Halogenated Volatile Compounds for Parkinson's Gait Improvement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapies for Parkinson's disease, such as L-DOPA treatment, are associated with undesirable side-effects and are not entirely effective in managing the condition, highlighting a need for alternative treatments that can improve gait and reduce side-effects.
Innovation Solution
Administration of halogenated volatile compounds, like isoflurane, which are typically used as anesthetics, to subjects predisposed to or suffering from Parkinson's disease, to increase dopamine turnover and modulate GABA receptors, thereby improving gait and treating or preventing the disease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If L-DOPA treatment is used to treat Parkinson's disease, then the effectiveness in managing Parkinson's disease is improved, but undesirable side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, postural hypotension, confusion, and dyskinesia occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter by substituting the L-DOPA molecule with halogenated volatile compounds (isoflurane, desflurane, enflurane, halothane, sevoflurane), which have different molecular structures and pharmacological properties. This parameter change allows achieving therapeutic effects while avoiding the specific side-effects associated with L-DOPA
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs volatile compounds that are administered temporarily and eliminated from the body through respiration. This disposable approach allows for short-term treatment sessions without accumulation of harmful metabolites, reducing long-term side-effects while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If other available therapies including dopamine agonists, anticholinergic drugs, catechol-0-methyl-transferase inhibitors or amantadine are used, then treatment options are provided, but they are less effective and associated with serious side-effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies a universal class of halogenated volatile compounds that can treat multiple symptoms of Parkinson's disease (gait abnormalities, tremor, rigidity) through a single mechanism of action. This multi-functional approach provides versatility in treatment while maintaining high effectiveness, unlike other therapies that target specific symptoms with limited efficacy
3Duration of action of stationary object
If L-DOPA treatment is continued for extended periods of time, then sustained therapeutic effect is achieved, but dyskinesia and other serious side-effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic administration of halogenated volatile compounds through inhalation sessions rather than continuous treatment. This periodic approach maintains therapeutic effects while allowing the body to eliminate the compound between sessions, preventing accumulation that leads to dyskinesia and other long-term side-effects
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of halogenated volatile compounds like isoflurane has been shown to increase stride length, reduce stride frequency and stance width variability, and improve overall gait in subjects with Parkinson's disease, while potentially reducing the severity and onset of symptoms, with minimal side-effects.
Implementation Method 1
modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or GABA receptors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods of using halogenated volatile compounds, e.g., halogenated ether, for treating a neurological disorder, e.g., Parkinson's disease.