Posted by Larry Hoover on December 31, 2003, at 19:09:02
In reply to Re: DNA TESTING FOR SERATONIN PROBLEMS, posted by linkline on December 31, 2003, at 14:52:56
> I found the site, and it is a test for Pharmacological reactions to a myriad of drugs, including all SSRI's. In other words, whether you will be affected at all, or adversely thru treatment using these type drugs. And it is incredibly accurate.
It is not accurate, it is specific. Those are not synonymous. Testing for the specific genotype of three cytochrome enzymes will not determine drug response, but only the predicted rate of metabolic transformation of the drug, and only if it is a substrate for that enzyme. If it is, the drug will be converted to metabolites, which must themselves then interact with other genetic elements to determine response. As the latter genetic elements, e.g. transporter subtypes or receptor subtypes, are not being tested here, you know very little more than you started with, and your wallet is somewhat emptier.
> It is DNA testing, involving genetic precursors
Either you don't understand the language, or you don't understand the language. There is no such concept as a genetic precursor to consider.
> and it SHOULD be required before any doctor prescribes anything...which ofcourse they do not.
It would more often predict side effects and drug interactions than pharmacological response. Only in the case where an active metabolite is responsible for the predominant pharmacological effect would cytochrome enzyme activity become a response-related variable, and once again, only if one of those three cytochrome isozymes was involved. There are many dozens of cytochrome isozymes to consider. Dose is the other variable that interacts with cytochrome enzyme activity to determine individual pharmacokinetics.
> Heck, very few of them even do blood tests or even take your blood pressure!!!
Then find a new doctor, would be my advice.
> But here is the site for anyone interested, http://www.healthanddna.com/orderform.html. It is the DRUG REACTION panel that applies to this situation.
It's a start (towards tailoring the drug to the patient), but it is far too limited in scope and applicability to support a $500 fee, IMHO. Please report back to us on the outcome of your personal research.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:295124
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031231/msgs/295234.html