Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
Evaluating Therapeutic Interventions in the SHIP-deficient Mouse Model of Crohn Disease-like Ileitis and Fibrosis
Published on: October 14, 2025
Hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with Crohn's disease
G Casella1, E Antonelli, C Di Bella
1Medical Department, Desio Hospital, Desio, Monza and Brianza, Italy.
Insights
Hyperhomocysteinemia is common in Crohn's disease patients, affecting nearly half. While not directly linked to thrombosis in this study, elevated homocysteine may contribute to clot formation risk.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Thromboembolic events are a known complication in Crohn's disease.
- Hyperhomocysteinemia is a potential, though debated, contributing factor.
- Assessing its incidence and thrombotic risk in Crohn's disease is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia in nonselected Crohn's disease patients.
- To investigate if hyperhomocysteinemia serves as a risk marker for thrombosis.
- To explore correlations between homocysteine levels and clinical/laboratory variables.
Main Methods:
- Fifty consecutive Crohn's disease patients were analyzed.
- Patients were compared based on the presence or absence of hyperhomocysteinemia.
- N5-N10-methyltetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutations were assessed; thrombotic episodes were recorded.
Main Results:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 46% of patients.
- Elevated C-reactive protein was noted in hyperhomocysteinemic patients.
- No direct association was found between homocysteine levels and thrombosis, stroke, or specific gene mutations.
Conclusions:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia is a frequent finding in Crohn's disease.
- It may act as a cofactor in the development of thrombotic episodes.
- Further research is needed to clarify its role in thrombogenesis.
Background:
Thromboembolic complications have been reported in patients with Crohn's disease. Among the contributing factors, hyperhomocysteinemia has been described, although controversial data exist. The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia in a nonselected group of patients with Crohn's disease and to determine whether it might represent a risk marker for thrombosis in such patients.
Methods:
Fifty consecutive patients were recruited, and clinical and laboratory variables were compared between those without and those with hyperhomocysteinemia. In the latter, gene mutations in N5-N10-methyltetrahydrofolate reductase were searched for, and clinical and laboratory variables were related to hyperhomocysteinemia. The presence/absence of thrombotic episodes in both groups was determined.
Results:
Both groups had similar clinically active disease, with higher C-reactive protein values found in those with hyperhomocysteinemia. Hyperhomocysteinemia was found in 46 % of patients. Of these, 74 % had moderate, 13 % intermediate, and 13 % severe increase in serum homocysteine levels. No relationship was found between homocysteine levels, and age, vitamin B12 levels, folic acid levels, Crohn's Disease Activity Index score, and CRP values. Gene mutations were found in 5 (22 %) patients, 2 homozygotes and 3 heterozygotes. None of the patients with or without hyperhomocysteinemia had episodes of venous or arterial thrombosis, or stroke.
Conclusions:
Hyperhomocysteinemia is frequent in patients with Crohn's disease, and it could be a cofactor for the pathogenesis of thrombotic episodes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF