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Plasma homocysteine and oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease

S S Moselhy1, S H Demerdash

  • 1Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

Disease Markers
|February 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Hyperhomocysteinemia, a condition linked to cardiovascular disease, significantly elevates markers of oxidative stress like malondialdehyde. This suggests elevated homocysteine contributes to free radical damage in patients with heart conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) is recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with various pathological and stressful conditions.
  • Understanding the mechanisms linking Hhcy to CVD is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between plasma homocysteine (hcy) levels and markers of lipid peroxidation in patients diagnosed with CVD.
  • To assess the relationship between homocysteine, nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in CVD patients.
  • To evaluate the association of Hhcy with traditional lipid profiles in individuals with cardiovascular conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 40 CVD patients (20 acute myocardial infarction, 20 atherosclerotic coronary artery disease) and 15 healthy controls.
  • Measured plasma levels of homocysteine (hcy), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of lipid peroxidation.
  • Assessed serum levels of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.

Main Results:

  • Significantly elevated plasma hcy, NO, and MDA levels were observed in both CVD patient groups compared to controls.
  • A strong positive correlation was found between plasma hcy and MDA (r = 0.59, p < 0.001).
  • Plasma NO showed positive correlations with both hcy (r = 0.49, p < 0.001) and MDA (r = 0.51, p < 0.001).
  • CVD patients exhibited significantly higher total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, and lower HDL levels than controls.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is strongly associated with increased oxidative stress, indicated by elevated MDA levels in cardiovascular disease patients.
  • Elevated homocysteine may play a role in free radical generation, contributing to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.
  • These findings highlight Hhcy as a potential contributing factor to CVD development and progression.

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