Work

Genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19 and subcortical variability in the human adult brain

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Pharmacogenetic studies have shown involvement of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the metabolism of psychotropic drugs. However, expression and activity on endogenous substrates in the brain may underlie a constitutive role of these enzymes beyond drug metabolism. CYP2C19, which is expressed in the human fetal brain during neurodevelopment, shows affinity for endogenous compounds including monoaminergic neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, and endocannabinoids. In this study (N = 608), we looked at the genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19 and its potential associations with structural phenotypes of subcortical brain volume with structural imaging. Using two independent volume estimation techniques, we found converging evidence for a positive association between CYP2C19 activity scores, as inferred from the genotype, and basal ganglia and hippocampal volume. This association was present only in female individuals, raising the possibility that effects on brain morphology may arise through a mechanism involving the metabolism of estrogen steroids.

Source: Translational Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01591-5

Authors: Julia C. Stingl, Catharina Scholl, Julia E. Bosch, Roberto Viviani

Institutions: Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Universität Ulm, Universität Innsbruck

Language: English

Topic: Pharmacogenetics and Drug Metabolism

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,380