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Vitamins and entacapone in levodopa-induced hyperhomocysteinemia: a randomized controlled study
R B Postuma1, A J Espay, C Zadikoff
1Department of Neurology, McGill University, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. ron.postuma@muhc.mcgill.ca
Neurology
|June 28, 2006
Summary
Elevated homocysteine increases risks for heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Folate and vitamin B12 therapy effectively reduced homocysteine levels in Parkinson disease patients treated with levodopa.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Elevated homocysteine is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia.
- Levodopa therapy for Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with elevated homocysteine levels.
- Managing homocysteine may be crucial for PD patients' overall health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of folate and vitamin B12 supplementation in reducing elevated homocysteine levels in levodopa-treated Parkinson disease patients.
- To compare the effects of vitamin therapy versus entacapone on serum homocysteine in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- A 6-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Involved 35 patients with Parkinson disease receiving levodopa therapy.
- Assessed the impact of folate 1 mg/vitamin B12 500 mcg or entacapone on serum homocysteine.
Main Results:
- Levodopa initiation led to a minor increase in homocysteine levels.
- Vitamin therapy (folate and vitamin B12) significantly decreased serum homocysteine compared to placebo.
- Entacapone did not show a significant effect on reducing homocysteine levels.
Conclusions:
- Folate and vitamin B12 supplementation is an effective strategy to reduce elevated homocysteine in levodopa-treated Parkinson disease patients.
- Vitamin therapy offers a potential therapeutic approach to mitigate risks associated with elevated homocysteine in PD.
- Entacapone was not found to be effective in lowering homocysteine in this context.
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