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Homocysteine in cerebrovascular disease: an independent risk factor for subcortical vascular encephalopathy

T Bertsch1, O Mielke, S Höly

  • 1Department of Clinical Chemistry, Clinic Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany. thomas.bertsch@ikc.ma.uni-heidelberg.de

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
|October 11, 2001
PubMed

Insights

High homocysteine levels, a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia, are a significant risk factor for subcortical vascular encephalopathy (SVE), a cause of dementia. This study confirms hyperhomocysteinemia as an independent risk factor for SVE.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is a known risk factor for large-vessel cerebrovascular disease.
  • Subcortical vascular encephalopathy (SVE) is a type of dementia linked to small-vessel cerebral disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate plasma homocysteine and vitamin levels in SVE patients.
  • To compare these levels with patients suffering from large-vessel cerebral disease and healthy controls.
  • To determine the association between hyperhomocysteinemia and SVE risk.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma concentrations of homocysteine, B vitamins (B6, B12, folate), and other vascular risk factors were measured.
  • The study included 82 SVE patients, 144 large-vessel disease patients, and 102 controls.
  • Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess risk factors.

Main Results:

  • SVE patients exhibited significantly higher homocysteine levels compared to controls.
  • Patients with SVE showed lower vitamin B6 levels than controls.
  • Elevated homocysteine was the strongest independent risk factor for SVE (OR 5.7).

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is a potent, independent risk factor for subcortical vascular encephalopathy.
  • This finding highlights the importance of homocysteine levels in the context of small-vessel dementia.
  • Further research into managing homocysteine may be beneficial for SVE prevention or treatment.

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