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[Factors determining hyperhomocysteinemia in the chronic phase of strokes]
F J Carod-Artal1, S V Nunes, A P Vargas
1Service de Neurologiá, Hospital Sarah Centro, Brasilia DF, Brasil. javier@sarah.br
Insights
Hyperhomocysteinemia, a condition linked to ischemic stroke, is influenced by both genetic factors like the MTHFR gene mutation and environmental factors such as age, smoking, and sex. These factors significantly impact homocysteine levels in stroke patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Research
Context:
- Ischemic stroke is a significant health concern with multiple contributing factors.
- Hyperhomocysteinemia has been associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke.
- Understanding the determinants of hyperhomocysteinemia is crucial for stroke prevention and management.
Purpose:
- To investigate the primary factors influencing hyperhomocysteinemia in patients during the chronic phase of ischemic stroke.
- To analyze the relationship between homocysteine levels, MTHFR gene mutations, and various risk factors in stroke survivors.
Summary:
- A study of 280 ischemic stroke patients revealed that 44.3% had elevated homocysteine (Hc) levels.
- Hyperhomocysteinemia was more prevalent in patients over 45 years old.
- Key determinants identified through regression analysis included age, MTHFR gene mutation (C677T), smoking, and male sex.
Impact:
- Identifies specific genetic and environmental factors contributing to hyperhomocysteinemia in stroke patients.
- Provides insights into the complex interplay of factors affecting homocysteine levels post-stroke.
- Informs potential therapeutic strategies targeting homocysteine levels for stroke risk reduction.
Introduction:
Several prospective and case-control studies have pointed to an association between hyperhomocysteinemia and ischaemic stroke.
Aim:
To analyse the main factors determining hyperhomocysteinemia in the chronic phase of strokes.
Patients And Methods:
We studied 280 patients with ischaemic stroke (130 subjects < 45 years old; 150 > 45 years old; 50.7% males) who were admitted to the Neurology Service consecutively over the years 2002 and 2003. Both plasma levels of homocysteine (Hc) and the mutation of the gene for 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) were determined. An analysis was conducted to determine the distribution of the mean levels of Hc according to the aetiological subtype of stroke (TOAST classification) and the presence of vascular risk factors.
Results:
Hc levels were found to be above normal (> 13 micromol/L) in 44.3% of cases. Hyperhomocysteinemia was more frequent in those above the age of 45 (55.3 versus 31.5%; p < 0.01). The mean Hc value was 16.3 micromol/L and was high both in young patients (15.1 +/- 14.9 micromol/L) and in adults (17.4 +/- 9.1 micromol/L). Results showed that 42.5% were carriers of the C677T mutation (7.1% in homozygosis and 35.4% in heterozygosis). There were more young patients carrying the homozygotic mutation than adults (9.2 versus 5.3%; p = 0.05). Hc levels in plasma were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in patients who were carriers of the homozygotic mutation (29.4 versus 14.2 micromol/L). The main factors determining hyperhomocysteinemia in the multiple linear regression analysis were: age, mutation of the gene for MTHFR, smoking and being male (R = 0.386).
Conclusion:
Genetic and environmental factors determine the levels of Hc in the chronic phase of strokes.
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