Abstract

Agonists and antagonists of G protein-coupled receptors are important drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, but the therapeutic response of any given patient remains difficult to predict because of large interindividual variability. Among the factors potentially contributing to such variability, we have reviewed the evidence for a role of pharmacodynamic pharmacogenetics (i.e., polymorphisms in the cognate receptors for such drugs as well as other proteins potentially modifying their action). Based upon the availability of data and the prevalence of use, we have focused on ligands at adrenergic and angiotensin II receptors (including the indirectly acting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors). The vast majority of gene polymorphisms reviewed here have shown only inconsistent effects on drug action, which does not make these polymorphisms useful genetic markers to predict treatment responses. We conclude that considerable additional research, partly involving other types of study than those available now, will be necessary to allow a definitive judgment whether pharmacodynamic pharmacogenetic markers are useful in an individualized approach to cardiovascular therapy. Moreover, we predict that even such additional research will result in only few cases where the promise of tailored treatment can be fulfilled; however, some of these few cases may be of major clinical relevance.