Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
04:50

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain

Published on: May 16, 2025

Factors associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia in Mexican patients with rheumatoid arthritis

M A Lopez-Olivo1, L Gonzalez-Lopez, A Garcia-Gonzalez

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Hospital General Regional 110, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Guadalajara, Mexico.

Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology
|April 28, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Mexican rheumatoid arthritis patients have a high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Male gender and advanced radiological damage are key associated factors, necessitating earlier evaluation and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Cardiovascular Risk Factors
  • Clinical Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • While Hispanics with RA have high coronary disease rates, data on homocysteine levels in Mexican RA patients is lacking.
  • This study addresses the prevalence and associated factors of elevated homocysteine in this specific population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in Mexican patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
  • To identify clinical, functional, and laboratory characteristics associated with hyperhomocysteinemia in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study comparing 152 RA patients with 153 controls.
  • RA patients were assessed for disease activity, function, comorbidity, and radiological damage.
  • Laboratory tests included total serum homocysteine (tHcy), inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and lipid profile.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 micromol/L) was significantly higher in RA patients (20%) compared to controls (6%).
  • Elevated homocysteine levels in RA were associated with male gender, impaired global functional status, higher radiological damage, and elevated CRP.
  • Multivariate analysis identified male gender (OR=4.2) and severe radiological damage (OR=3.4) as independent risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia.

Conclusions:

  • A high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia exists in Mexican patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
  • This finding highlights the need for increased attention to evaluating and managing this coronary risk factor in RA patients.
  • Earlier intervention strategies are crucial to mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with hyperhomocysteinemia in RA.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors01:29

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors

Protein-drug binding, a pivotal aspect of pharmacokinetics, is subject to considerable variability influenced by an array of patient-related factors. The intricate interplay of age, individual differences, and pathological conditions significantly impact the binding dynamics and subsequent pharmacological effects.
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...