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Published on: January 5, 2017

Increased levels of homocysteine in patients with ulcerative colitis

Sabiye Akbulut1, Emin Altiparmak, Firdevs Topal

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Kartal Kosuyolu High Specialty Education and Research Hospital, 34846 Istanbul, Turkey.

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|May 19, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Serum homocysteine levels are higher in ulcerative colitis patients, but do not correlate with thrombosis risk. Folic acid deficiency is linked to elevated homocysteine in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Hematology
  • Clinical Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events.
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia, a condition of elevated serum homocysteine (Hcys), is a known risk factor for thrombosis.
  • The relationship between Hcys levels and thrombosis in UC patients requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serum homocysteine (Hcys) levels in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).
  • To determine the risk associated with altered Hcys levels for thrombosis development in UC patients.

Main Methods:

  • Serum Hcys, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels were measured in 55 UC patients and 45 healthy controls.
  • Clinical history and thromboembolic events were assessed in all participants.
  • Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia.

Main Results:

  • UC patients exhibited significantly higher serum Hcys levels compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001).
  • Vitamin B12 and folic acid levels were lower in UC patients (P < 0.001).
  • Folic acid deficiency was identified as the sole risk factor for hyperhomocysteinemia in UC patients. No significant difference in thromboembolic complication frequencies was observed between groups. Hcys levels did not correlate with a history of thrombosis in UC patients.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated serum Hcys levels are present in UC patients.
  • No correlation was found between Hcys levels and a history of prior thromboembolic events in UC patients.
  • Folic acid deficiency is a significant factor contributing to hyperhomocysteinemia in UC.
Abstract

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