Effect of CYP2C9*3 gene polymorphism on lipid-lowering efficacy of fluvastatin in a Chinese hyperlipidemic population

Purpose: To investigate the frequency of gene CYP2C9*3 in Chinese populations, and to analyze the impact of CYP2C9*3 genetic polymorphism on the cholesterol-lowering effect of fluvastatin in a Chinese hyperlipidemic population. Methods: CYP2C9 genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR - RFLP) in 270 unrelated hyperlipidemic patients who were treated with 80 mg fluvastatin monotherapy daily for 4 weeks and 250 healthy controls. Clinical data were collected prior to treatment with fluvastatin and 4 weeks after. Results: In 270 hyperlipidemic patients, the frequency of CYP2C9*3 was 3.70 % which is significantly higher than in 250 healthy controls (2.60 %) (p < 0.01). After oral intake of fluvastatin 80 mg daily for 4 weeks, CYP2C9*1/*3 genotype was associated with a decrease in LDL-C levels (by 33.9 % in CYP2C9*1/*3 versus 24.5 % for CYP2C9*1/*1, p < 0.05) and with reduction of TC (by 36.4 % in CYP2C9*1/*3 versus 19.4 % in CYP2C9*1/*1, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The frequency of CYP2C9*3 is 3.17 % in Chinese populations, and those who carry CYP2C9*3 mutation have a high risk of hyperlipidemia. CYP2C9*3 seems to increase the lipid-lowering effects of fluvastatin.