Pharmacogenomics of Adrenergic Receptors; from Hypertension to Heart Failure

Abstract

Cardiovascular medicine is a leading area of pharmacogenomics (PGx). A number of PGx studies have linked genetic polymorphisms to patients' response to the drugs in the pharmacotherapy against cardiovascular diseases. Among them, PGx of adrenoceptors is one of the most important fields, because adrenergic networks play important roles in car- diovascular systems. The excess of adrenergic stimuli result in cardiovascular disorders, such as hypertension and heart failure (HF). One of the aims of PGx studies of adrenoreceptors is the personalization of β-blocker therapy. In this review, we have described biological and clinical impacts on genetic variants of adrenoreceptors, some of which have showed clear association with the reduction in heart rate and blood pressure in response to β-blockers. Beyond anti-hypertension therapy, PGx of adrenoreceptors would contribute to the individualization of pharmacotherapy against HF.