Benfotiamine is a synthetic derivative of the B vitamin thiamine. There are 8 types of vitamin B ! This derivative contains an open thiazole ring allowing it to cross the blood-brain barrier. The ability to cross the blood-brain barrier gives it significantly increased bioavailability. This may prove to be useful in controlling diseases involving thiamine deficiency, such as Parkinson’s disease.
Thiamine and Dopamine
Parkinson’s disease is noted to have decreased levels of dopamine in the brain. Thiamine is involved in the synthesis and release of dopamine, an important relationship to note. Studies have shown that the level of free thiamine found in cerebrospinal fluid is lowered in Parkinson’s patients compared to healthy patients. Therefore, it may be possible that adding thiamine may result in a normal level of dopamine synthesis and decelerate or treat Parkinson’s.
Experimental Modelling
Recently, a study using a mouse model of the disease explored that possibility. The toxin MPTP is known to selectively damage dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. This tool is often used to replicate the characteristics of Parkinson’s disease. In the study, the mice were treated with MPTP by intraperitoneal injections for 5 days to develop the disease characteristics. Some of the groups were also given benfotiamine by oral administration for 28 days.
Testing and Results
Next, the mice were subjected to behavioral tests including the pole test, hang test, step distance experiment, and open field test. The mice that received treatment of benfotiamine showed improved performance of several motor functions.
Finally, brain tissues were collected and analyzed. These results showed that the treatment increased the number of dopaminergic neurons and partially replenished dopamine and its metabolites. Overall, benfotiamine was credited with the neuroprotective effect.
This study gave some very positive results that should be further investigated. Additional models of Parkinson’s disease are available and should also be used. Testing with an increased sample size and possibly some forms of combination therapies should also be considered.
Wang K, Han C, Yang J, et al. Benfotiamine protects MPTP-induced Parkinson’s disease mouse model via activating Nrf2 signaling pathway. PLoS One. 2024 Jul 23;19(7):e0307012. PMID: 39042624