Üsküdar Üniversitesi Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk was a guest of the Turkish Biological Sciences Network (TBBA) Academy. Addressing the topic 'Pharmacogenetics as an approach to translational science,' Konuk stated that classic treatments and drugs are not very effective, and that drug and treatment tailored to the genetic structure are important.
In the online program, Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk, Head of the Molecular Biology Master's Department, explained how he contributes to translational science through his own work.
"Translational research is a journey from the laboratory workbench to the patient's bedside"
Konuk, noting that translational science is not fully understood by some people, continued: "Translational medicine research is actually a journey from the laboratory workbench to the patient's bedside. Its foundation is the use of data obtained from basic sciences in the field of health, as it encompasses both basic and applied sciences."
Drug Tailored to Genetic Structure…
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk emphasized that the success rate in treatments applied through pharmacogenetics is much higher (99%), saying, "We all experience this; for example, when we visit a doctor, drugs prescribed with classic methods may not be effective. In such cases, it may take weeks of follow-up to see if a different drug works. Consequently, there is a loss of time, loss of hospital work, and financial losses. If drugs and treatments are applied according to people's genetic structures, success rates increase, and the side effects of drugs on people are almost eliminated."
"It Affects the Functioning of Enzymes and Hormones, Which Are Regulatory Proteins"
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk, who also evaluated the effects of Genetic Polymorphisms on our pharmacokinetics, said, "In terms of pharmacokinetics, transporters, especially plasma proteins, affect the events there. In terms of pharmacodynamics, they affect receptors. They affect the functioning of enzymes, one of the two most important regulatory groups in our body."
"Pharmacogenetics Cannot Develop Because Our Physicians' Upbringing and Training Methods Are Based on the Logic That 'The Same Drug Is Enough for Everyone'"
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk also made evaluations regarding the question of why pharmacogenetics cannot be widely applied in clinics, saying, "Firstly, this is not properly known in Turkey. Even if it were known, it cannot be applied because no one can interfere with doctors' work. Also, their upbringing and training methods are always based on the logic that 'one drug fits all,' so it cannot develop."