Association between serum bilirubin levels and ABCB1 3435 variant in HIV-1 infected, atazanavir treated individuals

SummaryBackgroundIt has been scientifically confirmed that gene variants influencing glycoprotein P (gp-P) activity are associated with better drug uptake and increase in serum atazanavir (ATV) levels.Aim of the studyThe aim of the study is the analysis of association between serum bilirubin levels before and after initiation of treatment with ATV and ABCB1 (MDR-1) 3435 genotypes.Material and methodsForty-nine HIV-1 infected patients treated with ATV as a part of the cART regimen were included into the study. Total bilirubin levels were measured before and after four months from treatment initiation. Frequency of the ABCB1 3435 variants was assessed, by the Taq-Man SNP genotyping assay with realtime fluorescence detection.ResultsBilirubin levels prior to the treatment have ranged from 0,3 to 3,77 mg/dL (mean = 0,86, MD = 0,76 ± 0,54) and were significantly lower (p < 0,01) than levels after four months of the treatment (values ranging from 0,5 to 8,26 mg/dL, mean = 2,66, MD = 2,28 ± 1,77). Genotype frequencies for ABCB1 3435 were: 30,61% (n = 15) TT homozygotes, 51% (n = 25) TC heterozygotes and 18,37% (n = 9) CC genotypes. No significant differences in changes of the bilirubin levels after ATV treatment initiation in association to the investigated ABCB1 was noted (p > 0,25).ConclusionsSerum total bilirubin significantly increase after initiation of the ARV treatment. In the investigated group no difference of bilirubin levels after treatment initiation in association with ABCB1 3435 genotypes was found.