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Published on: June 21, 2021
Hyperhomocysteinemia, pteridines and oxidative stress
B Widner1, C Enzinger, A Laich
1Institute for Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
Current Drug Metabolism
|May 11, 2002
Summary
High homocysteine levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, may stem from immune activation and oxidative stress, leading to folate deficiency despite adequate dietary intake. Folic acid supplementation can help lower homocysteine.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
- Folic acid levels are inversely related to homocysteine concentrations, and supplementation can reduce homocysteine.
- Cellular immune activation and oxidative stress are implicated in hyperhomocysteinemia pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between immune activation, oxidative stress, and hyperhomocysteinemia.
- To explore the role of tetrahydrofolate oxidation in folate deficiency.
- To understand hyperhomocysteinemia as a consequence of antioxidant vitamin consumption during immune activation.
Main Methods:
- Correlation analysis between homocysteine, folic acid, and neopterin concentrations.
- Assessment of oxidative stress markers related to immune activation.
- Evaluation of folate status in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia and immune activation.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation exists between homocysteine concentrations and immune activation markers (e.g., neopterin).
- Neopterin levels indicate oxidative stress linked to immune activation, suggesting a role in hyperhomocysteinemia development.
- Tetrahydrofolate's susceptibility to oxidation may lead to folate deficiency under oxidative stress, even with normal dietary intake.
Conclusions:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia may be an indirect consequence of increased antioxidant vitamin consumption during prolonged immune activation.
- Cellular immune activation and associated oxidative stress are potential contributors to the development of hyperhomocysteinemia.
- Folate deficiency can occur despite adequate dietary intake due to increased oxidative degradation of tetrahydrofolates.
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