Pharmacogenomics

The study of how an individual’s genetic makeup influences their response to medications, aiming to personalize drug treatment for optimal efficacy and minimal side effects.

 

Genotype:

The specific genetic makeup of an individual, representing the combination of alleles inherited from both parents that influence drug metabolism and response.

 

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP):

A common type of genetic variation where a single nucleotide at a specific position in the DNA sequence differs among individuals, potentially impacting drug metabolism and efficacy.

 

Drug Metabolism:

The process by which the body breaks down medications, often involving enzymes encoded by specific genes, influencing how quickly or slowly a drug is processed.

 

Cytochrome P450 Enzymes:

A group of enzymes responsible for metabolizing many medications; genetic variations in these enzymes can affect drug metabolism and lead to variations in response.

 

Pharmacokinetics:

The study of how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes drugs, with genetic factors playing a crucial role in these processes.

 

Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR):

Unintended and harmful reactions to medications, which can be influenced by genetic factors and may vary among individuals.

 

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM):

The practice of measuring drug levels in the bloodstream to ensure that medication doses are within the therapeutic range and to adjust treatment based on individual responses.

 

Polypharmacy:

The use of multiple medications by an individual, with pharmacogenomics helping to optimize drug combinations and minimize potential interactions.

 

Drug-Gene Interaction:

The interplay between a drug and specific genes that can influence drug efficacy, toxicity, and overall response in an individual.