ABSTRACT

Aim

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms to homocysteine levels in patients with Parkinson's disease who were treated with levodopa and entekapone.

Materials and Methods

Plasma homocysteine (hcy), folic acid and vitamin B12 levels and MTHFR (C677T, A1298C) polymorphisms and treatment options were compared in 70 Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients who taking levodopa (n=26), dopamine agonist (n=11) and levodopa and entacapone treatment together (n=33) with 100 controls.

Results

Although no statistically significant difference was detected, hcy level of the patients was found higher compared to control group (patient 18.29 ± 9.22 μmol /l vs control 15.77 ± 7.58 μmol / l) and hcy level was highest in the patients receiving only levodopa (19.56 ± 10.77 μmol / l). The frequency of TT genotype in the patients was higher compared to the control group (11.4%, 6%). Especially, hcy level for levodopa-receiving patients with 677TT genotype became significantly higher level when compared with other genotypes of levodopa-receiving patients (respectively 677TT 36.28 ± 16.17, 677CT 13.5 ± 1.71, 677CC 17.2 ± 6.59). No statistically significant difference was detected between patients and controls regarding their folic acid and vitamin B12 levels and A1298C polymorphism.

Conclusion

Finally, both 677TT genotype and levodopa treatment might be jointly contributed to the increasing of the plasma hcy levels in PD patients and entacapone limitedly decreased hcy levels during levodopa treatment. It can be said that results need to be supported with larger sample sized comprehensive studies.