Brain molecule reverses movement deficits of Parkinson's

[robinson621]

msn.com/en-us/health/other/...

[Esperanto]

This research offers an intriguing perspective on the role of non-dopaminergic mechanisms in motor functions related to PD, highlighting the discovery that L-DOPA can elicit a motor response even in the absence of dopamine production. Identifying ophthalmate as a regulator of motor functions and its interaction with the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) opens up new therapeutic possibilities.

academic.oup.com/brain/arti...?

However, there are critical points to consider. The results are based on mouse models, which complicates the translation of findings to humans. Furthermore, it is essential to investigate the mechanisms behind the increase in ophthalmate levels and the dose-dependency of motor improvements, as well as potential side effects.

Finally, the impact of these findings on existing PD’s treatments must be considered. While the research is promising, significant questions and challenges remain to be addressed before the clinical relevance of ophthalmate as a therapy can be established.

[Grammy80 in reply to Esperanto]

Most interesting since I received my PD dianosis after a severe GCA flare up, started in 2019 with sight loss of left eye, then 8/2024 I lost some a bit of sight in right eye...with optic nerve and disc swelling. I'm on high dose steroids and Actemra now. Diagnosis of PD 9/23/2024. I'm just gathering as much information as possible....and trying to remember.💞

[Esperanto in reply to Grammy80]

Recent research indicate an inverse linear correlation between vitamin B6 dietary consumption and glaucoma risk. Thus, sufficient dietary consumption of vitamin B6 mat serve as a preventive measure against glaucoma.

frontiersin.org/journals/nu...

Noteable because Vitamin B6 is also involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, including the production of dopamine. Adequate levels of vitamin B6, often insufficient in PWP, might support dopamine function, which is crucial for motor control.

[Grammy80 in reply to Esperanto]

Giant cell arteritis carries a high risk of glaucoma and cataracts on its own. My ophthalmologist has kept me on drops to maintain low eye pressure. I had cataract surgery some years back and have no sign of new ones. I'm fortunate to have a neuro-ophthalmologist close by in Indiana whom I see regularly...he has become my go-to Dr. My rheumatologist waits for his report now before adjusting the prednisone; makes sense...he can see the eye! I'm fascinated and will act....with the importance of B6. I'm thankful for this forum and the information...I need. The support is awesome but being an informed patient is so vital. Thanks...💞

[Rufous2 in reply to Grammy80]

Interesting, I didn't know GCA and glaucoma were connected. Palmitoylethanolamide, which some here take for neuroprotection, is beneficial in glaucoma.

tandfonline.com/doi/full/10...

[Grammy80 in reply to Rufous2]

Interesting paper, thanks. I'm no expert; I simply have had GCA since 2019, probably 2018. Since the blood and oxygen supply to the optic nerve is restricted due to the narrowing of the cranial arteries, it just sort of makes sense. Though prednisone is the 'go-to' and effective treatment, there is a high incidence of these added gifts~!💞

[park_bear]

This potentially explains the long acting component of levodopa medication