Treatment Options for Parkinson’s Patients
The gold-standard treatment for Parkinson’s is administration of Levodopa (L-Dopa). The delivery of this medication has recent innovations including a procedure has been developed delivering it directly to the source by stimulating the brain-lymphatic vasculature, increasing function of dopaminergic neurons. Other therapy methods include transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), neuromodulation, noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS), neuroplasticity, neural entrainment, non-invasive transcranial brain stimulation (NTBS). Each method mentioned has proven to be effective in increasing neuronal excitability, however, has not proven to provide any significant long-term change in treatment of the disorder. Per results, long-term administration would theoretically gradually increase efficacy in treatment, however, exposure to these devices long-term is unadvised due to safety concerns. Sohini Ghosh Summary: Neuron excitability, through non-invasive intervention is presided by supplemental administration of dopamine as L-DOPA and their derivatives. Brain-lymphatic vasculature stimulation as a procedure increased functional dopaminergic neurons within preclinical animal models. Long-term therapies of transcranial electrical stimulation and neural sensescape therapies increase plasticity towards baseline neuronal excitability. Conclusion: There is viable application of co-treatment with gold standard L-DOPA before and during additional non-invasive treatments for increasing dopaminergic neurons.
L-DOPA Administration
L-Dopa administration is still considered the gold-standard for treatment when it comes to Parkinson’s Disorder, It has stood the test of time since the 1960s, and there are currently no other therapeutic options that produce as substantial a jump in dopamine reuptake in the brain as L-DOPA metabolism. The understanding of how Parkinsonism affects the brain would help us understand why L-DOPA has been in use for decades now. Parkinson’s disease is caused by a decrease in the transmission power of dopaminergic neurons within the brain, or their loss of functionality. This leads to Parkinsonian symptoms similar to nervous palsy. Parkinson’s disease affects the “basal ganglia,” a region of the brain that regulates movement. The illness causes the basal ganglia’s cells to start deteriorating. It has been demonstrated by both clinical and experimental research that administering L-DOPA via intravenous or the oral route can reverse dopamine deficiency. Its relevance is demonstrated by the amount of homovanillic acid, the primary byproduct of dopamine breakdown, in patients’ CSF fluid both before and after oral L-DOPA was administered. It has been noted that L-DOPA, in conjunction with the amino acid L-tyrosine, or tyrosine, increases dopamine reuptake and improves functioning, so substantially lessening the consequences of this illness. The various sources of L-DOPA production—including bacterial, fungal, enzymatic, and plant sources—are covered in this article. Mushroom tyrosinase has been commercialized for the enzymatic production of L-DOPA by enzyme immobilization. The use of reusable enzymes reduces production costs. Levodopa here was synthesized using catechol, sodium pyruvate, and ammonium acetate as substrates. Enzyme immobilization strategies include trapping in polymeric gels, adsorption onto insoluble materials, encapsulation in membranes, cross-linking using bifunctional or multifunctional reagents, and connecting to insoluble carriers. Fungal species mostly produced L-DOPA in a reaction with substrate L-tyrosine and mycelia in the buffer. Specific additives were utilized as elicitors to increase yield of L-DOPA. The approach produced L-DOPA that was both enantiomerically pure and cost effective.Acremonium reticulum was used for biotransformation of L-DOPA from L-tyrosine, resulting in a higher level of L-DOPA in the broth by submerged fermentation. L-DOPA is produced by many bacterial species in broth, buffer, substrate, and acclimatized cells. Using acclimatized cells with buffer resulted in faster and more successful results. Plants were used as an alternative source for L-DOPA isolation and screening. Over 1000 species from 135 plant families were screened, including the most prevalent- Genus Mucuna. Other prominent ones more commonly found would be the callus cultures and shoots of bananas- it is known to “soothe the nervous system”, fava beans, broad beans, seed sprouts, and pods. The biotechnological model is the most modern experimental technique for producing L-DOPA. One important way to avoid some of the restrictions that have been noted is to synthesize L-DOPA from microbial organisms using tyrosinase, tyrosine phenol-lyase, or p-hydroxyphenylacetate 3-hydroxylase post fermentation. To create L-DOPA artificially, it is being tested as a potential industry standard. Sohini Ghosh
L-DOPA: Revolutionizing Parkinson’s Treatment and Beyond
In the battle against Parkinson’s disease (PD), one weapon has emerged as a game-changer: L-DOPA. This modified amino acid has become a cornerstone of treatment, offering relief to millions worldwide. But how exactly are we making this vital medication more accessible and effective? Enter Mucuna monosperma, a humble plant with extraordinary potential. Scientists have discovered that by altering the plant’s growth conditions, they can significantly increase L-DOPA production. Through careful optimization using techniques like response surface methodology (RSM), researchers have managed to boost L-DOPA yields by an impressive 345%. This means more medication available to those who need it most, thanks to simple adjustments in plant cultivation. But production optimization doesn’t stop there. Imagine a laboratory-scale column reactor quietly humming away, continuously churning out L-DOPA. This innovative setup ensures a steady supply of medication over time, reducing the risk of shortages and improving access for patients. By harnessing the power of continuous production, we’re not only meeting demand but also making treatment more reliable and efficient. Turning to the world of chemistry, traditional methods of synthesizing L-DOPA have faced challenges like high costs and solubility issues. However, scientists have developed a clever two-step synthesis process that addresses these concerns while increasing yield. By leveraging smart chemical reactions and catalysts, they’ve managed to produce L-DOPA with impressive efficiency. This means more medication can be produced at a lower cost, making treatment more accessible to those in need. Meanwhile, in the realm of biology, researchers have achieved a remarkable feat: directly incorporating L-DOPA into proteins. This groundbreaking method opens new doors for medical research and protein engineering. By precisely incorporating L-DOPA into proteins, scientists can tailor their functions for specific applications, from drug delivery to diagnostics. This innovation represents a significant step forward in our understanding of protein biology and holds promise for developing novel therapeutics. But why all the excitement about L-DOPA? Beyond its role in Parkinson’s treatment, L-DOPA plays a crucial role in the body’s biochemical pathways. As a precursor to important neurotransmitters, it’s essential for brain function and mood regulation. Moreover, L-DOPA and its derivatives have found applications beyond medicine, including cosmetics, materials science, and adhesives. In conclusion, L-DOPA represents more than just a medication; it’s a symbol of progress and innovation in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. By optimizing production methods and understanding its biological significance, we’re not only improving treatments but also unlocking new possibilities in various fields. From plant cultivation to chemical synthesis and protein engineering, the journey of L-DOPA is a testament to human ingenuity and the power of scientific innovation.
