Cytotoxicity of Levodopa and HP-ß-CD in Astrocyte Cells
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of Levodopa and its Complex with Hydroxypropyl-ß-Cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD) to an Astrocyte Cell Line
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Zarif Mohamed SOFIAN, Shazrin Shazira SHAFEE, Jafri Malin ABDULLAH, Hasnah OSMAN, Shariza Abdul RAZAK
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of Levodopa and its Complex with Hydroxypropyl-ß-Cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD) to an Astrocyte Cell Line
Year: 2014
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Levodopa (LD) is widely recognized as the most effective treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD), serving as a key dopamine precursor that alleviates motor complications associated with the illness. Despite its benefits, patients often suffer from motor fluctuations after several years of treatment, which have been attributed to the pharmacokinetic properties of LD. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of LD, both in its standalone form and in combination with Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), on an astrocyte cell line. The findings aim to ascertain whether HP-β-CD can mitigate the toxicity associated with high concentrations of levodopa through complexation.
The Impact of HP-β-CD Complexation
The study revealed that while LD demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity, the incorporation of HP-β-CD improved the tolerability of astrocytes to LD, particularly at elevated concentrations. Using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxy-phenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay, the researchers documented that cells treated with the levodopa-HP-β-CD complex exhibited significantly higher cell viability over time, despite exposure to concentrations exceeding 200 μg/mL. Specifically, compared to the LD-only treated group, those receiving the complex showed enhanced resistance to cytotoxicity. This suggests that the cyclodextrin can effectively encapsulate LD, thereby reducing its harmful metabolic effects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while levodopa remains integral to treating Parkinson's disease, its potential cytotoxicity poses challenges that necessitate innovative solutions. The complexation of levodopa with HP-β-CD presents a promising strategy for mitigating toxicity while allowing for sustained therapeutic effects. These findings suggest that further exploration into cyclodextrin-based formulations could lead to improved treatment regimens for PD, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and avoiding the adverse effects typically associated with conventional levodopa therapy. Importantly, while HP-β-CD is recognized for its tolerability in clinical settings, careful attention must be given to concentration levels to prevent any risk of irreversible cell damage.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the aim of the study with levodopa and HP-β-CD?
The study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of levodopa and its complex with Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) on an astrocyte cell line using MTS assay over varying concentrations and incubation times.
How was the cytotoxicity of levodopa and HP-β-CD measured?
Cytotoxicity was measured using a simple MTS assay, where optical density (OD) was recorded to determine viable cell count in response to different concentrations of levodopa and HP-β-CD after 24, 48, and 72 hours.
What significant findings were observed regarding the treatment groups?
Significant differences in cytotoxicity were observed between the HP-β-CD-treated group and the levodopa-treated group, indicating that HP-β-CD improved cell tolerability at high levodopa concentrations and potentially masked levodopa's toxic effects.
What conclusions were made about the effects of levodopa?
The study concluded that levodopa is toxic to astrocytes at high concentrations (> 200 μg/mL), but complexation with HP-β-CD enhances tolerability, potentially reducing toxic effects compared to unaffected levodopa.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Cytotoxicity of Levodopa and HP-ß-CD in Astrocyte Cells”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Line:
Line refers to the continuity of cultures or experiments, especially in cellular studies. In the context of this research, the term often pertains to the use of cultured cell lines, like the astrocyte cell line utilized to assess the cytotoxic effects of levodopa and HP-β-CD. This method allows researchers to maintain consistent cell conditions across experiments.
2) Disease:
Disease indicates a pathological condition that disrupts normal bodily functions. In this abstract, reference is made to Parkinson's disease, which is a neurological disorder affecting movement. The study aims to explore treatments like levodopa, highlighting the necessity to understand the disease's biological impact and the medications' potential side effects.
3) Drug:
Drug refers to any substance used for medical purposes, particularly to modify physiological functions. In this context, levodopa is a central focus, as it treats Parkinson's disease. Understanding the drug's interactions, effectiveness, and potential toxicity in various formulations remains crucial for optimizing treatment strategies for patients.
4) Death:
Death signifies the cessation of life and is a key endpoint in toxicity studies. In the research within the abstract, the impact of levodopa and its formulations on cell viability is examined, specifically assessing potential toxic effects leading to cell death, which is critical in evaluating drug safety.
5) Study (Studying):
Study denotes a systematic investigation to acquire knowledge. The outlined research employs assays to scrutinize levodopa and HP-β-CD's cytotoxicity. Such studies are foundational in pharmacology, as they inform on drug efficiency, safety, and potential side effects, influencing healthcare approaches for diseases like Parkinson's.
6) Relative:
Relative refers to a comparative measure based on a reference point or standard. In this study, relative cell viability is assessed against control groups. This aspect is essential in evaluating the effects of treatments, allowing researchers to discern disease progressions or drug responses and adjust therapeutic strategies accordingly.
7) Medium:
Medium is a substance or environment in which biological processes occur, particularly in cell cultures. In this case, Eagle's Minimal Essential Medium is highlighted for its role in nurturing the astrocyte cultures. The choice of medium is vital, as it impacts cell growth, maintenance, and experimental outcomes.
8) Toxicology:
Toxicology is the study of harmful effects posed by substances, playing a vital role in assessing drug safety. The research investigates the cytotoxic effects of levodopa and its complexation with HP-β-CD, thus contributing to toxicological knowledge. Understanding these effects informs the safe use of pharmaceuticals.
9) Mena:
Mena is primarily referenced in studies exploring neurotransmitter effects and their mechanisms. The research cites Mena et al. to support arguments about drug toxicity in neural contexts. This reference enriches the study's credibility by grounding findings in established research regarding neurochemical interactions in neurological conditions.
10) Measurement:
Measurement involves quantifying observations or effects, a fundamental aspect of scientific studies. This research employs optical density as a measurement of cell viability in response to various treatments. Accurate measurements are imperative for drawing valid conclusions about drug effects, ultimately influencing clinical practices and patient outcomes.
11) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses systematic knowledge acquisition through observation and experimentation. The research reflects scientific inquiry, seeking to address gaps in understanding levodopa's effects. By utilizing methods that yield empirical data, the study contributes to the broader scientific discourse surrounding Parkinson's treatment and drug formulation optimization.
12) Table:
Table often refers to structured data presentation in research, summarizing findings for analysis. While not explicitly mentioned, the results' quantified presentation suggests the study might utilize tables to delineate cell viability percentages across treatments. Tables facilitate comparison and clarity in displaying complex data, enhancing understanding and accessibility.
13) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to substances that inhibit bacterial growth. While the abstract focuses on cytotoxicity, understanding antibacterial implications is crucial as co-infections can complicate treatment. Identifying compounds with both therapeutic and antibacterial properties could provide comprehensive treatment options for Parkinson's patients, particularly those with concurrent infections.
14) Toxicity:
Toxicity denotes the degree to which a substance can cause harmful effects. This study directly examines levodopa's toxicity on astrocytes, providing crucial insights for its therapeutic use. Understanding toxicity is paramount in drug development, ensuring patient safety, and informing proper dosing regimens that minimize adverse effects.
15) Harada:
Harada references a key study related to drug-induced neurotoxicity. This citation supports the research's discussion on levodopa's potential neurotoxic effects, enriching the analysis of the drug's impact. Associating findings with established research helps contextualize the study within the existing body of scientific knowledge, enhancing its validity.
16) Nature:
Nature refers to the intrinsic characteristics or inherent qualities of biological entities. In pharmacology, understanding the nature of both drugs and cells involved in responses to treatments is crucial. This aspect may help emphasize how individual cellular responses to levodopa or its formulations vary and impact treatment outcomes.
17) Silver:
Silver in pharmacological contexts is often linked with antibacterial properties or as a component in drug formulations. Although the abstract does not directly discuss silver, understanding its roles can complement research on HP-β-CD's advantages in drug solubility and bioavailability, potentially enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
18) Kumar:
Kumar can refer to researchers contributing to drug formulation or toxicology studies. Contextually, mentioning authors like Kumar serves to validate the research through established literature. It underscores the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry, showcasing how collective work informs advancements in drug therapies or pharmacological research.
19) Anna:
Anna likely pertains to a journal or publication source relevant to the context. Citing credible sources like Anna emphasizes the study's grounding in reputable scientific discourse, thus enhancing the research's credibility. This reference serves to bridge findings with the broader arena of published scientific literature.
20) Rich (Rch):
Rich may imply an abundance or high concentration of a substance within a specific context. In pharmacological studies, understanding the 'rich' nature of compounds could denote effective formulations that enhance bioavailability. The reference to rich formulations may also explore implications for optimized therapeutic strategies and improved patient care.
21) Life:
Life signifies the manifestation of biological functions, particularly in cell studies. In this research, discussions surrounding cell life and viability address the impact of treatments on living cells. Investigating drug effects ultimately contributes to understanding life at the cellular level, informing safe and effective treatment options.
22) Discussion:
Discussion is a critical component of scientific communication, synthesizing research findings with existing knowledge. This section allows researchers to interpret results, contextualize them within broader literature, and propose future directions. It cultivates an understanding of the implications of findings, guiding subsequent research and pharmaceutical practices.
23) Substance:
Substance refers to a material or compound introduced in scientific inquiries. In the context of this study, both levodopa and HP-β-CD are substances examined for their roles in cytotoxic effects. Clarifying the nature and effects of such substances is imperative in pharmacology, impacting treatment approaches and drug safety assessments.
24) Species:
Species denotes distinct biological groups, critical in understanding variations in drug effects. In this research, focusing on specific species helps identify treatment responses, safe dosages, and functional differences. Classifying results by species can reveal pharmacological implications extending beyond initial single-cell studies, informing comprehensive healthcare practices.
25) Blood:
Blood plays a crucial role as a transport medium in pharmacology, impacting drug delivery and physiological effects. Its significance is intertwined with measuring drug concentrations in systemic circulation, which influences the therapeutic efficacy of levodopa. Understanding blood's role enhances knowledge of drug interactions and systemic responses to treatments.
26) Eagle:
Eagle's Minimal Essential Medium is pivotal in supporting cell cultures for biological experimentation. Its formulation optimally supplies nutrients necessary for maintaining enriched cell functions. Understanding the significance of such media is essential when considering experimental designs and interpreting outcomes in cell studies focused on drug treatments.
27) Beta:
Beta often relates to cyclodextrins in discussions about drug delivery systems. In the context of this research, beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) is crucial for enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of levodopa. Exploring beta-cyclodextrin's implications aids in understanding its role in improving therapeutic outcomes and minimizing adverse effects.
28) Gold (Golden):
Gold may refer to the metaphorical 'gold standard' in treatment efficacy. In this context, levodopa is described as a gold standard for managing Parkinson's disease. Establishing gold standards in medical treatment is vital to providing reliable benchmarks for evaluating new therapeutic strategies against established protocols.
29) Salt (Salty):
Salt, in a pharmacological context, often denotes compound formulations, such as drug salts enhancing solubility. Understanding how salts impact drug properties and effectiveness assists researchers in developing optimized drug formulations that cater to patients' needs. Salt forms of drugs can significantly influence their pharmacokinetics and ultimate therapeutic outcomes.
30) Post:
Post typically refers to subsequent events or conditions following an initial phase, especially in research. In this context, post-treatment outcomes, evaluations, or effects on cell viability would be considered significant for understanding the time-dependent responses to drugs, guiding choices in clinical settings and future research directions.
31) Pur:
Poor often addresses suboptimal conditions or outcomes, which may relate to drug efficacy or cellular responses. In the context of this study, poor tolerability to levodopa at high concentrations indicates the direct need for assessing alternative formulations or treatment strategies, vital in improving outcomes for patients suffering from Parkinson's.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Cytotoxicity of Levodopa and HP-ß-CD in Astrocyte Cells’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Statistical analysis, High concentration, Significant difference, Statistical Significance, Neuroendocrine Function, Reactive oxygen species, Blood brain barrier, Parkinsonism, Optical density, Controlled release, Enhanced solubility, Physicochemical properties, Physicochemical characteristics, Cell viability, Google Scholar, Pharmacokinetic properties, Time-dependent manner, Glial cells, Cell proliferation, Toxic effect, Cytotoxicity, Neurodegeneration, Brain function, Levodopa therapy, Levodopa, Cytotoxic effect, Bioavailability of drug, High dose, Low dose, Survival rate, Complexation, Oxygen free radicals, Cyclodextrin, Poorly soluble drug, Poor solubility, Cell death, Pre systemic metabolism, Controlled release form, Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, Motor fluctuation, Brain homogenate, Cytoskeletal Protein, Research grant, Complexation with cyclodextrin, Non-treated group, Tetrazolium salt, Cyclic oligosaccharides.