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[Homocysteine: a cardiovascular risk factor?]
Praxis
|March 31, 1999
Insights
High homocysteine levels, linked to folate, vitamin B6, or B12 deficiency, increase atherosclerosis risk. This review explores homocysteine
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Science
- Nutritional Science
Context:
- Elevated plasma homocysteine is a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
- Genetic factors and deficiencies in folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 contribute to increased homocysteine levels.
- Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid.
Purpose:
- To review the relationship between homocysteine and atherosclerosis.
- To discuss homocysteine's role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
- To explore clinical aspects of homocysteine.
Summary:
- Homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is linked to increased atherosclerosis risk.
- Deficiencies in folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 can elevate plasma homocysteine concentrations.
- Homocysteine may promote atherosclerosis through various direct and indirect mechanisms.
Impact:
- Understanding homocysteine's role can inform clinical practice and preventative strategies for atherosclerosis.
- Identifying nutrient deficiencies associated with high homocysteine can guide therapeutic interventions.
- This review provides insights into the complex interplay between homocysteine, nutrition, and cardiovascular disease.
Abstract:
Elevated plasma homocysteine levels may lead to an increased risk for atherosclerosis. Besides genetic factors a deficiency of folate, vitamin B6 and/or vitamin B12 may lead to an increase in the plasma concentration of this sulfur containing amino acid. Homocysteine may enhance by several direct and/or indirect mechanisms the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In this review selected aspects of homocysteine in relation to clinical practice will be discussed.