The Open Hypertension Journal

2010, 3 : 14-20
Published online 2010 September 28. DOI: 10.2174/1876526201003010014
Publisher ID: TOHYPERJ-3-14

Pharmacogenomics of Adrenergic Receptors; from Hypertension to Heart Failure

Shinpei Nonen , Junichi Azuma and Yasushi Fujio
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaha, Japan.

ABSTRACT

Cardiovascular medicine is a leading area of pharmacogenomics (PGx). A number of PGx studies have linked genetic polymorphisms to patients’ response to the drugs in the pharmacotherapy against cardiovascular diseases. Among them, PGx of adrenoceptors is one of the most important fields, because adrenergic networks play important roles in cardiovascular systems. The excess of adrenergic stimuli result in cardiovascular disorders, such as hypertension and heart failure (HF). One of the aims of PGx studies of adrenoreceptors is the personalization of β-blocker therapy. In this review, we have described biological and clinical impacts on genetic variants of adrenoreceptors, some of which have showed clear association with the reduction in heart rate and blood pressure in response to β-blockers. Beyond anti-hypertension therapy, PGx of adrenoreceptors would contribute to the individualization of pharmacotherapy against HF.

Keywords:

Hypertension, heart failure, pharmacogenomics.