Entacapone but not folate prevents L-DOPA-induced hyperhomocysteinemia

Introduction: Recent studies suggested that administration of levodopa increases total homocysteine plasma level (tHcy). Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for arteriosclerotic vascular events. This study tested if a co-treatment with entacapone or folate reduces tHcy. Materials and Methods: 27 Wistar rats received 100mg levodopa/kg body weight (kg BW) intraperitoneally (i.p.), followed by a second injection of vehicle (n=9), 30mg entacapone/kg BW (n=9), or 0.5mg folate/kg BW (n=9). THcy was measured at baseline, 4h, 8h, and 12h post dosing. Results: Levodopa increased tHcy from 4.3µM before dosi…