Journal article
A dose-finding study shows terazosin enhanced energy metabolism in neurologically healthy adults
Journal of Parkinson's disease, Vol.15(7), pp.1253-1263
11/2025
DOI: 10.1177/1877718X251356503
PMID: 40785306
Abstract
This research focused on how the medication terazosin (TZ), typically used for prostate issues and high blood pressure, affects energy levels in the brain and body of older adults who do not have neurological diseases. It is believed that TZ could help with energy problems in the brain that occur in Parkinson's disease because of its ability to activate a specific enzyme involved in energy production. In this study, 18 people aged between 60 and 85 received different doses of TZ (1 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg per day). Measurements included how much TZ reached the brain and its effect on energy molecules like ATP, which powers our cells. Advanced imaging techniques were used to see how the brain's energy usage changed and how energy usage in the participants’ blood changed as an indication altered metabolism. The findings showed that a dose of 5 mg of TZ per day was most effective in increasing ATP levels without causing significant side effects. This dose also reduced energy usage in the brain, which might sound counterintuitive, but is consistent with increased energy efficiency. Higher doses did not show added benefits, and the effects were similar in both men and women. Understanding how TZ works at different doses helps lay the groundwork for future trials, potentially leading to new treatments for Parkinson's disease and similar conditions. This study is a step toward determining safe and effective TZ doses for possibly slowing down neurodegeneration due to energy deficits in the brain.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- A dose-finding study shows terazosin enhanced energy metabolism in neurologically healthy adults
- Creators
- Jordan L Schultz - University of Iowa, PsychiatryPhillip E Gander - University of Iowa, Iowa Neuroscience InstituteCraig D Workman - University of Iowa, Health, Sport, and Human PhysiologyLaura L Boles Ponto - University of Iowa, RadiologyStephen Cross - University of Iowa, PsychiatryChristopher S Nance - University of Iowa, NeurologyChristopher L Groth - University of Iowa, NeurologyEric B Taylor - University of Iowa, Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research CenterSarah E Ernst - University of Iowa, Internal MedicineJia Xu - University of Iowa, RadiologyErgun Y Uc - University of Iowa, NeurologyVincent A Magnotta - University of Iowa, Iowa Neuroscience InstituteMichael J Welsh - University of Iowa, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational MedicineNandakumar S Narayanan - University of Iowa, Iowa Neuroscience Institute
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of Parkinson's disease, Vol.15(7), pp.1253-1263
- DOI
- 10.1177/1877718X251356503
- PMID
- 40785306
- NLM abbreviation
- J Parkinsons Dis
- ISSN
- 1877-7171
- eISSN
- 1877-718X
- Publisher
- IOS Press
- Grant note
- Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's ResearchNIH: 5UL1TR002537-04, S10RR028821, K23NS117736
This study was funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (to JLS and NSN), NIH Grant 5UL1TR002537-04 through the University of Iowa Institute for Clinical and Translational Science and was conducted using equipment supported by NIH Grant S10RR028821, and NIH Grant K23NS117736 (to JLS). MJW is an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The study sponsors had no role in the conduct, analysis, or reporting of these results.
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 08/10/2025
- Date published
- 11/2025
- Academic Unit
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering; Neurology; Radiology; Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine; Psychiatry; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology; Health, Sport, and Human Physiology ; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984945905102771
Metrics
5 Record Views