Optimal level of immunosuppressant drug for transplant patients can be predicted: RGCB study


PTI, Dec 6, 2021, 9:15 AM IST

Source: unsplash

Thiruvananthapuram: It would now be possible to predict the optimal amount of immunosuppressant drug to be given to transplant patients to reduce risk of organ rejection, according to a genetic study carried out by the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB).

Scientists from RGCB have worked out an equation or technique that can be used by nephrologists to predict the starting dose of the drug based on their genetic profiles, the research institute said in a release.

”This equation is specific to patients from Kerala who undergo kidney transplantation. The molecular-based method uses testing the DNA of patients for a specific variation, before transplantation surgery,” an RGCB scientist has said in the release.

This variation, along with their body weight, can be used to calculate the optimal starting drug dose for the patient, it said and added that this would help the patients to achieve optimal levels of the immunosuppressant drug post-transplantation and thus prevent the adverse effects due to overdose and rejection.

At present, the dose is calculated based on the patient’s body weight and this approach can lead to a lot of variations in the drug levels, it said.

The dose prediction study was focused on the immunosuppressant drug tacrolimus, which is given to a kidney, heart or liver transplant patient to lower the body’s immunity and thereby considerably reduce the chances of organ rejection.

”Though there have been similar studies in other populations before, the predictive value of pharmacogenetic factors identified were insufficient and not much of clinical use. The new development would help prevent the adverse effects of overdose and thereby help a lot of patients,” said Prof Chandrabhas Narayana, Director, RGCB.

The pioneering study was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Nephrology, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, the release said.

The group also discovered the genetic variants which increase the chances of rejection and adverse effects associated with the drug, it added.

The research was jointly funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), and RGCB and was published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, the release said.

 

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Nelamangala accident: Police expedite probe, CCTV images being scrutinised

Minister Parameshwara directs police to ensure tight security in Bengaluru on New Year’s eve

Teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony: PM Modi at Christmas celebrations

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passes away

Passenger gets back misplaced bag containing valuables worth Rs 20 lakh at Mangaluru airport

Karnataka govt approves 9 industrial projects worth Rs 9,823 Cr

Shami not fully fit yet, ruled out of remaining two Tests in Australia

Related Articles More

‘Faster walkers’ had significantly lower risk of diabetes, hypertension: Study

World Meditation Day 2024: Celebrating inner peace and well-being

Virus causing gut infections could play role in development of Alzheimer’s: Study

Air pollution linked to more hospitalisations for all causes, mental illness too, study finds

Plant-based meat alternatives linked to increased risk of depression in vegetarians, study finds

MUST WATCH

Tulunadu Daivaradane

Feeding Birds with Creative Paddy Art!

Areca Nut

HOTEL SRI DURGA BHAVANA

Harish Poonja


Latest Additions

Kalaburagi: Woman sustains burns after live electric wire falls on her

Nelamangala accident: Police expedite probe, CCTV images being scrutinised

Rohan Estate Mukka – Resort-style luxury layout launched

Minister Parameshwara directs police to ensure tight security in Bengaluru on New Year’s eve

Teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony: PM Modi at Christmas celebrations

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.