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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
07:29

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein

Published on: October 12, 2017

[Homocysteine--risk factor or risk indicator?]

Wolf Rafflenbeul1

  • 1Abt. Kardiologie/ Angiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover. wolf@rafflenbeul.com

MMW Fortschritte Der Medizin
|November 24, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Despite vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid lowering homocysteine, recent studies show no reduced cardiovascular risk. Therefore, routine homocysteine screening is not currently recommended for patients with arteriosclerotic vascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nutritional Science
  • Clinical Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cardiovascular events occur in patients lacking traditional risk factors like hypertension, high lipids, diabetes, or smoking.
  • Arteriosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) research continues to identify underlying causes.
  • Homocysteine has been investigated as a potential risk factor for ASVD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the clinical utility of homocysteine screening in patients with ASVD.
  • To assess the impact of homocysteine-lowering vitamins on cardiovascular risk.

Main Methods:

  • Review of accumulated data and recent studies on homocysteine levels and cardiovascular events.
  • Analysis of the association between vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid intake and homocysteine levels.
  • Assessment of the effect of homocysteine reduction on cardiovascular risk.

Main Results:

  • Vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid intake correlate with decreased homocysteine levels.
  • Recent studies have not demonstrated a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk despite lower homocysteine.
  • The data regarding homocysteine's role in ASVD remains equivocal.

Conclusions:

  • Current evidence does not support routine screening for homocysteine in patients with ASVD.
  • The link between homocysteine levels and cardiovascular risk reduction requires further investigation.
  • Focus may need to shift to other underlying causes of ASVD in patients without classical risk factors.

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