Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

A Neuronal and Astrocyte Co-Culture Assay for High Content Analysis of Neurotoxicity
Published on: May 5, 2009
Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine are associated with neurotoxicity
Robertus H C Bisschops1, Yolanda van der Graaf, Willem P Th M Mali
1Department of Radiology E01.132, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Objective:
The aim of the present study is to investigate whether increased plasma homocysteine (tHcy) has an effect on the cerebral metabolic concentrations, reflecting neurotoxicity, measured with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS).
Methods:
One hundred and thirteen patients had a MRS investigation of the brain and the concentration of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), choline and creatine was measured and fasting plasma tHcy was assessed. We used linear regression models to investigate the association between tHcy and cerebral metabolic concentrations.
Results:
We found that tHcy is associated with cerebral NAA (B = -0.09 mmol/l (95% CI, -0.17 to -0.00)) and with creatine (B = -0.09 mmol/l (95% CI, -0.16 to -0.02)) per 1 micromol/l increase tHcy. Patients with a tHcy >/=14 micromol/l had a lower concentration cerebral of NAA (P < 0.05) and creatine (P < 0.01) compared with patients with a tHcy <14 micromol/l. No significant association was found for the cerebral choline.
Conclusion:
Elevated levels of tHcy were associated with low concentrations of cerebral NAA and creatine, independent of renal function or the presence of atherosclerotic disease. These preliminary results suggest that tHcy has a neurotoxic effect in vivo.
Related Concept Videos
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is critical for...
Bioactivation and Tissue Toxicity
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Huntington Disease l: Introduction