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A proinflammatory state is associated with hyperhomocysteinemia in the elderly
Anna Maria Gori1, Anna Maria Corsi, Sandra Fedi
1Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Area, Center for the Study at Molecular and Clinical Level of Chronic, Degenerative and Neoplastic Diseases to Develop Novel Therapies, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. am.gori@dac.unifi.it
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|August 10, 2005
Summary
High levels of inflammatory markers, interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), are linked to higher homocysteine concentrations. This finding may help explain the connection between homocysteine and atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- High homocysteine is a risk factor for atherothrombosis, but the mechanism is unclear.
- A proinflammatory state is associated with atherosclerosis.
- Acute phase reactants may correlate with homocysteine levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between inflammatory markers and hyperhomocysteinemia.
- To determine if this association is independent of vitamin intake, vitamin levels, and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
- To analyze a large, representative general population sample.
Main Methods:
- Random selection of 586 men and 734 women from two towns near Florence, Italy.
- Adjustment for multiple potential confounders.
- Analysis of plasma homocysteine and inflammatory marker concentrations.
Main Results:
- Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) showed significant association with plasma homocysteine in individuals over 65.
- Higher IL-6 levels correlated with increased risk of high or intermediate homocysteine concentrations.
- Sedentary lifestyle, vitamin B-6 and folic acid intake, and serum levels of folate, B-12, B-6, and alpha-tocopherol were independent correlates of homocysteine.
Conclusions:
- Elevated circulating IL-1ra and IL-6 are independent correlates of hyperhomocysteinemia.
- These inflammatory markers may partially explain the link between homocysteine and atherosclerosis.
- Findings highlight the role of inflammation in homocysteine-related cardiovascular risk.