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Homocysteine and venous thrombosis
Isabelle Quéré1, Jean-Christophe Gris, Michel Dauzat
1Department of Vascular Medicine, Saint Eloi University Hospital, 80 Avenue Gaston Fliche, Montpellier, France.
Seminars in Vascular Medicine
|July 28, 2005
Summary
High homocysteine levels increase the risk of venous thrombosis. This review explores the link between elevated homocysteine, both in homocystinuria and the general population, and its role as a reversible thrombophilic marker.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Genetics
Background:
- Elevated plasma total homocysteine is a known risk factor for venous thrombosis.
- Homocystinuria, a condition of abnormal amino acid metabolism, serves as a model for chronic high homocysteine exposure.
- Hyperhomocysteinemia, milder than homocystinuria, is influenced by environmental and constitutional factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence linking homocysteine levels to venous thrombosis risk.
- To compare the association in patients with homocystinuria versus the general population.
- To evaluate homocysteine as a potentially reversible thrombophilic marker.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on homocysteine and venous thrombosis.
- Analysis of data from patients with homocystinuria.
- Examination of epidemiological and clinical data from the general population.
Main Results:
- The association between elevated homocysteine and venous thrombosis is well-established in homocystinuria.
- Homocysteine is considered a potentially reversible thrombophilic marker.
- Mild hyperhomocysteinemia in the general population is linked to factors like age, B-vitamin intake, metabolism, and renal function.
Conclusions:
- Homocysteine plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of venous thrombosis.
- Understanding homocysteine metabolism is crucial for identifying and managing thrombotic risk.
- Further research is warranted to explore therapeutic strategies targeting homocysteine levels.