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Homocysteine, renin and aldosterone in patients with Cushing's syndrome

S Zacharieva1, G Kirilov, M Orbetzova

  • 1Clinical Centre of Endocrinology, Sofia Medical University, Bulgaria. zacharieva@uheg.medicalnet-bg.org

Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology
|July 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Homocysteine levels did not change in patients with Cushing's syndrome or metabolic syndrome after valsartan treatment. This suggests homocysteine is not a reliable marker for cardiovascular risk in these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Clinical Chemistry

Background:

  • Cushing's syndrome and metabolic syndrome are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
  • Homocysteine is a potential marker for cardiovascular disease.
  • The relationship between homocysteine and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in these conditions is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess fasting homocysteine levels in patients with active Cushing's syndrome.
  • To investigate the potential link between homocysteine and the RAAS.
  • To evaluate homocysteine as a marker for cardiovascular risk in Cushing's syndrome and metabolic syndrome.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed fasting homocysteine using two assay methods.
  • Administered 1-month valsartan treatment (angiotensin II receptor blocker) to patients with Cushing's syndrome and metabolic syndrome.
  • Measured plasma homocysteine, active renin, and aldosterone levels before and after treatment.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in baseline homocysteine, active renin, or aldosterone were found between Cushing's syndrome, metabolic syndrome, and control groups.
  • Active renin significantly increased during valsartan treatment in both patient groups.
  • Plasma homocysteine levels remained unchanged after valsartan treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Homocysteine does not appear to have a direct relationship with the RAAS.
  • Homocysteine may not be a reliable biomarker for endogenous hypercortisolism.
  • Homocysteine is unlikely to be a marker for cardiovascular risk in Cushing's syndrome or metabolic syndrome.

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