How levodopa affects iron levels in the brain
Official title: Contribution of Levodopa to Brain Iron Accumulation
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10901570 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Parkinson's medication levodopa might affect iron levels in the brain, especially in people with Parkinson's Disease, to see if it could play a role in brain cell health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,998 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS137783-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901570 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease who are currently receiving or have received L-DOPA treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease or those who have never been treated with L-DOPA may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of the antiparkinson drug levodopa (L-DOPA) on iron accumulation in the brain, particularly in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). The study aims to understand whether L-DOPA treatment contributes to increased iron levels in the substantia nigra, a critical area affected by PD. Using in vitro models, researchers will explore how L-DOPA influences iron transport across the blood-brain barrier and its impact on brain cell function. This could provide insights into the relationship between L-DOPA treatment and neurodegeneration in PD patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for Parkinson's Disease by addressing the side effects of L-DOPA related to iron accumulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that drug treatments can influence iron metabolism in the brain, suggesting that this investigation may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Serpa, Rebecka Oliveira — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Serpa, Rebecka Oliveira
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.