From the Research
Having reduced UGT2B15*2 allele enzyme activity means your body has a decreased ability to metabolize certain drugs and substances that rely on this specific enzyme for processing, which can lead to increased risk of side effects or adverse reactions at standard doses. UGT2B15 is an important enzyme involved in glucuronidation, a process that helps make substances more water-soluble so they can be eliminated from the body. The *2 variant is a common genetic polymorphism that results in lower enzyme activity compared to the wild-type version. This reduced activity can lead to slower clearance of medications like lorazepam, oxazepam, and certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, potentially causing these drugs to remain in your system longer and at higher concentrations.
Some key points to consider:
- The UGT2B15 enzyme plays a crucial role in metabolizing steroid hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone, so reduced activity might influence hormone levels 1.
- The prevalence of this variant differs across ethnic groups, with approximately 50% of Caucasians carrying at least one copy of the UGT2B15*2 allele.
- Recent studies have shown that genetic polymorphisms in the UGT2B15 gene can affect the metabolism of certain drugs, such as lamotrigine, and may increase the risk of side effects or adverse reactions 2.
- The regulation of UGT2B15 expression is complex and involves multiple factors, including microRNAs such as miR-331-5p, which can target the UGT2B15 3'UTR and reduce its expression 3.
- The UGT2B15*2 allele has been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, particularly in individuals who are homozygous for the variant 1.
In terms of clinical implications, healthcare providers should consider adjusting dosages of affected medications or monitoring patients more closely for side effects if they have the UGT2B15*2 allele. Additionally, further research is needed to fully understand the effects of the UGT2B15*2 allele on drug metabolism and to develop personalized treatment strategies for individuals with this variant. According to the most recent study 4, the structural basis of conserved residue variant effect on enzyme activity of UGT2B15 has been analyzed, providing new insights into the mechanisms of UGT2B15 regulation.