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Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Boyi Yang1, Shujun Fan2, Xueyuan Zhi3
1Research Center of Environment and Non-Communicable Disease, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110013, China. boyiyangcmu@163.com.
Insights
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) affects 27.5% of Chinese individuals, with higher prevalence in northern, inland, male, and elderly populations. Early intervention strategies are crucial for this preventable condition.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), characterized by elevated total homocysteine levels (>15 μmol/L), is linked to increased disease risk.
- Understanding the prevalence of HHcy in China is essential for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and summarize the prevalence of HHcy across China.
- To identify demographic and geographic factors associated with HHcy prevalence.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search of international and Chinese databases was conducted.
- Data from 36 studies, including 60,754 subjects, were pooled using a random-effects model.
- Subgroup, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore prevalence variations.
Main Results:
- The overall pooled prevalence of HHcy in China was 27.5%.
- Prevalence was higher in northern and inland regions, increased with age, and was significantly greater in males than females.
- Rural residents and data from 2006-2012 showed slightly higher prevalence compared to urban residents and studies from 1990-2005, respectively.
Conclusions:
- HHcy is highly prevalent in China, particularly in specific geographic regions and demographic groups.
- Targeted, homocysteine-lowering strategies are recommended to mitigate the risks associated with this prevalent condition.
Abstract:
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy, total homocysteine concentrations > 15 μmol/L) has been associated with increased risk of many diseases. A systematic review was performed to summarize the prevalence of HHcy in China. We searched multiple international and Chinese scientific databases for relevant literature, and further manually screened reference lists and corresponded with original authors. Pooled prevalence of HHcy was calculated using random effects model. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were also performed. A total of 36 studies consisting 60,754 subjects (57.3% male; age range, 3-97 years) were finally included. The overall pooled prevalence of HHcy was 27.5%. Geographically, the prevalence was high in north areas, intermediate in central areas, and low in south areas, and was higher in inland versus coastal areas. The prevalence increased with age and was significantly higher in men than in women. Rural residents had a slightly higher HHcy prevalence than urban residents, and the studies conducted during 2006 to 2012 presented a higher HHcy prevalence than those during 1990 to 2005. In summary, the prevalence of HHcy in China is high, particularly in northern populations, the inlanders, males, and the elderly. Homocysteine-lowering strategies are necessary to reduce this highly preventable disorder.
