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Abstract
Background: Mecobalamin, one of the coenzyme forms of vitamin B12, acts as an important cofactor in the activities of B12-dependent methyltransferases. Since the discovery of mecobalamin, it has been applied mainly in the treatment of hyperhomocysteinaemia and peripheral neuropathy. However, there is still lack of a systemic review on the clinical administration of mecobalamin and its potential mechanism. Objective: To review the mechanism, clinical efficacy and safety of mecobalamin in the treatment of hyperhomocysteinaemia and peripheral neuropathy. Methods: First, the potential mechanism, pharmacokinetics and metabolism of mecobalamin were clarified. In addition, the clinical administration including efficacy, safety and tolerability of mecobalamin as monotherapy or combined therapy in the treatment of hyperhomocysteinaemia and peripheral neuropathy were also detailed. Results/conclusions: Although both monotherapy and combined therapy can lower plasma/serum homocysteine levels and improve the neuropathic symptoms, combined therapy with other B vitamins seems to be more effective. However, more precise, double-blind and randomised control studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy of mecobalamin on hyperhomocysteinaemia, peripheral neuropathy interaction, and cardiovascular, neurological and osteoporotic mortality or morbidity.
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by grants from the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technical Commission (no. 07JC14042), the 973 Project (no. 2006CB503904), the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (no. 24119054) and the Natural Science Foundation of China (no. 30725037).