Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A Mouse 5/6th Nephrectomy Model That Induces Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy
07:52

A Mouse 5/6th Nephrectomy Model That Induces Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy

Published on: November 7, 2017

Relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and atherosclerosis in chronic hemodialysis patients

Puntapong Taruangsri1, Leena Ong-Ajyooth, Sompong Ong-Ajyooth

  • 1Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|March 8, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Hyperhomocysteinemia is not an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients. Advanced age is a major factor, and carotid intima-media thickness is a useful atherosclerosis marker in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis in the general population.
  • Its role in end-stage kidney disease patients on long-term dialysis remains controversial.
  • Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a standard non-invasive measure of atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine homocysteine (Hcy) levels in hemodialysis (HD) patients.
  • To evaluate the role of Hcy as a risk factor for atherosclerosis in HD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed clinical data and blood chemistries in 62 HD patients.
  • Defined atherosclerosis by clinical presentation or carotid plaque via ultrasound.
  • Measured carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) using ultrasound.

Main Results:

  • HD patients had significantly higher plasma Hcy levels than normal controls (28.3 +/- 8.3 vs 9.7 +/- 2.9 micromol/l, p < 0.001).
  • Univariate analysis showed correlations between atherosclerosis and older age, male sex, longer HD duration, and higher plasma Hcy.
  • Multivariable analysis did not find plasma Hcy to be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.
  • IMT correlated with atherosclerosis, but plasma Hcy did not correlate with IMT.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is not an independent factor in the development of atherosclerosis in HD patients.
  • Advanced age is a significant factor in hyperhomocysteinemia and atherosclerosis in this group.
  • IMT serves as a valuable marker for atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications01:24

Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications

DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...
Hemodialysis I: Introduction01:25

Hemodialysis I: Introduction

Hemodialysis (HD) is a medical treatment that artificially removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. In this process, blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the selective removal of waste while preserving necessary components like blood cells and proteins. Hemodialysis is typically performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...