Related Experiment Videos
Homocysteine: an emerging age-related cardiovascular risk factor
1Department of Cardiology, University of Texas at Houston, USA.
Insights
High homocysteine levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, increase with age and after menopause. Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation can lower homocysteine and prevent neurological damage.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Science
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Homocysteine is a metabolic intermediate of methionine, an essential amino acid.
- Elevated homocysteine is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Homocysteine levels increase with age and in postmenopausal women, potentially linked to estrogen decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between homocysteine levels and aging.
- To investigate the role of homocysteine in cardiovascular disease risk.
- To examine the impact of B vitamin deficiencies and menopause on homocysteine.
Main Methods:
- Observational studies analyzing homocysteine concentrations in relation to age and menopausal status.
- Investigation of potential contributing factors such as folate, B vitamin deficiencies, and renal function.
- Analysis of the association between plasma homocysteine and cardiovascular events.
Main Results:
- Homocysteine concentration increases progressively with age in both sexes.
- Plasma homocysteine levels rise after menopause in women.
- The association between elevated homocysteine and adverse cardiovascular events is observed in older populations.
Conclusions:
- Homocysteine is a critical biomarker for cardiovascular risk, particularly in aging populations.
- Folic acid supplementation effectively reduces homocysteine levels.
- Vitamin B12 coadministration may be necessary to prevent neurological complications associated with homocysteine reduction.
Abstract:
Homocysteine is an intermediate formed during the metabolism of the essential sulfur containing amino acid methionine. Homocysteine concentration rises progressively with age in men and women, making it an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The causes are still under study, but likely culprits include clinical or subclinical folate and B vitamin deficiencies and possibly renal dysfunction. The association between adverse cardiovascular events and plasma homocysteine persists in older populations. In women, homocysteine levels increase after menopause and may be related to decreased estrogen concentrations. Folic acid supplementation decreases homocysteine concentration, but coadministration of vitamin B12 may be needed to prevent irreversible neurologic damage.