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Published on: September 25, 2017
UGT2B10 genotype influences nicotine glucuronidation, oxidation, and consumption
Jeannette Zinggeler Berg1, Linda B von Weymarn, Elizabeth A Thompson
1Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
Smokers with a UGT2B10 gene variant (Asp67Tyr) metabolize nicotine differently, leading to reduced nicotine consumption. This genetic factor impacts smoking behavior and should be considered in tobacco research.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacogenomics
- Metabolism Studies
Background:
- Nicotine exposure is typically measured via plasma or urine metabolites.
- Nicotine glucuronidation shows significant interindividual variability (0-40%).
- A polymorphism in UDP-glucuronsyltransferase (UGT2B10) affects nicotine metabolism and consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of the UGT2B10 Asp67Tyr polymorphism on nicotine metabolism.
- To determine if this genetic variation influences nicotine consumption in smokers.
Main Methods:
- Quantified nicotine, cotinine, their N-glucuronide conjugates, and hydroxycotinine in urine and plasma of 327 smokers.
- Measured urinary nicotine N-oxide in 105 smokers.
- Calculated nicotine equivalents as a biomarker of nicotine intake and analyzed the UGT2B10 Asp67Tyr allele's relationship to metabolism and intake.
Main Results:
- Individuals with the Asp67Tyr allele showed lower ratios of glucuronide conjugates (nicotine and cotinine) to their parent compounds.
- Asp67Tyr heterozygotes exhibited increased cotinine and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine levels.
- Nicotine equivalents were significantly lower in Asp67Tyr heterozygotes compared to wild-type individuals.
Conclusions:
- Heterozygous carriers of the UGT2B10 Asp67Tyr allele consume less nicotine.
- Variations in nicotine N-glucuronidation, influenced by UGT2B10 genotype, may play a role in modulating smoking behavior.
- UGT2B10 genotype is a crucial factor in understanding nicotine metabolism and its influence on smoking patterns.
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Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism: Overview
Phase II Reactions: Glucuronidation
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