TY - JOUR
T1 - Increase in plasma homocysteine levels induced by drug treatments in neurologic patients
AU - Siniscalchi, Antonio
AU - Mancuso, Franco
AU - Gallelli, Luca
AU - Ibbadu, Guido Ferreri
AU - Mercuri, Nicola Biagio
AU - De Sarro, Giovambattista
PY - 2005/11
Y1 - 2005/11
N2 - Homocysteine (Hcy) is a thyol amino acid resulting from de-methylation of methionine, an essential amino acid derived from dietary proteins. It is metabolized through two pathways: re-methylation and transsulfuration, which use as cofactors folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been identified as a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease, dementia, impaired cognitive function and depression. Several drugs may interfere with metabolic pathways of Hcy, leading to an alteration of plasma Hcy levels. Lipid-lowering agents, used to reduce the risk of cerebral venous thrombosis or occlusive vascular disease in patients with high levels of plasmatic lipids, can increase plasma Hcy levels. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been also documented in Parkinson disease patients treated with levodopa and in epileptic patients after chronic treatment with antiepileptic drugs. In contrast, vitamins supplementations may be warranted in patients treated with lipid-lowering agents, levodopa and antiepileptic drugs in order to maintain normal plasma Hcy values. In contrast, higher doses of vitamins can induce dysfunctions in central and peripheral nervous system; therefore excessive supplements should be avoided.
AB - Homocysteine (Hcy) is a thyol amino acid resulting from de-methylation of methionine, an essential amino acid derived from dietary proteins. It is metabolized through two pathways: re-methylation and transsulfuration, which use as cofactors folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been identified as a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease, dementia, impaired cognitive function and depression. Several drugs may interfere with metabolic pathways of Hcy, leading to an alteration of plasma Hcy levels. Lipid-lowering agents, used to reduce the risk of cerebral venous thrombosis or occlusive vascular disease in patients with high levels of plasmatic lipids, can increase plasma Hcy levels. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been also documented in Parkinson disease patients treated with levodopa and in epileptic patients after chronic treatment with antiepileptic drugs. In contrast, vitamins supplementations may be warranted in patients treated with lipid-lowering agents, levodopa and antiepileptic drugs in order to maintain normal plasma Hcy values. In contrast, higher doses of vitamins can induce dysfunctions in central and peripheral nervous system; therefore excessive supplements should be avoided.
KW - Cardiovascular effects
KW - Homocysteine
KW - Hyperhomocysteinemia
KW - Neurological drugs
KW - Vitamin supplementation
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U2 - 10.1016/j.phrs.2005.05.013
DO - 10.1016/j.phrs.2005.05.013
M3 - Article
C2 - 16039138
AN - SCOPUS:27444433997
VL - 52
SP - 367
EP - 375
JO - Pharmacological Research
JF - Pharmacological Research
SN - 1043-6618
IS - 5
ER -