Title:Thiopurine S-Methyltransferase as a Pharmacogenetic Biomarker: Significance of Testing and Review of Major Methods
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Author(s): Chingiz Asadov*, Gunay Aliyeva and Kamala Mustafayeva
Affiliation:
- Department of Hematopoietic Pathologies, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, M. Gashgai Str. 87, AZ1007, Baku,Azerbaijan
Keywords:
Thiopurine methyltransferase, pharmacogenetics, azathioprine, 6-mercapturine, 6-thioguanine, TPMT testing.
Abstract: Background: Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) enzyme metabolizes thiopurine drugs which
are widely used in various disciplines as well as in leukemias. Individual enzyme activity varies depending on
the genetic polymorphisms of TPMT gene located at chromosome 6. Up to 14% of population is known to
have a decreased enzyme activity, and if treated with standard doses of thiopurines, these individuals are at a
high risk of severe Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) as myelosuppression, gastrointestinal intolerance, pancreatitis
and hypersensitivity. However, TPMT-deficient patients can successfully be treated with decreased thiopurine
doses if enzyme status is identified by a prior testing. TPMT status identification is a pioneering experience
in application of pharmacogenetic testing in clinical settings. 4 TPMT (*2, *3A, *3B, *3C) alleles are known to
account for 80-95% of a decreased enzyme activity, and therefore, identifying the presence of these alleles supported
by phenotypic measurement of the enzyme activity can reveal patient’s TPMT status. Evaluation of the
levels of thiopurine metabolites further supports the practice of appropriate dose adjustment by providing the
efficient monitoring of drug cytotoxicity.
Conclusion: We hereby review the thiopurine pharmacogenetics and the methods applied in common
practice to evaluate patient’s TPMT status.
