Association of Polymorphisms of Cytochrome P450 2D6 With Blood Hydroxychloroquine Levels in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016 Jan;68(1):184-90. doi: 10.1002/art.39402.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate associations of genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms 2D6, 3A5, and 3A4 with blood concentrations of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and its metabolite, N-desethyl HCQ (DHCQ), in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: SLE patients taking HCQ for >3 months were recruited and were genotyped for 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in CYP2D6*10, CYP3A5*3, and CYP3A4*18B. Blood HCQ and DHCQ concentrations ([HCQ] and [DHCQ]) were measured and their association with corresponding genotypes was investigated.

Results: A total of 194 patients were included in the analysis. CYP2D6*10 polymorphisms (rs1065852 and rs1135840) were significantly associated with the [DHCQ]:[HCQ] ratio after adjustment for age, sex, dose per weight per day, and SLE Disease Activity Index score (P = 0.03 and P < 0.01, respectively). In adjusted models, the [DHCQ]:[HCQ] ratio was highest in patients with the G/G genotype of the CYP2D6*10 (rs1065852) polymorphism and lowest in those with the A/A genotype (P = 0.03). Similarly, the [DHCQ]:[HCQ] ratio was highest in patients with the C/C genotype of the CYP2D6*10 (rs1135840) polymorphism and lowest in those with the G/G genotype (P < 0.01). The CYP2D6*10 (rs1065852) polymorphism was significantly related to the [DHCQ] (P = 0.01). However, the polymorphisms of CYP3A5*3 and CYP3A4*18B did not show any significant association with the [HCQ], [DHCQ], or [DHCQ]:[HCQ] ratio.

Conclusion: Our study showed that the [DHCQ]:[HCQ] ratio was related to CYP2D6 polymorphisms in Korean lupus patients taking oral HCQ. CYP polymorphisms may explain why there is wide variation in blood HCQ concentrations. The role of an individual's CYP polymorphisms should be considered when prescribing oral HCQ.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antirheumatic Agents / blood*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Asian People / genetics
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6 / genetics*
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6 / metabolism
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Hydroxychloroquine / blood*
  • Hydroxychloroquine / metabolism
  • Hydroxychloroquine / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • cletoquine
  • CYP3A5 protein, human
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A
  • CYP3A4 protein, human