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Elevated homocysteine levels in alcohol withdrawal
S Bleich1, D Degner, J Wiltfang
1Department of Psychiatry, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Germany.
Alcohol and Alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
|July 25, 2000
Summary
Chronic alcoholics undergoing withdrawal often show elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels. These Hcy levels decreased over time, suggesting a role in alcohol withdrawal symptoms and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ethanol's behavioral effects are linked to neurotransmitter receptors, but withdrawal mechanisms remain unclear.
- Limited data existed on homocysteine (Hcy) levels during alcohol intoxication and withdrawal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate homocysteine levels in chronic alcoholics during alcohol withdrawal.
- To explore the potential role of homocysteine in alcohol withdrawal symptomatology.
Main Methods:
- Assessed Hcy, blood-alcohol, vitamin B6, B12, and folate levels in 29 chronic alcoholics undergoing withdrawal.
- Monitored Hcy levels throughout the withdrawal observation period.
Main Results:
- Elevated Hcy levels were observed in the majority of patients.
- Hcy levels demonstrated a consistent decrease during the study.
- A correlation between hyperhomocysteinemia and alcohol withdrawal symptoms is suggested.
Conclusions:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia may contribute to alcohol withdrawal symptoms via N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor agonism.
- Assessing serum Hcy is important for detecting methylation deficiency in chronic alcoholism.
- Hcy levels may inform therapeutic strategies for alcohol dependence.