Pharmacogenetic research activity in Central America and the Caribbean: a systematic review

• Published in: Pharmacogenomics Vol. 17; no. 15; pp. 1707 - 1724
• Main Authors: Céspedes-Garro, Carolina, Naranjo, María-Eugenia G, Rodrigues-Soares, Fernanda, LLerena, Adrián, Duconge, Jorge, Montané-Jaime, Lazara K, Roblejo, Hilda, Fariñas, Humberto, Campos, María de los A, Ramírez, Ronald, Serrano, Víctor, Villagrán, Carmen I, Peñas-LLedó, Eva M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Future Medicine Ltd 01.10.2016
• Subjects: Biomarkers; Biomedical Research; Cancer; Caribbean Region; Central America; CYP2D6 protein; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6 - genetics; Cytochrome P450; Eating disorders; HLA-A Antigens - genetics; HLA-B Antigens - genetics; Human papillomavirus; Humans; Oncology; Pharmacogenetics; pharmacogenomics; Phenotyping; Polymorphism; Population; Precision medicine; Psychiatry; Studies; Suicides & suicide attempts; Systematic Review; Haiti; Central America; Puerto Rico; United States > US; Europe; Africa; Belize; Costa Rica; Cuba; Nicaragua; El Salvador; Asia; Panama; Dominican Republic; Guatemala; Honduras; Jamaica; Central America; pharmacogenomics; biomarkers; pharmacogenetics; Caribbean region
• ISSN: 1462-2416; 1744-8042
• DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0053

The present review was aimed at analyzing the pharmacogenetic scientific activity in Central America and the Caribbean. A literature search for pharmacogenetic studies in each country of the region was conducted on three databases using a list of the most relevant pharmacogenetic biomarkers including 'phenotyping probe drugs' for major drug metabolizing enzymes. The review included 132 papers involving 47 biomarkers and 35,079 subjects (11,129 healthy volunteers and 23,950 patients). The country with the most intensive pharmacogenetic research was Costa Rica. The most studied medical therapeutic area was oncology, and the most investigated biomarkers were CYP2D6 and Research activity on pharmacogenetics in Central American and the Caribbean populations is limited or absent. Therefore, strategies to promote effective collaborations, and foster interregional initiatives and research efforts among countries from the region could help for the rational clinical implementation of pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine.