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The role of homocysteine in multisystem age-related problems: a systematic review

Hsu-Ko Kuo1, Farzaneh A Sorond, Jen-Hau Chen

  • 1Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged, 1200 Centre Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02131, USA.

The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences
|September 27, 2005
PubMed

Insights

High homocysteine levels are common in older adults and linked to many health issues. Lowering homocysteine with vitamins and folic acid may help prevent age-related diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Gerontology
  • Metabolic Medicine

Background:

  • Homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is integral to one-carbon metabolism.
  • Elevated homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia) are prevalent in the elderly population.
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is increasingly associated with multisystem geriatric problems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the association between hyperhomocysteinemia and age-related health conditions.
  • To explore potential mechanisms linking high homocysteine to disease.
  • To discuss homocysteine-lowering strategies for preventing late-life morbidity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating homocysteine and age-related diseases.
  • Analysis of proposed pathomechanisms including angiotoxicity and neurotoxicity.
  • Evaluation of homocysteine-lowering interventions like vitamin supplementation and folic acid fortification.

Main Results:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, cognitive impairment, dementia, depression, fractures, and functional decline.
  • Proposed mechanisms involve damage to blood vessels, nerve cells, and impaired collagen cross-linking.
  • Vitamin supplementation and folic acid effectively reduce plasma homocysteine levels.

Conclusions:

  • Homocysteine-lowering strategies show promise in preventing or mitigating age-related health issues.
  • Further research is required to determine if lifelong homocysteine reduction can prevent late-life morbidity.
  • Targeting homocysteine metabolism is a potential avenue for promoting healthy aging.

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