 4.5217.13 ± 5.22
Posology, n (%)200 BID 184(54.6%)
300 BID 41 (12.2%)
250 BID 14 (4.2%)
150 BID 14 (4.2%)
400 BID 12 (3.6%)
100 BID 10 (3%)
others 82 (18.2%)
200 TID 67 (51.5%)
200 BID 23 (17.7%)
400 BID 22 (16.9%)
others 24 (13.9)
50 BID 27 (21.8%)
100 BID 23 (18.5%)
200 BID 11 (8.9%)
40 BID 10 (0.1%)
others 72 (50.7)
Administration, n (%)Oral 192 (53.9%)
Endovenous 164 (46.1%)
Oral: 134 (98.5%)
Endovenous: 2 (1.5%)
Oral: 137 (95.8%)
Endovenous: 6 (4.2%)
Sepsis, n (%)8 (2.2%)00
HIV, n (%)4 (1.1%)00
Altered liver function, n (%)53 (14.9%)11 (8.1%)8 (5.6%)
Altered kidney function, n (%)13 (3.7%)8 (5.9%)5 (3.5%)
Creatinin, average ± SD0.85 ± 0.670.76 ± 0.390.48 ± 0.47
Table 2. Linear regression analysis: factors able to predict voriconazole plasma concentrations over efficacy cut-off limits (>1000 ng/mL) and toxicity cut-off limits (>5000 ng/mL). Bold characters represent statistically significant values.
Table 2. Linear regression analysis: factors able to predict voriconazole plasma concentrations over efficacy cut-off limits (>1000 ng/mL) and toxicity cut-off limits (>5000 ng/mL). Bold characters represent statistically significant values.
Voriconazole Plasma Concentration > 1000 ng/mL Voriconazole Plasma Concentration > 5000 ng/mL
UnivariateMultivariateUnivariateMultivariate
p-ValueaOR (95% IC)p-ValueaOR (95% IC)p-ValueaOR (95% IC)p-ValueaOR (95% IC)
Caucasian0.0022.52 [1.40; 4.5]0.0202.06 [1.12; 3.80]0.1182.037 [0.834; 4.976]0.1122.086 [0.842; 5.465]
years > 50 years old0.0151.81 [1.12; 2.92] 0.5191.197 [0.693; 2.066]
BMI > 25 kg/m20.2701.37 [0.78; 2.41] 0.7500.902 [0.651; 1.743]
Sex (Female)0.1850.72 [0.44; 1.17] 0.0550.542 [0.290; 1.014]0.0690.555 [0.294; 1.047]
VDR FokI TC/CC0.0871.70 [0.93; 3.12]
VDR FokI CC 0.1011.580 [0.0915; 2.727]
VDR Cdx2 AG/GG0.4070.62 [0.21; 1.90]
VDR Cdx2GG 0.6420.879 [0.511–1.513]
VDR BsmI GA/AA0.1421.43 [0.89; 2.30]
VDR BsmI AA 0.0991.771 [0.897; 3.496]
VDR ApaI AA0.6440.89 [0.53; 1.47] 0.9571.016 [0.562; 1.838]
VDR TaqI CC0.8981.04 [0.56; 1.95] 0.8190.819 [0.474; 1.415]
CYP24A1 22776 TT0.4511.31 [0.65; 2.60] 0.3350.659 [0.283; 1.536]
CYP24A1 8620 GG0.5531.18 [0.68; 2.07] 0.4061.295 [0.704; 2.380]
CYP24A1 3999 CC0.0231.95 [1.10;3.47]0.0341.89 [1.05; 3.40]
CYP24A1 3999 TC/CC 0.1022.010 [0.871; 4.636]
CYP27B1 + 2838 TT0.0051.99 [1.24; 3.22]0.0131.87 [1.14; 3.06]0.5131.189 [0.697; 2.063]
CYP27B1 − 1260 TT0.6010.82 [0.39; 1.74] 0.2471.612 [0.718; 3.618]
GC 1296 AC/CC0.3520.70 [0.42;1.36] 0.0452.239 [1.019; 4.921]0.0372.349 [1.054; 5.236]
Endovenus administration0.6151.13 [0.71; 1.81] 0.0731.647 [0.955; 2.842]0.0331.833 [1.049; 3.202]
Table 3. Logistic regression analysis with predictors of posaconazole plasma concentrations over the efficacy cut-off limits (>700 ng/mL). Bold characters represent statistically significant values. Bold characters represent statistically significant values. NC: not statistically comparable since one group is missing.
Table 3. Logistic regression analysis with predictors of posaconazole plasma concentrations over the efficacy cut-off limits (>700 ng/mL). Bold characters represent statistically significant values. Bold characters represent statistically significant values. NC: not statistically comparable since one group is missing.
Posaconazole Plasma Concentrations > 700 ng/mL
UnivariateMultivariate
p-ValueaOR (95% IC)p-ValueaOR (95% IC)
Caucasian0.1930.435 [0.124; 1.522]
Age > 50 years0.5770.806 [0.378; 1.720]
BMI > 25 kg/m20.7941.106 [0.519; 2.354]
Sex (Female)0.0740.498 [0.232; 1.070]
VDRFokI CC0.7501.130 [0.533; 2.398]
VDRCdx2 AG/GGNC NC
VDRBsmI AA0.5500.697 [0.214; 2.271]
VDRApaI AA0.9660.983 [0.439; 2.201]
VDRTaqI CC0.2811.765 [0.629; 4.959]
CYP24A122776 CT/TT0.3500.673 [0.294; 1.542]
CYP24A18620 GG0.1472.170 [0.761; 6.186]
CYP24A13999 CC0.1781.705 [0.784; 3.709]
CYP27B1 + 2838 CT/TT0.0220.139 [0.026; 0.751]
CYP27B1 − 1260 GT/TT0.0227.197 [1.332; 38.886]0.00915.479 [1.961;122.197]
GC1296 CC0.0500.355 [0.126; 1.001]0.0360.286 [0.088; 0.922]
Endovenous administrationNC NC
Table 4. Logistic regression analysis: factors able to predict itraconazole plasma concentrations over efficacy cut-off limits (>500 ng/mL) (A) and toxicity cut-off limits (>1000 ng/mL) (B). Bold characters represent statistically significant values. NC: not statistically comparable since one group is missing.
Table 4. Logistic regression analysis: factors able to predict itraconazole plasma concentrations over efficacy cut-off limits (>500 ng/mL) (A) and toxicity cut-off limits (>1000 ng/mL) (B). Bold characters represent statistically significant values. NC: not statistically comparable since one group is missing.
Itraconazole Plasma Concentrations > 500 ng/mL (A)Itraconazole Plasma Concentrations > 1000 ng/mL (B)
UnivariateMultivariateUnivariateMultivariate
p-ValueaOR (95% IC)p-ValueaOR (95% IC)p-ValueaOR (95% IC)p-ValueaOR (95% IC)
Caucasian0.0220.443 [0.221; 0.889] 0.0720.412 [0.157; 1.083]
years > 50 years old0.3221.424 [0.708; 2.866]
years < 9 years old 0.8481.099 [0.419; 4.179]
BMI > 25 kg/m20.8200.865 [2.217; 3.023] 0.5610.536 [0.065; 4.394]
Sex (Female)0.0791.860 [0.930; 3.721] 0.0064.469 [1.526; 13.094]0.0074.720 [1.531; 14.552]
VDR FokI CC0.1360.546 [0.246; 1.209]
VDR FokI TT/CC 0.0320.318 [0.112; 0.906]
VDR Cdx2 GG0.8730.946 [0.476; 1.880] 0.5190.732 [0.284; 1.888]
VDR BsmI GA/AA0.0030.350 [0.173; 0.707]0.0020.333 [0.164; 0.678]0.0410.357 [0.133; 0.957]
VDR ApaI CA/AA0.1880.594 [0.273; 1.290]
VDR ApaI AA 0.0502.618 [1.001; 6.847]
VDR TaqI TC/CC0.2630.675 [0.339; 1.334] 0.1772.082 [0.717; 6.041]0.0344.050 [1.114; 14.717]
CYP24A1 22776 TT0.4871.359 [0.572; 3.231] 0.6910.767 [0.207; 2.839]
CYP24A1 8620 AG/GG0.0710.517 [2.552; 1.258]
CYP24A1 8620 GG 0.2960.502 [0.138; 1.826]
CYP24A1 3999 CC0.1571.702 [0.815; 3.555] 0.9471.036 [0.369; 2.908]
CYP27B1 + 2838 CT/TTNC
CYP27B1 + 2838 TT 0.0932.507 [0.058; 7.239]
CYP27B1 − 1260 GT/TT0.0630.519 [0.260; 1.035] 0.0220.304 [0.109; 0.843]0.0080.194 [0.058; 0.650]
GC 1296 AC/CC0.1610.545 [0.234; 1.273]
GC 1296 CC 0.2901.768 [0.615; 6.078]
Endovenusadministration0.9841.796 [0.349; 9.240] 0.8471.242 [0.137; 11.221]
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Cusato, J.; Palermiti, A.; Manca, A.; Mula, J.; Antonucci, M.; De Nicolò, A.; Allegra, S.; De Francia, S.; Chiara, F.; Di Perri, G.; et al. Antifungal Drug Plasma Exposures: A Possible Contribution of Vitamin D-Related Gene Variants. Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15, 630. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15050630

AMA Style

Cusato J, Palermiti A, Manca A, Mula J, Antonucci M, De Nicolò A, Allegra S, De Francia S, Chiara F, Di Perri G, et al. Antifungal Drug Plasma Exposures: A Possible Contribution of Vitamin D-Related Gene Variants. Pharmaceuticals. 2022; 15(5):630. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15050630

Chicago/Turabian Style

Cusato, Jessica, Alice Palermiti, Alessandra Manca, Jacopo Mula, Miriam Antonucci, Amedeo De Nicolò, Sarah Allegra, Silvia De Francia, Francesco Chiara, Giovanni Di Perri, and et al. 2022. "Antifungal Drug Plasma Exposures: A Possible Contribution of Vitamin D-Related Gene Variants" Pharmaceuticals 15, no. 5: 630. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph15050630

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop