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Last Posted: Apr 18, 2024
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A call for increased inclusivity and global representation in pharmacogenetic testing.
April Kennedy et al. NPJ Genom Med 2024 2 (1) 13

From the abstract: "Commercial pharmacogenetic testing panels capture a fraction of the genetic variation underlying medication metabolism and predisposition to adverse reactions. In this study we compared variation in six pharmacogenes detected by whole genome sequencing (WGS) to a targeted commercial panel in a cohort of 308 individuals with family history of pediatric heart disease. In 1% of the cohort, WGS identified rare variants that altered the interpretation of metabolizer status and would thus prevent potential errors in gene-based dosing. "

Heart Disease Risk Higher with Genetic Variant Plus Even Slightly Elevated Cholesterol
Inside Precision Medicine, February 2, 2023

From the article: " Even people with moderately elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) have higher risk of heart disease if they also had a variant for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), according to new research. The long-term study included over 20,000 patients and reinforces the value of genetic testing for this condition."

Familial Hypercholesterolemia Variant and Cardiovascular Risk in Individuals With Elevated Cholesterol
Y Zhang et al, JAMA Cardio, January 31, 2023

From the abstract: "How do familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) genetic variants modify coronary heart disease (CHD) risk among adults with moderate (LDL-C 130-189 mg/dL) and severe (LDL-C=190 mg/dL) hypercholesterolemia? In this pooled cohort study of 21?426 participants followed up with for a median of 18 years, FH variants were associated with a 2-fold higher CHD risk, even among individuals with moderately elevated LDL-C. The increased CHD risk appeared to be largely explained by the substantially higher lifetime cumulative LDL-C exposure in those with an FH variant vs those without. The findings suggest that genetic testing for FH may help refine risk stratification beyond LDL-C alone; clinical research is needed to assess the value of adding genetic testing to traditional phenotypic FH screening. "

First trial of 'base editing' in humans lowers cholesterol - but raises safety concerns.
Miryam Naddaf et al. Nature 2023 11

From the paper: "The first trial in humans of the precise gene-editing technique known as base editing has shown promising results for keeping cholesterol levels in check in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. The approach injects into people a treatment called VERVE-101, which permanently deactivates a gene in the liver called PCSK9. That gene controls the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or ‘bad’ cholesterol — a key contributor to heart disease. But the findings have also drawn criticism. Two serious adverse events in the trial, including a death, have raised safety concerns. "

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Disclaimer: Articles listed in the Public Health Genomics and Precision Health Knowledge Base are selected by the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics to provide current awareness of the literature and news. Inclusion in the update does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the update, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.

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