[Homocysteine and cerebrovascular disease]

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 26, 2026

The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension
05:57

The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension

Published on: May 17, 2024

J M Sepúlveda-Sánchez1, R Matía-Francés, A Martínez-Salio

  • 1Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España. sepulveda25@mundofree.com

Revista De Neurologia
|March 5, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The link between high homocysteine (Hc) levels and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is controversial. While some studies suggest a connection, others indicate it may be weak or non-existent, requiring further research.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Neurology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Context:

  • Elevated total homocysteine (tHc) is a recently proposed vascular risk factor.
  • The hypothesis stems from observations of early atherosclerosis in individuals with inborn errors of homocysteine metabolism.
  • This paper reviews existing literature on the association between homocysteine (Hc) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD).

Purpose:

  • To analyze the published studies investigating the relationship between homocysteine levels and cerebrovascular disease.
  • To critically evaluate the evidence for and against homocysteine as a causal factor in atherothrombosis.
  • To contextualize the ongoing clinical trials assessing vitamin therapy for vascular risk reduction.

Summary:

  • Retrospective studies report a strong, dose-dependent link between plasma Hc levels and thromboembolic events (cerebrovascular, cardiac, peripheral).
  • Prospective studies, however, show a weak or no association between Hc and CVD.
  • Alternative explanations for retrospective findings include Hc increase post-stroke or due to other vascular risk factors.

Impact:

  • The role of Hc in CVD remains debated.
  • Further research, including clinical trials on vitamin therapy (folic acid, B12, pyridoxine), is crucial to elucidate the Hc-CVD relationship.
  • Findings will inform future strategies for managing vascular risk.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Isolation of Primary Mouse Retinal Pigmented Epithelium Cells06:21

Isolation of Primary Mouse Retinal Pigmented Epithelium Cells

Published on: November 4, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
Hepatic Encephalopathy01:29

Hepatic Encephalopathy

DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...