Stimulation of endogenous L-dopa biosynthesis--a new principle for the therapy of Parkinson's disease. The clinical effect of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidephosphate (NADPH)

Acta Neurol Scand Suppl. 1989:126:183-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1989.tb01800.x.

Abstract

The coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) has been used as a novel medication in 161 Parkinson patients in an open label trial. In all but 18 patients (11.2%) an improvement in their disability was observed. 115 patients (71.4%) showed a very good (better than 30%) response, and 28 patients (17.4%) a moderate response up to 30%. The best results were obtained with a dose of 25 to 50 mg every second day by i.v. administration. Concomitantly with the improvement in disability, the urine HVA level increased significantly, indicating a stimulation of endogenous L-DOPA biosynthesis. 8 patients have been treated with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidephosphate (NADPH), 5 of whom exhibited an improvement in their disability from 35 to 55%. The other 3 showed a moderate response of 20 to 25%. In all these patients an increase in the urine level of HVA was detected, reflecting elevated endogenous L-DOPA production.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • NAD / therapeutic use*
  • NADP / therapeutic use*
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Parkinson Disease / metabolism

Substances

  • NAD
  • Levodopa
  • NADP