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Role of homocysteine in cerebrovascular disease

M M Hoque1, M Z Rahman, M R Rahman

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Mymensingh Medical Journal : MMJ
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Elevated homocysteine levels are significantly associated with cerebrovascular disease (CVD). This finding highlights hyperhomocysteinemia as a key modifiable risk factor for preventing CVD and its subtypes, ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health concern, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality.
  • Established risk factors for CVD exist, but hyperhomocysteinemia is an emerging, modifiable factor.
  • Homocysteine may be vasculotoxic, linked to endothelial dysfunction and impaired fibrinolysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum total homocysteine levels and cerebrovascular disease.
  • To compare homocysteine levels in CVD cases versus healthy controls.
  • To examine differences in homocysteine levels between ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease subtypes.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 248 participants (104 CVD cases, 144 controls).
  • CVD cases included ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease (HCVD) subgroups.
  • Serum total homocysteine levels were measured in all participants.

Main Results:

  • Mean homocysteine levels were significantly higher in CVD cases (15.55±7.35 µmol/L) compared to controls (12.95±6.20 µmol/L).
  • No significant difference in homocysteine levels was observed between ICVD (15.70±7.82 µmol/L) and HCVD (15.34±6.78 µmol/L) subgroups.
  • Homocysteine levels were significantly elevated in individuals with cerebrovascular disease.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is a significant risk factor for cerebrovascular disease.
  • Measuring homocysteine levels may aid in CVD risk assessment and prevention strategies.
  • Further research could explore targeted interventions for hyperhomocysteinemia to reduce CVD burden.

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