Authors: Zoccolella, S.; dell'Aquila, C.; Specchio, L. M.; Logroscino, G.; Lamberti, P.

Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 17, Number 3, January 2010 , pp. 213-221(9)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Background: Homocysteine (Hcy) exerts multiple neurotoxic mechanisms that have been linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Several studies observed elevated plasma Hcy levels in Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients treated with L-dopa, compared to healthy controls and to patients with other neurodegenetative disorders.

Objective: We performed an overview of published evidences assessing the possible correlations between Hcy levels and the incidence or pathogenesis of PD.

Methods: A Medline literature search was performed to identify all available studies on Hcy and the incidence or pathophysiology of PD up to 30/09/2009.

Results: 30 studies were included in this overview (20 studies on humans, 10 experimental studies). The relationship between metilentetrahydrofolate-reductase genotype (the most common genetic cause of hyperhomocysteinemia) and the development of PD was contradictory. Dietary patterns and B-vitamins levels (important determinants of Hcy levels) were associated with a not-significant increased risk of PD in three prospective studies. Investigations on plasma and cerebrospinalfluid Hcy concentrations in L-dopa naive PD patients gave conflicting results; some studies observed increased Hcy levels in L-dopa naive PD patients compared to controls, while others found no difference. In vitro, Hcy caused dosedependent depletion of dopaminergic mesencephalic neurons, by numerous pathogenetic mechanisms. In vivo brain administration of Hcy induced motor and behavioural changes, similar to those observed in animal models of PD.

Conclusions: Based on the available data, the possibility that the hyperhomocysteinemia may contribute to the pathogenesis of PD remains uncertain. L-dopa treatment represents the major determinant of the hyperhomocysteinemia observed in PD.

Keywords: Parkinson's Disease; Homocysteine (Hcy); neurotoxic mechanisms; pathogenesis; L-dopa

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986710790149774

Affiliations: 1: Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Bari, Ospedale Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.

Publication date: 2010-01-01

More about this publication?

• Current Medicinal Chemistry covers all the latest and outstanding developments in medicinal chemistry and rational drug design. Each issue contains a series of timely in-depth reviews written by leaders in the field covering a range of the current topics in medicinal chemistry. Current Medicinal Chemistry is an essential journal for every medicinal chemist who wishes to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments.

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Pharmacology
• By this author: Zoccolella, S. ;  dell'Aquila, C. ;  Specchio, L. M. ;  Logroscino, G. ;  Lamberti, P.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers