Carbidopa

Function

(Lodosyn) is a drug given, in conjunction with Levadopa, to those with Parkinson's Disease in order to inhibit the extracranial metabolism of Levadopa to dopamine, allowing a greater portion of the drug to cross the blood-brain barrier and produce the desired anti-parkinsonian effects in the nerve cell. It works by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase (DOPA Decarboxylase or DDC).^[1]

Structure

2D Structure of Carbidopa

Ball and Stick Model of Carbidopa

Molecular Mechanism

The conversion of L-DOPA into dopamine is catalyzed by the vitamin B6 ()-dependent enzyme DDC, an enzyme abundant in the nervous system as well as kidneys of humans^[3] The catalytically active form of DDC is a homodimer, a feature typical of this class of enzymes^[4]. DDCs active site is located between the two monomers but is mainly composed of residues from only one of the monomers. The cofactor PLP binds to Lys 303 through a Schiff base linkage and a salt bridge between the carboxylate group of Asp 271 and the protonated pyridine nitrogen of PLP, which acts as a strong electron sink capable of stabilizing the carbanionic intermediates produced by active DDC. the cofactor is further stabilized in the enzyme through a network of hydrogen bonds. Carbidopa works by forming a hydrazone linkage with the PLP cofactor through its hydrazine moiety and blocking the DDC residues Ile 101' and Phe 103' in the substrate binding pocket with its catechol ring^[5]. In addition, the 4' hydroxyl group of Carbidopas catechol ring hydrogen bonds with THR 82 and the carboxylate group binds to HIS 192, a highly-conserved residue in PLP-dependent decarboxylases.^[6] Due to the fact that Carbidopa cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, its inhibiting effects only are displayed in the periphery.

Interactions

2D Structure of Levodopa

2D Structure of Dopamine

Carbidopa only has interactions with Levodopa (L-DOPA) and dopamine, but there are more interactions between Levodopa and dopamine. Dopamine is essential when it comes to motor, cognitive, behavioral, endocrine functions, and even neuronal retinal development in the central nervous system.^[7][8] Therefore,understanding the interactions between how Levodopa and dopamine affect the body can help understand why it pairs well with Carbidopa. Carbidopa works by inhibiting the enzyme activity of DDC, when both are working in the body it blocks the Levodopa negative side effects so the lipid soluble drug pair can now pass the blood-brain barrier where Carbidopa cannot. Carbidopa only interaction is to reduce side effects of Levodopa because once Levodopa crosses the blood brain barrier it can help increase levels of dopamine to improve motor, cognitive, behavioral, endocrine functions, etc. Another likely interaction between dopamine and Carbidopa is the human peripheral blood lymphocytes. These blood lymphocytes supposedly synthesize dopamine through the tyrosine-hydroxylase/DOPA-decarboxylase pathway, and express dopamine receptors and dopamine transport on their plasma membrane.^[8] Reports show changes in expression of this dopamine receptors and dopamine transport system in the peripheral blood lymphocytes, but since the Carbidopa can’t pass the blood brain barrier it needs to be paired to a lipid soluble chemical (Levodopa) until a different method is found.

Disease in Humans

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurological disease whose symptoms include bradykinesia, tremors, postural instability and rigidity. Although the exact cause of the disease is currently unknown, it is believed to be caused by the apoptosis of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra of the brain and subsequent loss of dopamine.^[9] Carbidopa is mostly related to people with Parkinson’s disease. According to the National Parkinson Foundation, Levodopa alone is known to cause nausea and vomiting in Parkinson’s patients, and Carbidopa prevents those side effects.^[10] Carbidopa can act as an enhancer for Levodopa by decreasing the dosage of Levodopa needed for Parkinson’s patients, up to 80%. It’s a inhibitor that is limited to extracerebral tissue, therefore Carbidopa with Levodopa leaves more Levodopa available for transport to the brain.^[11] Modern treatments like this are used for Parkinson’s disease today. A combined tablet of Carbidopa and Levodopa (Sinemet)are offered as immediate-release tablets and slow-release tablets, along with dissolvable tablets.^[12]