Molecular markers of treatment irregularity of statins: influence of polymorphisms in SLCO1B1 and SLCO1B3.

Background and aims: The SLCO gene family encodes OATP-like transporters that interact with statins and may influence their efficacy. Consequently, these genes are key targets in pharmacogenetic studies, and associations between SLCO1B1 variants and statin therapeutic response have already been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the SLCO1B1 gene polymorphisms rs2306283, rs11045819, rs4149056, and the SLCO1B3 gene polymorphism rs4149117, and the regularity of statin treatment.

Material and methods: This was a cohort study involving the review of 477 patient medical records and genotyping for the variants of interest. All patients were on simvastatin or atorvastatin therapy. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the association between genotypes and treatment regularity. Irregular treatment was defined by the occurrence of one or more of the following: 1) dose increase, 2) dose reduction, 3) treatment discontinuation, or 4) statin substitution.

Results: For rs2306283 (c.388A > G), carriers of the G allele had a significantly higher risk of treatment irregularities (Hazard Ratio: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.05-2.13; p = 0.024). For rs4149056 (c.521T > C), CC homozygotes showed a significantly increased risk of statin substitution and treatment discontinuation (Hazard Ratio: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.04-4.44; p = 0.037).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest an association between specific SLCO gene variants and irregularities in statin treatment.