Higher frequency of genetic variants conferring increased risk for ADRs for commonly used drugs treating cancer, AIDS and tuberculosis in persons of African descent

There is established clinical evidence for differences in drug response, cure rates and survival outcomes between different ethnic populations, but the causes are poorly understood. Differences in frequencies of functional genetic variants in key drug response and metabolism genes may significantly influence drug response differences in different populations. To assess this, we genotyped 1330 individuals of African (n=372) and European (n=958) descent for 4535 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 350 key drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and toxicity genes. Important and remarkable differences in the distribution of genetic variants were observed between Africans and Europeans and among the African populations. These could translate into significant differences in drug efficacy and safety profiles, and also in the required dose to achieve the desired therapeutic effect in different populations. Our data points to the need for population-specific genetic variation in personalizing medicine and care.

A systematic review examining the relationship between oral health care practices and the oral lesions commonly associated with HIV/AIDS, and the implications for people living in developing countries

Oral lesions, which may be bacterial, fungal or viral in nature may be characteristic of HIV/ AIDS, and have been observed on the oral mucosa as early signs of underlying disease. Some studies have suggested that there may be a correlation between poor oral hygiene, and the oral lesions seen among people living with HIV/AIDS.^ The objective of this study was to assess the nature of the relationship between oral health care practices, and the occurrence of oral lesions commonly seen in association with HIV/AIDS. A systematic review of the literature was conducted, and the databases searched were Medline and PubMed. Concepts that made up the search were oral hygiene promotion, HIV/AIDS and oral health care. Out of the 410 items identified through the search, only 11 met the inclusion criteria.^ The use of 0.12%–2% chlorhexidine gluconate, was found to be effective in reducing oral Candida counts in some studies, while other studies did not find such an association. However, 0.12%–2% chlorhexidine gluconate was consistently found to be effective in the management of periodontal lesions in people infected with HIV/AIDS. ^ Dental procedures such as treatment and filling of dental cavities, scaling and polishing, and use of fluoridated tooth paste were also found to be effective in the management of oral lesions seen in association with HIV/AIDS.^ The overall findings from the studies reviewed, suggest that effective oral health care may be necessary to reduce the morbidity, and mortality associated with the oral lesions seen among people living with HIV/AIDS. However, better designed studies with larger sample sizes need to be developed in order to ascertain the effectiveness of routine oral hygiene, and health care practices among people living with HIV/AIDS.^

World survey of agricultural machinery and equipment.

[1] Asia.--[2] Europe.--[3] South America.--[4-5] Africa, Australia-Oceania.--[6] North and Central America.

Tables of organization and equipment, United States Army, 1918.

Mode of access: Internet.