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An association between plasma homocysteine concentrations and ischemic stroke in elderly Japanese

Ryuichi Kawamoto1, Takeshi Kajiwara, Yuichiro Oka

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Nomura Municipal Hospital, Ehime, Japan. rykawamo@ehime.med.or.jp

Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis
|September 19, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Elevated plasma homocysteine levels are linked to an increased risk of ischemic stroke in elderly Japanese individuals. This finding supports previous research in Western populations, highlighting homocysteine as a significant risk factor.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Clinical Chemistry

Background:

  • Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality.
  • Atherosclerosis is a primary risk factor for ischemic stroke.
  • Plasma homocysteine is a recognized risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between plasma homocysteine concentrations and ischemic stroke.
  • To determine if this association holds true in an elderly Japanese population.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 91 elderly Japanese in-patients.
  • Plasma homocysteine levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography.
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for other risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Patients with ischemic stroke had significantly higher plasma homocysteine levels.
  • Odds ratios for ischemic stroke increased with higher homocysteine concentrations.
  • Adjusted analysis confirmed a significant association between elevated homocysteine and ischemic stroke risk.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated plasma homocysteine is a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke in the elderly Japanese.
  • The findings corroborate the association observed in Western populations.
  • Plasma homocysteine measurement may aid in stroke risk assessment.

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