homovanilihappo

Homovanillic acid, often abbreviated as HVA, is a naturally occurring chemical compound that is a metabolite of dopamine. It is a phenolic acid and is found in the human body, primarily in the brain and urine. HVA is produced through the enzymatic breakdown of dopamine, a crucial neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, pleasure, and motor control. The process involves two main enzymes: monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT).

In clinical settings, HVA levels are often measured in urine or cerebrospinal fluid as a biomarker. Elevated levels of HVA can be associated with certain medical conditions, including neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that affects nerve cells, and sometimes with dopaminergic disorders. Conversely, low levels of HVA might be observed in conditions characterized by reduced dopamine activity, such as Parkinson's disease, though HVA is not a primary diagnostic marker for this condition. The measurement of HVA is part of a broader panel of catecholamine metabolites used to assess neurological function and diagnose certain conditions.