Therapeutic potential of acetyl-DL-leucine and its L-enantiomer in posterior fossa syndrome: Mechanistic insights

Abstract

Posterior fossa syndrome (PFS) is a serious postoperative complication that primarily affects children following resection of posterior fossa tumors. Although its complex pathophysiology, involving disruption of cerebellar structures and the dentato–thalamo-cortical pathway, is increasingly being elucidated, effective treatments remain limited. This perspective explores acetyl-DL-leucine (ADLL) and its active L-enantiomer, N-acetyl-L-leucine (NALL), as promising therapeutic candidates for PFS. Emerging mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical evidence suggests that both compounds might alleviate PFS symptoms through neuroprotective and neurorestorative mechanisms, including neuronal membrane stabilization, metabolic enhancement, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and dopaminergic modulation. NALL, which has greater neurotherapeutic potential than ADLL, might particularly support recovery through its multimodal effects on neuronal function, thereby enhancing perioperative resilience. Further translational research into these acetylated leucine analogues is warranted.