Functional effects of endothelial nitric oxide synthase genetic polymorphisms on haemorheological parameters in healthy human individuals.

The constitutive endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays a major role in circulatory homoeostasis and shows genetic polymorphism. eNOS is expressed and functional in blood cells, including erythrocytes. There is limited knowledge about the consequences of eNOS genetic variability in haemorheological parameters and erythrocyte functioning.

Risk assessment and communication tools for genotype associations with multifactorial phenotypes: the concept of "edge effect" and cultivating an ethical bridge between omics innovations and society.

Applications of omics technologies in the postgenomics era swiftly expanded from rare monogenic disorders to multifactorial common complex diseases, pharmacogenomics, and personalized medicine. Already, there are signposts indicative of further omics technology investment in nutritional sciences (nutrigenomics), environmental health/ecology (ecogenomics), and agriculture (agrigenomics). Genotype-phenotype association studies are a centerpiece of translational research in omics science.

CYP2C9 genetic variants and losartan oxidation in a Turkish population.

Objective: Cytochrome P(450) 2C9 (CYP2C9) is a polymorphic enzyme catalysing the metabolism of several important drugs. Losartan has recently been suggested as a selective probe for CYP2C9 metabolic activity. The aim of the study was to determine the activity of CYP2C9, using losartan as a probe drug, in relation to CYP2C9 genotype in healthy Turkish subjects.

Frequency and enzyme activity of the butyrylcholinesterase K-variant in a Turkish population.

Objective: Among variants of the butyrylcholinesterase gene ( BChE), the K-variant causing Ala539Thr substitution is the most common one associated with about one-third reduction in the enzyme activity. This study aimed to detect the frequency of the K-variant allele in a Turkish population sample and also to evaluate how the plasma BChE activity was influenced by this variant.

Methods: Patients administered for elective surgery ( n=77) were examined for the presence of the K allele.

Effects of terfenadine and diphenhydramine on the CYP2D6 activity in healthy volunteers.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two antihistaminic drugs, terfenadine and diphenhydramine on CYP2D6 activity by using debrisoquine as a model substrate. The study was carried out as an in vivo single-dose study in 12 young, healthy men. All volunteers had previously been identified as debrisoquine-extensive metabolizers.