title: Management of L-Dopa related hyperhomocysteinemia: catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors or B vitamins? Results from a review.
abstract: In recent years, L-Dopa treatment has been indicated as an acquired cause of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). The mechanism underlying L-Dopa-related HHcy is the O-methylation of the drug catalyzed by the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). Folate and cobalamin status also influences the effects of L-Dopa on plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels. Although clinical correlations of HHcy in Parkinson's disease still remain uncertain, management of elevated plasma Hcy levels has been advocated, due to multiple cytotoxic effects of Hcy on neurons. This review summarizes data available in the literature concerning the two main therapeutic approaches to L-Dopa-related HHcy (use of COMT inhibitors or B vitamins diet supplementation).
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zoccolella
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Iliceto
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: deMari
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Livrea
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lamberti
mesh_terms: D065098:Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007980:Levodopa / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D065098:Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D007980:Levodopa