Pharmacogenomics of Rosuvastatin: A Glocal (Global+Local) African Perspective and Expert Review on a Statin Drug

• Published in: Omics (Larchmont, N.Y.) Vol. 20; no. 9; p. 498
• Main Authors: Soko, Nyarai D, Masimirembwa, Collen, Dandara, Collet
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-09-2016
• Subjects: Africa; Cardiovascular Diseases - drug therapy; Genetic Variation; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors - adverse effects; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors - pharmacology; Pharmacogenetics; Polymorphism, Genetic; Rosuvastatin Calcium - adverse effects; Rosuvastatin Calcium - pharmacology
• ISSN: 1557-8100
• DOI: 10.1089/omi.2016.0114

The incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in African populations residing in the African continent is on the rise fueled by both a steady increase in CVD risk factors and comorbidities such as human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), tuberculosis, and parasitic diseases such as bilharzia. Statins are recommended together with lifestyle changes in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and overall reduction of cardiovascular events. Rosuvastatin in particular is an attractive candidate in the management of CVDs in African populations often plagued with multimorbidities owing to both its potency and low drug-to-drug interaction potential. In this expert review, we describe the pharmacogenetics of rosuvastatin and how it may instrumentally affect the African populations. We describe polymorphisms in the candidate genes, ABCG2, SLCO1B1, CYP2C9, APOE, PCSK9, LDLR, LPA, and HMGCR, and their role in the potency and safety of rosuvastatin therapy. We report on qualitative and quantitative differences in the distribution of genetic variants that affect efficacy and toxicity of rosuvastatin. These differences are observed across world populations (Caucasian, European, and Asian) as well as within African populations. Finally, we advocate for extensive pharmacogenetic studies in African populations that take into account the genetic diversity of intra-African ethnic groups and the genetic differences between African populations and other global populations, with a collaborative and collective aim to provide effective and safe use of rosuvastatin in management of CVD in Africa. Our key thesis presented in this innovation field analysis is that rosuvastatin precision medicine can serve as a veritable Glocal (Global and Local) model to offer pharmacogenetic-guided optimal therapeutics for the public in both developing and developed regions of the world.