Homocysteine and life-style in the elderly

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for vascular diseases.
• Limited data exists on homocysteine levels in the elderly population.
• Understanding factors influencing homocysteine is crucial for preventing age-related vascular issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between plasma homocysteine and demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle factors in community-dwelling elderly individuals.
• To explore gender-specific differences in homocysteine levels and their determinants.
• To identify factors associated with hyperhomocysteinemia in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 185 elderly individuals (65 men, 120 women; aged 67-78 years).
• Plasma homocysteine measured using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
• Data collected on clinical records, anthropometrics, body composition (DXA), and lifestyle factors.

Main Results:

• Hyperhomocysteinemia prevalence was 66% in men and 33% in women.
• In women, homocysteine correlated positively with age, diastolic blood pressure, and creatinine; negatively with fiber and folate intake.
• In men, homocysteine correlated positively with age and BMI. Fat-free mass, smoking, fiber, vitamin B6, and kcal intake explained 18% of homocysteine variance.
• Women with cardiovascular disease history had higher homocysteine. Elderly men had higher homocysteine than women, but this difference vanished after adjusting for fat-free mass.

Conclusions:

• Plasma homocysteine increases with age in the elderly.
• Lifestyle characteristics significantly influence homocysteine levels in older adults.
• Gender differences in homocysteine are likely attributable to variations in body composition, particularly fat-free mass.