Author
MILLER, JOSHUA - HNRCA | |
SELHUB, JACOB - HNRCA | |
NADEAU, MARIE - HNRCA | |
THOMAS, C - BU MED SCHOOL | |
FELDMAN, R - BU MED SCHOOL | |
WOLF, PHILIP - BU MED SCHOOL |
Submitted to: Neurology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 12/28/2002 Publication Date: 4/1/2003 Citation: MILLER, J.W., SELHUB, J., NADEAU, M., THOMAS, C.A., FELDMAN, R.G., WOLF, P.A. EFFECT OF L-DOPA ON PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE IN PD PATIENTS: RELATIONSHIP TO B-VITAMIN STATUS. NEUROLOGY. 2003. 60:1125-1129. Interpretive Summary: Homocysteine is an amino acid which is formed in the body from another amino acid, methionine after the latter is used for other functions called methylations. Homocysteine serves in the body to reform methionine but can also be potentially harmful if its concentration in the blood is increased. High blood homocysteine is thought to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. High homocysteine can be lowered by increased intake of the B vitamins, folic acid B12 and B6. In this study we have shown that patients with Parkinson disease who are taking the drug DOPA have high homocysteine in their blood. We are recommending that these patients take vitamin supplement to lower their homocysteine. Technical Abstract: The antiparkinsonian drug L-dopa causes increased cellular synthesis of homocysteine and consequent hyperhomocysteinemia in rats. This effect of L-dopa on plasma homocysteine is accentuated under conditions of impaired homocysteine metabolism such as folate deficiency. To investigate the effect of L-dopa administration and B-vitamin status on plasma homocysteine concentrations in humans with PD. Plasma homocysteine, folate, vitamin B(12), and pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) concentrations were determined in 40 individuals diagnosed with idiopathic PD who were being treated as outpatients at the Boston University Medical Center Neurology Clinic. Twenty of the patients were on L-dopa therapy (treatment group) and 20 were L-dopa-naive (control group). The mean plasma homocysteine concentration was higher in the treatment group than in the controls (p=0.018). Plasma homocysteine was correlated with plasma folate, vitamin B(12), and PLP concentrations in the treatment group (p=0.007) but not in the controls. L-Dopa can cause hyperhomocysteinemia in PD patients, the extent of which is influenced by B-vitamin status. The B-vitamin requirements necessary to maintain normal plasma homocysteine concentrations are higher in L-dopa-treated patients than in those not on L-dopa therapy. B-Vitamin supplements may be warranted for PD patients on L-dopa therapy. |