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2009-10 AFPE Minority Pharmacy Faculty New Investigator Profile
L’AURELLE
A. JOHNSON, PHARM.D. |
University
of Minnesota College of Pharmacy |
Faculty
Position: |
Assistant
Professor |
Project
Title: |
“Contributions
of Obesity to Alterations in Normal Drug Metabolism in Children” |
Focus
of Research: |
To
characterize the role that obesity plays in the alteration of
in vivo phase 1 drug metabolism in pre-pubertal lean and overweight
children between 6-10 years of age and to specifically measure
in vivo CYP 1A2, CYP3A, and CYP 2D6 activity by measuring administered
dextromethorphan and caffeine metabolism through the presence
of their metabolites in saliva and urine. Gaining knowledge on
the key factors that affect drug metabolizing enzymes in children
will have a significant positive impact in the safe and effective
dosing of drugs in children. Within 3-5 years, this new knowledge
will provide the foundation for establishing an evidence-based
approach to dose modifications in overweight children who suffer
from acute or chronic disease. It is important to understand the
pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences in the pediatric
population. Over the past 30 years, the percentage of overweight
children in the United States has doubled from 15% to roughly
30%. Over the long term, obesity increases the risk of cancer,
cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The effect of obesity on
drug metabolism in children is still poorly understood, thus making
it difficult to adequately dose obese children with chronic and
acute illnesses. In adults, it has been shown that obesity can
also alter the pharmacological properties of therapeutic agents
used to treat these diseases. |
| Disease(s)
Addressed: |
Pediatric
obesity, Pediatric cancer, Drug metabolism |
| Project
Title: |
“Contributions
of Obesity to Alterations in Normal Drug Metabolism in Children”
|
| Degrees
Received: |
M.S.,
Clinical Research, University of Minnesota, 2008; Ph.D., Pharmacology,
University of Michigan, 2005; B.S. Biochemistry, Xavier University
of Louisiana. 2000
|
AFPE
Award: |
Josiah
Macy, Jr. Foundation - AFPE Minority Pharmacy Faculty New Investigator
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