Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

A Novel Stretching Platform for Applications in Cell and Tissue Mechanobiology
16:46

A Novel Stretching Platform for Applications in Cell and Tissue Mechanobiology

Published on: June 3, 2014

The effect of hyperhomocysteinemia on aortic distensibility in healthy individuals

Ioanna Eleftheriadou1, Pinelopi Grigoropoulou, Ioannis Moyssakis

  • 1First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.

Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|February 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Acute hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) from methionine intake reduces aortic elasticity and impairs heart function in healthy individuals. This study investigated the immediate impact of HHCY on cardiovascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Metabolic Medicine
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Elevated plasma homocysteine (HCY) is linked to cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Aortic distensibility and pulse wave velocity (PWV) measure aortic elasticity.
  • The acute effects of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) on aortic elasticity and myocardial function in healthy individuals remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of acute methionine-induced HHCY on aortic distensibility and PWV in healthy subjects.
  • To evaluate the effect of acute HHCY on left ventricular myocardial performance using the Tei index.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized crossover study involving 30 healthy volunteers.
  • Administration of oral methionine (100 mg/kg) or water load on separate days.
  • Non-invasive ultrasonography and applanation tonometry to measure aortic distensibility, Tei index, and PWV at baseline and follow-up intervals.

Main Results:

  • Methionine ingestion significantly increased plasma HCY levels.
  • Aortic distensibility decreased, and the Tei index increased 3 hours post-methionine load, indicating impaired aortic and myocardial function.
  • No significant changes in PWV were observed after methionine or water consumption.

Conclusions:

  • Acute HHCY induced by methionine significantly reduces aortic distensibility and worsens myocardial performance in healthy individuals.
  • Further investigation is needed to understand the long-term cardiovascular effects of HHCY.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound10:08

Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound

Published on: December 2, 2014

Measuring the Stiffness of Ex Vivo Mouse Aortas Using Atomic Force Microscopy10:35

Measuring the Stiffness of Ex Vivo Mouse Aortas Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Published on: October 19, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System01:18

Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...