The long-term goal of Dr. Myers’ research is to generate new scientific information that ultimately improves and advances human health. A major focus is studying the pernicious areca nut, one of the most widely abused substances in the world. Although AN usage is traditionally thought to be a problem outside of the U.S., consumption within subpopulations in the US has been established. His recent published work demonstrated that multitudes of commercialized (branded) areca nut products are available for sale in retail markets within Houston and surrounding suburbs. Concerningly, areca nut usage is associated with myriad systemic (e.g., addiction, liver toxicity, metabolic disease) and oral side effects (e.g., including external staining of teeth and gums, oral potentially malignant disorders, oral carcinomas). His laboratory examines how humans metabolize constituents of the nut, particularly the areca alkaloids, and its correlation with areca-associated toxicities. Since areca consumers co-ingest other substances of abuse, his laboratory delves into interactions with these agents and consequent adverse reactions and enhancement of psychoactive effects.
Another facet of Dr. Myers’ research is improving pharmaceutical waste management, as improper disposal of medications is a tremendous burden on the health care system and the environment. Specifically, he collaborates with an industry partner to develop safe and effective ways to degrade leftover, unused intravenous solutions (e.g., opioids, chemotherapy drugs, propofol) in the medical setting.
Further research interests include collaborations on pharmacokinetic trials – to enhance knowledge about the absorption, metabolism, disposition and excretion (ADME) of medications. Dr. Myers collaborates frequently on these trials through utilization of pharmacokinetic modeling and therapeutic drug monitoring, and provides expertise for pharmacogenetic-driven therapeutic management. Finally, a new area of research explores the differences in fluoridation status commercial bottled water sources and other ingestible fluids.
News
Myers awarded $2M grant by NIH to study pharmacotoxicity of areca nut.
Abuse of areca nut (often referred to as “betel nut”) is an emerging concern in the US. Although consumption of areca nut and areca products has been occurring since antiquity, very little is known about how alkaloids (e.g., arecoline, guvacoline) present in the nut interact with other drugs of abuse, OTC agents, and FDA-approved medications. This project aims to identify the major elimination mechanisms of areca alkaloids in human tissues, and identify factors that contribute to inter-individual variability in these elimination pathways. Furthermore, human-relevant rodent models are used to model pharmacologic behavior of areca alkaloids in the presence of interacting substances.
Consumption of the areca (betel) nut is the world's fourth-most commonly abused substance, only after caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Areca nut usage is prevalent in many Asian and Pacific Island nations, but also within subpopulations in the US. This has notable implications to US dental practice because areca nut consumption is associated with myriad oral side effects (external staining of teeth and gums, halitosis, periodontitis, pre-cancerous lesions of the oral cavity, and oral carcinomas). In this project, the Myers laboratory is seeking to learn more about areca nut usage in Houston and surrounding areas.
The traditional prescribing practice of “Same drug, Same dose, for Each Patient” has led to many treatment failures, ushering in the modern practice of precision medicine. Clinical pharmacology trials are pivotal for determining the appropriate use of medicines according to patient characteristics (e.g., disease, genetics, age, concomitant medications). Dr. Myers collaborates on pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic clinical trials with investigators at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The overall goal of these projects is to improve optimal, safe dosing regimens of oncologic medications and improve treatment outcomes.
Consumption of bottled water in place of tap water is a common practice in the United States. With the rising interest in water fluoridation and proposed human toxicities, there is a pressing need to understand fluoridation status in commercial water products along with other consumable fluids. Also concerning is the level of acidity in consumable fluids and risk of oral health complications, such as erosive teeth wear. The goal of this project is to shed light on fluoride levels and pH, two parameters that are significant but rarely reported on packaging labeling.
Associate Professor
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow
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Maryam Khalil, BS
UTSD Dental Student
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KEY PUBLICATIONS
A more comprehensive list of Dr. Myers’ publications can be found in their bibliography page on the National Library of Medicine website.
Associate Professor Alan Myers, PharmD, PhD, of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry has received a five-year, $2 million grant to study the pharmacological effects of the areca nut, commonly known as the betel nut.
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