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Phokaewvarangkul O, Bhidayasiri R, Garcia-Ruiz P, Odin P, Riederer P, Müller T. Homocysteine, vitamin B metabolites, dopamine-substituting compounds, and symptomatology in Parkinson's disease: clinical and therapeutic considerations. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:1451-1462. [PMID: 37603058 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02684-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Emerging studies suggest a correlation between elevated plasma homocysteine (hcy) levels and the risk of atherosclerosis, vascular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). This narrative review delves into the intricate relationships between Hcy, vitamin B metabolites, dopamine-substituting compounds, and various symptoms of PD. Patients undergoing a long-term L-dopa/dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor (DDI) regimen, especially without a concurrent catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitor or methyl group-donating vitamin supplementation, such as vitamins B6 and B12, exhibit an elevation in Hcy and a decline in vitamin B metabolites. These altered concentrations appear to be associated with heightened risks of developing non-motor symptoms, including peripheral neuropathy and cognitive disturbances. The review underscores the impact of levodopa metabolism via COMT on homocysteine levels. In light of these findings, we advocate for the supplementation of methyl group-donating vitamins, notably B6 and B12, in patients undergoing a high-dose L-dopa/DDI regimen, particularly those treated with L-dopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onanong Phokaewvarangkul
- Chulalongkorn Centre of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease & Related Disorders, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Roongroj Bhidayasiri
- Chulalongkorn Centre of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease & Related Disorders, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- The Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| | - Pedro Garcia-Ruiz
- Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Per Odin
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Restorative Parkinson Unit, Lund University, 221 84, Lund, Sweden
| | - Peter Riederer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Margarete-Höppel Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller
- Department of Neurology, St. Joseph Hospital Berlin-Weissensee, Gartenstr. 1, 13088, Berlin, Germany
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Saadat P, Ahmadi Ahangar A, Samaei SE, Firozjaie A, Abbaspour F, Khafri S, Khoddami A. Serum Homocysteine Level in Parkinson's Disease and Its Association with Duration, Cardinal Manifestation, and Severity of Disease. PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2018; 2018:5813084. [PMID: 29854384 PMCID: PMC5954853 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5813084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Due to the high prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in the elderly, a large financial burden is imposed on the families and health systems of countries in addition to the problems related to the mobility impairment caused by the disease for the patients. Studies on controversial issues in this disease are taken into consideration, and one of these cases is the role of serum homocysteine level in Parkinson's patients. In this study, the serum level of homocysteine and its association with various variables in relation to this disease was compared with healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, 100 patients with PD and 100 healthy individuals as control group were investigated. Serum homocysteine level and demographic and clinical data were included in the checklist. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 23. In all tests, the significance level was below 0.05. RESULTS The mean level of serum homocysteine in case and control groups was 14.93 ± 8.30 and 11.52 ± 2.86 µmol/L, respectively (95% CI: 1.68; 5.14, P < 0.001). In total patients, 85 had normal serum homocysteine level, while 15 had high serum homocysteine level. In controls, the homocysteine level was 98 and 2, respectively (P=0.002). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, serum homocysteine level higher than 20 µmol/L was accompanied by 8.64-fold in Parkinson's disease involvement (95% CI: 1.92; 38.90, P=0.005). CONCLUSION Increasing serum homocysteine level elevates the rate to having PD. Serum homocysteine levels did not have any relationship with the duration of the disease, type of cardinal manifestation, and the severity of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Saadat
- Mobility Impairment Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Alijan Ahmadi Ahangar
- Mobility Impairment Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Seyed Ehsan Samaei
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Alireza Firozjaie
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abbaspour
- Clinical Research Development Center, Ayatollah Rohani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Sorrayya Khafri
- Department of Statistic and Epidmiology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Azam Khoddami
- Clinical Research Development Center, Ayatollah Rohani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Tanguy A, Jönsson L, Ishihara L. Inventory of real world data sources in Parkinson's disease. BMC Neurol 2017; 17:213. [PMID: 29216834 PMCID: PMC5721688 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-017-0985-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Real world data have an important role to play in the evaluation of epidemiology and burden of disease; and in assisting health-care decision-makers, especially related to coverage and payment decisions. However, there is currently no overview of the existing longitudinal real world data sources in Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the USA. Such an assessment can be very helpful, to support a future effort to harmonize real world data collection and use the available resources in an optimal way. Methods The objective of this comprehensive literature review is to systematically identify and describe the longitudinal, real world data sources in PD in the USA, and to provide a summary of their measurements (categorized into 8 main dimensions: motor and neurological functions, cognition, psychiatry, activities of daily living, sleep, quality of life, autonomic symptoms and other). The literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE and internet key word search. Results Of the 53 data sources identified between May and August 2016, 16 were still ongoing. Current medications (81%) and comorbidities (79%) were frequently collected, in comparison to medical imaging (36%), genetic information (30%), caregiver burden (11%) and healthcare costs (2%). Many different measurements (n = 108) were performed and an interesting variability among used measurements was revealed. Conclusions Many longitudinal real world data sources on PD exist. Different types of measurements have been performed over time. To allow comparison and pooling of these multiple data sources, it will be essential to harmonize practices in terms of types of measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Tanguy
- Lundbeck SAS, 37-45 Quai du Président Roosevelt, CEDEX 92445, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
| | - Linus Jönsson
- Lundbeck SAS, 37-45 Quai du Président Roosevelt, CEDEX 92445, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
| | - Lianna Ishihara
- Lundbeck SAS, 37-45 Quai du Président Roosevelt, CEDEX 92445, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France.
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Licking N, Murchison C, Cholerton B, Zabetian CP, Hu SC, Montine TJ, Peterson-Hiller AL, Chung KA, Edwards K, Leverenz JB, Quinn JF. Homocysteine and cognitive function in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2017; 44:1-5. [PMID: 28807493 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increased plasma homocysteine (HC) is a risk factor for dementia in the general population. Levodopa therapy causes increased plasma HC, but it remains unclear whether elevated plasma HC is associated with cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS The study population includes all participants in the Pacific Northwest Udall Center (PANUC) Clinical cohort at the time of the study, consisting of 294 individuals with PD who had a standardized neuropsychological assessment and plasma collection for HC measurement. We tested the hypothesis that elevated plasma HC is inversely related to cognitive function in patients with PD. RESULTS As expected, plasma HC was positively associated with age, disease duration, disease severity, and levodopa usage, while cognitive function was associated with age, education, gender, and APOE genotype, so subsequent analyses controlled for these covariates. When plasma HC was dichotomized as normal (<14 μmol/L) or elevated (≥14 μmol/L), subjects with hyper-homocysteinemia had lower scores on Digit Symbol (p = 0.031), Hopkins Verbal Learning Task (HVLT) Delayed Recall (p = 0.004), and semantic verbal fluency (p = 0.049). When examined as a continuous variable, plasma HC was inversely associated with HVLT Delayed Recall (p = 0.009)) and semantic verbal fluency (p = 0.004), but was not significantly related to Digit symbol, Trail-making test, Judgment of Line Orientation, phonemic verbal fluency, MMSE, or MOCA. When analysis was restricted to non-demented subjects (n = 231), the findings were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that plasma HC is significantly associated with some aspects of cognitive function in PD, and may represent a treatable risk factor for cognitive decline in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Licking
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Charles Murchison
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Brenna Cholerton
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Cyrus P Zabetian
- Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Shu-Ching Hu
- Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Thomas J Montine
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Amie L Peterson-Hiller
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Kathryn A Chung
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Karen Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California at Irvine, United States
| | - James B Leverenz
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Joseph F Quinn
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, United States.
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Ibrahimagic OC, Smajlovic D, Dostovic Z, Pasic Z, Kunic S, Iljazovic A, Hajdarevic DS. HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA AND ITS TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE. Mater Sociomed 2016; 28:303-306. [PMID: 27698607 PMCID: PMC5034996 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2016.28.303-306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Homocysteine is process-product of methionine demethylation. It has proatherogenic, prothrombotic, prooxidative, proapoptotic, osteoporotic, neurotoxic, neuroinflamatory, and neurodegenerative effects. Hyperhomocysteinemia correlates with C667T MTHFR mutation, decrease of folic acid and vitamin B, as well as prolonged use of certain medications. Materials and Methods: We measured levels of homocysteine in thirty patients (15::15) with “de novo” Parkinson’s disease, with average age 64.17 ± 13.19 (28-82) years (Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center Tuzla). Normal level of homocysteine for women was 3.36-20.44 micromole/l and 5.9-16 micromole/l for men. We followed the effects of medicament approach (folic acid) every six months for next five years. Results: 20% of patients with “de novo” Parkinson’s disease exhibited hyperhomocysteinemia. An average level of homocysteine was 13.85 ± 5.82 micromole/l. Differences due to age and homocysteine levels, regardless of sex, were not concluded. For the next five years intake of folic acid (periodically, 1-2 months, 5 mg per day, orally) was effective to normalized levels of homocysteine in all. Conclusion: Hyperhomocysteinemia is present in every fifth patient with “de novo” Parkinson’s disease. Folic acid is medication of choice in treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia coexisting with Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer C Ibrahimagic
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dzevdet Smajlovic
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Zikrija Dostovic
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Zejneba Pasic
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Suljo Kunic
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amra Iljazovic
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Abstract
Perturbations in methyl group metabolism and homocysteine balance have emerged over the past few decades as having defining roles in a number of pathological conditions. Numerous nutritional, hormonal, and genetic factors that are characterized by elevations in circulating homocysteine concentrations are also associated with specific pathological conditions, including cancer development, autoimmune diseases, vascular dysfunction, and neurodegenerative disease. Although much remains to be explored, our understanding of the relationship between disease, methyl balance, and epigenetic control of gene expression has steadily progressed. However, homocysteine balance and its role in health and disease are not as clearly understood. This review presents our current understanding of homocysteine metabolism and its link to specific pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L Schalinske
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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Coenzyme Q10, hyperhomocysteinemia and MTHFR C677T polymorphism in levodopa-treated Parkinson's disease patients. Neuromolecular Med 2012; 14:84-90. [PMID: 22354693 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-012-8174-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that increased homocysteine (Hcy) levels might accelerate dopaminergic cell death in Parkinson's disease (PD) through neurotoxic effects. Homocysteine neurotoxicity mainly relies on redox state alterations. The present work was aimed at investigating the relationships between plasma Hcy concentrations and percent content of oxidized versus total Coenzyme Q10 (%CoQ10) in 60 PD patients and 82 healthy subjects. Both groups were screened for plasma levels of Hcy, vitamin B12, folate, %CoQ10 and C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism. The MTHFR TT677 mutated genotype was found more frequently in patients than in controls (p = 0.01). In a multivariate analysis, Hcy levels and %CoQ10 were associated with the case/control category (p < 0.0001), MTHFR genotype (p < 0.0001) and their interaction term (p = 0.0015), even after adjusting for age, sex, folate and vitamin B12. Patients carrying the TT677 genotype exhibited the highest values of Hcy and %CoQ10 (p < 0.0001). Structural equation modelling evidenced that the TT677 genotype and levodopa daily dose were independently and directly correlated with Hcy (p < 0.0001, and p = 0.003, respectively), which, in turn, showed a significant correlation (p < 0.0001) with the %CoQ10 in PD patients. Our results suggest that increased Hcy levels act as mediator of the systemic oxidative stress occurring in PD, and %CoQ10 determination might be regarded as a predictor of toxic Hcy effects.
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Kim TH, Moon SW. Serum homocysteine and folate levels in korean schizophrenic patients. Psychiatry Investig 2011; 8:134-40. [PMID: 21852990 PMCID: PMC3149108 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2011.8.2.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2010] [Revised: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to confirm the results of the authors' previous research on schizophrenia manifesting high serum homocysteine and low folate levels. This study is anchored on a theory that a high serum homocysteine concentration affects schizophrenia by virtue of a neurotoxic mechanism, and on a report that some schizophrenia patients with high homocysteine levels benefited from high folate ingestion. METHODS The serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B(12) levels of 236 normal-control-group subjects and 234 schizophrenia subjects who met the diagnostic criteria based on DSM-IV-TR were compared. The homocysteine levels were measured via fluorescence polarization immunoassay, and the folate and vitamin B(12) levels were determined via radioimmunoassay. RESULTS The homocysteine levels of the patient group were significantly higher than those of the normal control group. The homocysteine level was more negatively correlated with the folate level in the schizophrenia group than in the control group. The percentages of female and male schizophrenia subjects manifesting high homocysteine levels were 33.8 and 51.5%, respectively. The percentage of schizophrenia subjects with low folate levels was 66.2%. In the low- and normal-folate-level groups, the patient group showed significantly higher homocysteine levels than the normal control group. The low-folate-level patient group particularly showed significantly higher homocysteine levels than the low-folate-level normal control group. CONCLUSION Some schizophrenia patients with high serum homocysteine levels may have the genetic defect of having low folate serum levels. In such cases, folate ingestion may be a good management modality for clinical improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Ho Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Chungju, Korea
| | - Seok Woo Moon
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Chungju, Korea
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Nascimento CMC, Stella F, Garlipp CR, Santos RF, Gobbi S, Gobbi LTB. Serum homocysteine and physical exercise in patients with Parkinson's disease. Psychogeriatrics 2011; 11:105-12. [PMID: 21707858 DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-8301.2011.00356.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperhomocysteinemia is a major risk factor for cerebral and peripheral vascular diseases, as well as cortical and hippocampal injury, including an increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. Elevated serum homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations are common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who have been treated with levodopa; however, physical exercises can help reduce Hcy concentrations. The aim of the present study was to compare serum Hcy levels in patients with PD who partook in regular physical exercises, sedentary PD patients, and healthy controls. METHODS Sixty individuals were enrolled in the present study across three groups: (i) 17 patients who did not partake of any type of exercise; (ii) 24 PD patients who exercised regularly; and (iii) 19 healthy individuals who did not exercise regularly. All participants were evaluated by Hoehn and Yahr scale, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Schwab and England scale (measure daily functionality). The serum levels of Hcy were analyzed by blood samples collected of each participant. An analysis of variance and a Tukey's post hoc test were applied to compare and to verify differences between groups. Pearson's correlation and stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to consider the association between several variables. RESULTS Mean plasma Hcy concentrations in individuals who exercised regularly were similar to those in the healthy controls and significantly lower than those in the group that did not exercise at all (P= 0.000). In addition, patients who did not exercise were receiving significantly higher doses of levodopa than those patients who exercised regularly (P= 0.001). A positive relationship between levodopa dose and Hcy concentrations (R(2) = 0.27; P= 0.03) was observed in patients who did not exercise, but not in those patients who exercised regularly (R(2) = 0.023; P= 0.15). CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study suggest that, even with regular levodopa therapy, Hcy concentrations in PD patients who exercise regularly are significantly lower than in patients who do not exercise and are similar Hcy concentrations in healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Manuela Crispim Nascimento
- Laboratory of Aging and Physical Activity (LAFE), Biosciences Institute, Department of Physical Education, São Paulo State University, Rio Claro Campus, Brazil.
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Müller T. Motor complications, levodopa metabolism and progression of Parkinson's disease. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2011; 7:847-55. [PMID: 21480824 DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2011.575779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oxidative stress is an essential component of neuronal death in Parkinson's disease (PD). Clinically, progression of PD is also characterised by onset of motor complications (MC). MC results from the peripheral and central degree of fluctuations of levodopa (LD) and of dopamine. AREAS COVERED This review highlights aspects of LD and dopamine metabolism in chronic neurodegeneration in PD. A Medline search (terms: homocysteine, LD, PD, progression [from 2000 onwards]) was performed and considered preclinical and clinical investigations. The author discusses pharmacokinetic and metabolic aspects of chronic LD administration in PD patients and provides a therapeutic concept to reduce probable PD accelerating consequences of chronic LD application. EXPERT OPINION The author suggests that the future 'ideal' oral LD therapy should be homocysteine-reducing, methyl-group-donating, oxidative-stress-decreasing and antiglutamatergic while also allowing continuous delivery to the brain. This may slow the progression of PD and delay the onset of MC, both of which represent unmet needs in the treatment of PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Müller
- St. Joseph Hospital Berlin-Weissensee, Department of Neurology , Gartenstr. 1, 13088 Berlin, Germany.
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Müller T. Levodopa/carbidopa and entacapone in the treatment of Parkinson's disease: efficacy, safety and patient preference. Patient Prefer Adherence 2009; 3:51-9. [PMID: 19936145 PMCID: PMC2778405 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s4084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Levodopa (LD) is the oldest, most efficacious and best-tolerated drug for dopaminergic substitution of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Its main drawback is its short half-life, which supports onset of motor complications in the long term. Therefore well-informed PD patients mostly accept LD therapy as late as possible. Recent LD trials indicate that a combination of LD with carbidopa (CD) and the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor entacapone (EN) may reduce the onset of these motor complications to a certain extent. This observation is further supported by pharmacokinetic trials and experimental research, but there is still a need to confirm this in a clinical trial, which is under way. Additionally, combined LD/CD/EN was superior to LD/CD administration regarding cognition, muscle behavior and gastrointestinal function in small clinical trials. Moreover there is accumulating evidence that combined COMT inhibition with LD administration reduces homocysteine synthesis. In the long term, homocysteine elevation supports onset of arteriosclerosis-related disorders, which are more frequent in PD patients according to epidemiological studies than in the normal healthy population. The introduction of LD/CD/EN in one tablet supported patients' preference of COMT inhibition as an essential component of LD/DDI therapy, as this combination reduced number and size of tablets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Müller
- Department of Neurology, St. Joseph Hospital
Berlin-Weißensee, Berlin, Germany
- IGSN, Ruhr University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Correspondence: Thomas Müller, MD, Department
of Neurology, St. Joseph Hospital Berlin-Weißensee, Gartenstr. 1,
13088 Berlin, Germany, Tel +49 30 92790223, Fax +49 30
92790703, Email ,
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Müller T, Kuhn W. Homocysteine levels after acute levodopa intake in patients with Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord 2009; 24:1339-43. [PMID: 19425084 DOI: 10.1002/mds.22607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Levodopa (L-dopa) administered with a dopadecarboxylase inhibitor (DDI) increases homocysteine plasma levels. This may support the onset of atherosclerosis-related disorders and neuropsychiatric complications in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This homocysteine elevation is considered as long-term effect of chronic L-dopa/DDI treatment. Little is known about the acute effects of L-dopa/DDI intake on homocysteine generation. The objective of this trial was to investigate the relations between L-dopa and homocysteine after acute L-dopa/DDI administration in PD patients with different L-dopa metabolism. Thirty PD patients were divided into groups with superior (I) and less (II) L-dopa absorption after standardized intake of 125 mg L-dopa/benserazide with determination of L-dopa, 3-O-methyl-dopa (3-OMD) and homocysteine in plasma at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 minutes. There was a homocysteine increase in Group I (F = 5; P = 0.005) and a moderate decrease in Group II (F = 4.27; P = 0.01). A rise of 3-OMD (F = 10.51; P < 0.0001) appeared in Group I, but not in Group II (F = 0.91; P = 0.44), accordingly L-dopa accumulation was better in Group I than in Group II. Thus, in conclusion, L-dopa metabolism is an important component for homocysteine elevation after one time L-dopa/DDI administration in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Müller
- Department of Neurology, St. Joseph Hospital Berlin-Weissensee, Germany.
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Müller T. Possible treatment concepts for the levodopa-related hyperhomocysteinemia. Cardiovasc Psychiatry Neurol 2009; 2009:969752. [PMID: 20029636 PMCID: PMC2794520 DOI: 10.1155/2009/969752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2009] [Revised: 06/13/2009] [Accepted: 07/16/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The saga of harmful levodopa (LD) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) resulted from outcomes of animal-and cell culture studies and the clinical observation of motor complication related to the short half life of LD. Further aspects of LD long term application, the LD associated homocysteine increase and its emerging consequences on progression, and onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms and of vascular disease are only partially considered. Therapeutic approaches for this LD-mediated neurotoxic homocysteine increase are vitamin supplementation or LD application with an inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). However, forcing central dopamine metabolism further down the methylation path by central blocking of COMT and MAO-B may reduce oxidative stress and homocysteine levels. But it may also increase N-methylation of tetrahydroisoquinolines to neurotoxic N-methylated tetrahydroisoquinolines. These compounds were observed in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of long term LD-treated PD patients. Therefore LD application with peripheral COMT inhibition may be safer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Müller
- Department of Neurology, St. Joseph Hospital Berlin-Weissensee, Gartenstr. 1, 13088 Berlin, Germany
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Zoccolella S, dell'Aquila C, Abruzzese G, Antonini A, Bonuccelli U, Canesi M, Cristina S, Marchese R, Pacchetti C, Zagaglia R, Logroscino G, Defazio G, Lamberti P, Livrea P. Hyperhomocysteinemia in levodopa-treated patients with Parkinson's disease dementia. Mov Disord 2009; 24:1028-33. [PMID: 19353704 DOI: 10.1002/mds.22511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a frequent non-motor feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). Elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels have been associated with both cognitive impairment and dementia. Increased Hcy levels have been observed in levodopa-treated patients with PD. The objective of our study was to evaluate the association between plasma Hcy levels and dementia in PD. We performed a multicenter cross-sectional study on patients with PD with (PDD) and without (PDnD) dementia and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We compared Hcy levels in patients with PDD and PDnD and healthy controls, and we performed logistic regression analysis to search for an association between the presence of dementia and increased Hcy levels in PD. Patients with PD (121), PDD (42), and PDnD (79), and age- and sex-matched controls (154) were enrolled. Hcy levels were higher in patients with PD compared to controls (17.5 micromol/L +/- 10.2 vs. 11 +/- 4.1; P < 0.00001). Among patients with PD, Hcy levels were higher in the PDD group compared to the PDnD group (20.7 micromol/L +/- 12.1 vs. 15.8 +/- 8.5; P = 0.002). In a multivariate logistic regression model, higher Hcy levels [Odds ratios comparing the top (>18.9 micromol/L) with the bottom tertile (<12.4 micromol/L): 3.68; 95% CI: 1.14-11.83] were significantly associated with dementia. These data support the association between elevated Hcy levels and the presence of dementia in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Zoccolella
- Clinic of Nervous System Diseases, Medical and Neurological Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti, University of Foggia, Italy
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16
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Peripheral COMT inhibition prevents levodopa associated homocysteine increase. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2009; 116:1253-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-009-0275-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2009] [Accepted: 07/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Camicioli RM, Bouchard TP, Somerville MJ. Homocysteine is not associated with global motor or cognitive measures in nondemented older Parkinson's disease patients. Mov Disord 2009; 24:176-82. [PMID: 18951534 DOI: 10.1002/mds.22227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Levodopa (L-dopa) treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with elevated homocysteine (Hcy). To examine the relationship between Hcy, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms (MTHFR: 677C/T; 1298A/C), and B-vitamins in older PD patients and whether Hcy or MTHFR polymorphisms were associated with clinical measures. MTHFR polymorphisms, B-vitamin intake, and blood concentrations of Hcy, vitamin B12 and folate, and creatinine were determined and compared between groups (PD and controls). The relationship of Hcy to clinical measures was examined in PD. Among 51 patients [30M/21F, mean age (SD): 71.5 (4.7)] and 50 controls [29M/21F, 71.5 (4.8)], Hcy was higher in PD [13.6 (3.8); controls: 10.5 (2.5), P < 0.0005]. Hcy was associated with B-vitamin intake [F = 21.7, P < 0.0005], folate level (R = 0.31, P = 0.035), and the interaction of intake with MTHFR 677T (F = 5.2, P = 0.007), but not MTHFR 1298C genotype. Hcy did not correlate with global measures of cognition, mood, or parkinsonism in PD or with dyskinesias, fluctuations, or freezing. Higher vitamin B12 levels were associated with lower dyskinesia risk. Hcy was influenced by PD, MTHFR 677 genotype, and vitamin use, but not by the MTHFR 1298 genotype. There was no clear association with motor or cognitive measures, but dyskinesias were less likely with higher B12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Camicioli
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta Canada.
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18
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Barone P, Burn DJ, van Laar T, Hsu C, Poewe W, Lane RM. Rivastigmine versus placebo in hyperhomocysteinemic Parkinson's disease dementia patients. Mov Disord 2009; 23:1532-40. [PMID: 18581467 DOI: 10.1002/mds.21997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of rivastigmine versus placebo in Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) patients with elevated or normal/low plasma homocysteine were determined. In this prospective analysis of a 24-week, randomly assigned, placebo-controlled study of rivastigmine in PDD, subpopulations comprised patients with plasma homocysteine >or=14 micromol/L (elevated) or <14 micromol/L (normal/low). Coprimary outcomes were the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) and Alzheimer Disease Cooperative Society-Clinical Global Impression of Change (ADCS-CGIC). Secondary outcomes included additional measures of cognition, including attention and executive function, daily function, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored. In total, 342 of 541 patients provided samples for analysis, from which 72% had elevated plasma homocysteine. Hyperhomocysteinemic patients showed treatment differences (rivastigmine vs. placebo) of 4.0 on ADAS-cog and 0.7 on ADCS-CGIC (both P < 0.01), and significant treatment differences on secondary outcomes. Rivastigmine- and placebo-treated hyperhomocysteinemic patients (16.5% and 14.6%) discontinued the study because of AEs. Patients with normal/low homocysteine showed no treatment differences on primary or secondary outcomes (1.4 on the ADAS-cog and 0.1 on ADCS-CGIC, both P = ns); 16.7% and 10.3% rivastigmine- and placebo-treated patients discontinued because of AEs. Elevated homocysteine was associated with greater rivastigmine treatment differences than normal/low homocysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Barone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy.
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Plasma homocysteine levels in young male patients in the exacerbation and remission phase of schizophrenia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2008; 32:1921-6. [PMID: 18824063 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2008] [Revised: 09/10/2008] [Accepted: 09/11/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
High levels of homocysteine (Hcy) were suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Recent investigations have shown that treatment with folic acid, vitamin B-12 and pyridoxine are effective in reducing Hcy levels while concomitantly reducing the score of positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenic patients. In addition to the availability of nutrients (mainly folate, vitamins B6 and B12), plasma Hcy concentrations are dependent on complex metabolic regulation that could be disrupted in schizophrenia. This study was designed to test the influence of disease activity on plasma Hcy levels. Plasma Hcy concentrations were measured in male chronic schizophrenic patients with a predominantly positive (SCH (+)) or predominantly negative (SCH (-)) syndrome in schizophrenia immediately upon admission to the hospital (exacerbation phase) and one month later (remission phase). During this period patients received antipsychotic medications without vitamin therapy. The effects of age, duration of illness, folate and B12 concentrations, as well as smoking and coffee consumption habits on the observed changes were evaluated. Age- and sex-matched subjects were included in the control group. In the control group plasma Hcy concentration was 8.75+/-1.84 micromol/L. In the exacerbation phase plasma Hcy concentrations were significantly increased both in SCH (+) (14.91+/-6.19 micromol/L) and SCH (-) groups (12.8+/-3.27 micromol/L). There was no difference in plasma Hcy concentrations between SCH (+) and SCH (-) patients. Serum folate and B12 concentrations were not significantly different in any of the investigated groups of subjects. The plasma Hcy concentrations could not be correlated with age, duration of illness, the score of positive symptoms or the concentration of folate and vitamin B12. A positive correlation was found between plasma Hcy level and score of negative symptoms in both groups of patients. No correlation was found between smoking or coffee consumption habits and plasma Hcy concentrations. All patients exhibited decreased plasma Hcy levels in the remission phase of the illness, with a mean decrease of 2.68+/-1.57 micromol/L. Folate and B12 levels did not differ in the exacerbation and remission phases of the illness. The significant decrease of plasma Hcy levels, without changes in folate and vitamin B12 concentrations in the remission phase of schizophrenia, could indicate an influence of a pathogenetic process involved in schizophrenia on Hcy metabolism.
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Obeid R, McCaddon A, Herrmann W. The role of hyperhomocysteinemia and B-vitamin deficiency in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Clin Chem Lab Med 2008; 45:1590-606. [PMID: 18067446 DOI: 10.1515/cclm.2007.356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is related to central nervous system diseases. Epidemiological studies show a positive, dose-dependent relationship between plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration and neurodegenerative disease risk. tHcy is a marker of B-vitamin (folate, B(12), B(6)) status. Hypomethylation, caused by low B-vitamin status and HHcy, is linked to key pathomechanisms of dementia; B-vitamin supplementation could potentially reduce neurological damage. In retrospective studies, the association between tHcy and cognition is impressive; there is also evidence that tHcy-lowering treatment could be effective in primary and secondary stroke prevention. Increased tHcy and low serum folate occur in patients with Parkinson's disease, especially those receiving L-dopa. There is also an association between HHcy and multiple sclerosis, and between B-vitamin status and depression. Studies also confirm a causal role for tHcy in epilepsy, and certain anti-epileptics enhance HHcy. B-vitamin status should be optimized by ensuring sufficient intake in patients with neuropsychiatric diseases. HHcy occurs commonly in the elderly and can contribute to age-related neurodegeneration. Treatment with folic acid, B(12) and B(6) lowers tHcy. For secondary and primary prevention from several neuropsychiatric disorders, it seems prudent to actively identify deficient subjects and ensure sufficient vitamin intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Obeid
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Werner CJ, Heyny-von Haussen R, Mall G, Wolf S. Proteome analysis of human substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease. Proteome Sci 2008; 6:8. [PMID: 18275612 PMCID: PMC2265686 DOI: 10.1186/1477-5956-6-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2007] [Accepted: 02/14/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder involving the motor system. Although not being the only region involved in PD, affection of the substantia nigra and its projections is responsible for some of the most debilitating features of the disease. To further advance a comprehensive understanding of nigral pathology, we conducted a tissue based comparative proteome study of healthy and diseased human substantia nigra. Results The gross number of differentially regulated proteins in PD was 221. In total, we identified 37 proteins, of which 16 were differentially expressed. Identified differential proteins comprised elements of iron metabolism (H-ferritin) and glutathione-related redox metabolism (GST M3, GST P1, GST O1), including novel redox proteins (SH3BGRL). Additionally, many glial or related proteins were found to be differentially regulated in PD (GFAP, GMFB, galectin-1, sorcin), as well as proteins belonging to metabolic pathways sparsely described in PD, such as adenosyl homocysteinase (methylation), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 and cellular retinol-binding protein 1 (aldehyde metabolism). Further differentially regulated proteins included annexin V, beta-tubulin cofactor A, coactosin-like protein and V-type ATPase subunit 1. Proteins that were similarly expressed in healthy or diseased substantia nigra comprised housekeeping proteins such as COX5A, Rho GDI alpha, actin gamma 1, creatin-kinase B, lactate dehydrogenase B, disulfide isomerase ER-60, Rab GDI beta, methyl glyoxalase 1 (AGE metabolism) and glutamine synthetase. Interestingly, also DJ-1 and UCH-L1 were expressed similarly. Furthermore, proteins believed to serve as internal standards were found to be expressed in a constant manner, such as 14-3-3 epsilon and hCRMP-2, thus lending further validity to our results. Conclusion Using an approach encompassing high sensitivity and high resolution, we show that alterations of SN in PD include many more proteins than previously thought. The results point towards a heterogeneous aetiopathogenesis of the disease, including alterations of GSH-related proteins as well as alterations of proteins involved in retinoid metabolism, and they indicate that proteins involved in familial PD may not be differentially regulated in idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
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