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Published on: September 25, 2019

Hyperhomocysteinemia and lower extremity wounds

Elissa M Schwartzfarb1, Paolo Romanelli

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Cutaneus Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.

The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds
|September 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Elevated homocysteine levels may indicate a risk for chronic lower limb wounds. This review explores homocysteine metabolism, vascular injury, and potential treatments for these debilitating conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Wound Healing Research

Background:

  • Chronic lower extremity wounds, including leg and foot ulcers, stem from conditions like venous insufficiency, arterial disease, and diabetes.
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia, an elevation in homocysteine levels, has been recognized for over 30 years as an independent risk factor for thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the metabolism of homocysteine.
  • To examine the mechanisms of vascular injury associated with elevated homocysteine.
  • To investigate the potential role of hyperhomocysteinemia as a marker for chronic lower limb ulceration and discuss treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on homocysteine metabolism and vascular pathology.
  • Analysis of existing evidence linking hyperhomocysteinemia to cardiovascular and thrombotic events.
  • Exploration of studies investigating homocysteine levels in patients with chronic lower extremity wounds.

Main Results:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is a significant risk factor for venous and arterial thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
  • While a direct cause-effect relationship is not fully established, elevated homocysteine levels are suggested to be a marker for chronic lower limb ulceration.
  • Understanding homocysteine metabolism and vascular injury mechanisms is crucial.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia may serve as a potential biomarker for chronic lower extremity wounds.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of homocysteine in wound pathogenesis.
  • Exploring homocysteine-lowering therapies could offer new treatment avenues for patients with chronic lower limb ulceration.

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