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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Published on: September 28, 2015
Homocysteine and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Paul Moroz1, Max T Q Le, Paul E Norman
1School of Surgery and Pathology, University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|May 15, 2007
Summary
Elevated homocysteine may contribute to abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Folate supplementation
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Vascular Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Elevated homocysteine is linked to vascular disease, including stroke and coronary heart disease.
- Folate supplementation is proposed to reduce cardiovascular risks by lowering homocysteine.
- The role of homocysteine in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) pathogenesis is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the role of homocysteine in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).
Main Methods:
- Searched published English-language studies using keywords 'abdominal aortic aneurysm' and 'homocysteine'.
- Reviewed evidence from in vitro, animal models, and case-control studies.
Main Results:
- In vitro and animal studies suggest homocysteine activation of metalloproteinases affects aortic wall structure.
- Case-control studies indicate an association between higher homocysteine levels and AAA presence.
- Genotypic data on methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variants and AAA are conflicting.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests an association between homocysteine and AAA, but a causal role is not definitively established.
- Further research is necessary to clarify homocysteine's role in AAA pathogenesis.
- Folate supplementation may offer potential benefits for AAA patients, warranting further investigation.
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