Catechol-O-methyltransferase enzyme: cofactor S-adenosyl-L-methionine and related mechanisms. 2010

Thomas Müller
Department of Neurology, St. Joseph Hospital, Berlin, Germany.

Long-term daily repeated intake of traditional levodopa (L-dopa)/dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (DDI) formulations increases the homocysteine synthesis in plasma of Parkinson's disease patients with unforeseen consequences, like an augmented vulnerability for onset of concomitant non-motor symptoms. Homocysteine decrease may therefore be a future therapeutic challenge, which may be achieved by supplementation with certain vitamins or by combination of a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor with L-dopa/DDI administration. Monitoring of plasma homocysteine concentration may also serve as biomarker for the detoxification potential of endogenous, exogenous, and environmental toxins. These substrates may also accumulate in the nervous system, since homocysteine formation is associated with O-methylation which has a broad detoxification potential.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007980 Levodopa The naturally occurring form of DIHYDROXYPHENYLALANINE and the immediate precursor of DOPAMINE. Unlike dopamine itself, it can be taken orally and crosses the blood-brain barrier. It is rapidly taken up by dopaminergic neurons and converted to DOPAMINE. It is used for the treatment of PARKINSONIAN DISORDERS and is usually given with agents that inhibit its conversion to dopamine outside of the central nervous system. L-Dopa,3-Hydroxy-L-tyrosine,Dopaflex,Dopar,L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine,Larodopa,Levopa,3 Hydroxy L tyrosine,L 3,4 Dihydroxyphenylalanine,L Dopa
D010300 Parkinson Disease A progressive, degenerative neurologic disease characterized by a TREMOR that is maximal at rest, retropulsion (i.e. a tendency to fall backwards), rigidity, stooped posture, slowness of voluntary movements, and a masklike facial expression. Pathologic features include loss of melanin containing neurons in the substantia nigra and other pigmented nuclei of the brainstem. LEWY BODIES are present in the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus but may also be found in a related condition (LEWY BODY DISEASE, DIFFUSE) characterized by dementia in combination with varying degrees of parkinsonism. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1059, pp1067-75) Idiopathic Parkinson Disease,Lewy Body Parkinson Disease,Paralysis Agitans,Primary Parkinsonism,Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease,Lewy Body Parkinson's Disease,Parkinson Disease, Idiopathic,Parkinson's Disease,Parkinson's Disease, Idiopathic,Parkinson's Disease, Lewy Body,Parkinsonism, Primary
D002394 Catechol O-Methyltransferase Enzyme that catalyzes the movement of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionone to a catechol or a catecholamine. Catechol Methyltransferase,Catechol-O-Methyltransferase,Catechol O Methyltransferase,Methyltransferase, Catechol,O-Methyltransferase, Catechol
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000978 Antiparkinson Agents Agents used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The most commonly used drugs act on the dopaminergic system in the striatum and basal ganglia or are centrally acting muscarinic antagonists. Antiparkinson Drugs,Antiparkinsonian Agents,Antiparkinsonians,Agents, Antiparkinson,Agents, Antiparkinsonian,Drugs, Antiparkinson
D012436 S-Adenosylmethionine Physiologic methyl radical donor involved in enzymatic transmethylation reactions and present in all living organisms. It possesses anti-inflammatory activity and has been used in treatment of chronic liver disease. (From Merck, 11th ed) AdoMet,Ademetionine,FO-1561,Gumbaral,S Amet,S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine,S-Adenosylmethionine Sulfate Tosylate,SAM-e,Samyr,FO 1561,FO1561,S Adenosyl L Methionine,S Adenosylmethionine,S Adenosylmethionine Sulfate Tosylate

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