[Decrease in the concentration of leukocyte acetylation coenzyme associated with vitamin precursor deficiency in...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neuroscience
• Clinical Medicine

Context:

• Delirium tremens (DT) is a severe manifestation of alcohol withdrawal.
• Vitamin metabolism, particularly pantothenic acid (PA), plays a role in neurological function.
• Coenzyme A (CoA) is a crucial metabolite derived from PA.

Purpose:

• To investigate the levels of coenzyme A (CoA) in leukocytes of patients with delirium tremens.
• To assess the relationship between CoA levels, pantothenic acid (PA) metabolism, and the severity of alcoholization.
• To evaluate the potential of CoA levels as a biomarker for detoxication and therapeutic targets in alcoholic psychosis.

Summary:

• A study of 63 patients with delirium tremens revealed an 8.7-fold reduction in leukocyte coenzyme A (CoA) levels.
• This significant decrease indicates a deficiency in the coenzymic form of pantothenic acid (PA).
• PA deficiency was more pronounced in patients with longer histories and heavier alcohol consumption, correlating with earlier psychosis onset.

Impact:

• Leukocyte CoA levels serve as a significant indicator for assessing vitamin metabolism disturbances in alcoholic delirium.
• CoA levels may function as a biomarker for detoxication processes in patients experiencing delirium tremens.
• The findings support the administration of PA drugs as part of a combined therapeutic strategy for alcoholic psychoses.