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Effect of acute hyperhomocysteinemia on coronary flow reserve in healthy adults

Luigi Ascione1, Mario De Michele, Maria Accadia

  • 1Division of Cardiology and Clinical Analysis Laboratory, S. Maria di Loreto Hospital, Naples, Italy. luigi.ascione20@tin.it

Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : Official Publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
|November 25, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Elevated homocysteine levels significantly reduce coronary flow reserve (CFR) in healthy adults. This finding highlights a potential link between homocysteine and early arterial dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Metabolic Medicine

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is linked to preclinical arterial abnormalities.
  • The impact of elevated homocysteine on coronary flow reserve (CFR) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of acute hyperhomocysteinemia on coronary flow reserve (CFR) in healthy adults.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study involving 20 healthy subjects.
  • Homocysteine levels were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography after a methionine load or placebo.
  • Coronary flow reserve (CFR) was assessed using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography.

Main Results:

  • Methionine load significantly increased plasma homocysteine levels (P < .0001).
  • Coronary flow reserve (CFR) decreased significantly after methionine load (P < .001).
  • Postload homocysteine levels showed an inverse correlation with CFR (r = -0.21, P = .02).

Conclusions:

  • Acute hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with a significant reduction in coronary flow reserve (CFR) in asymptomatic adults.
  • This suggests a potential role for homocysteine in early coronary vascular dysfunction.
Abstract

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