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Updated: Apr 13, 2026
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Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
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Homocysteinemia as a risk factor for atherosclerosis: a review
M R Nehler1, L M Taylor1, J M Porter1
1Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon USA.
Summary
High homocysteine levels are linked to atherosclerosis. While folate can lower homocysteine, its effect on preventing or stopping atherosclerosis in patients remains unknown.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Metabolic Disease Research
Background:
- Elevated plasma homocysteine is a recognized risk factor for atherosclerosis.
- Animal models show homocysteine infusion causes rapid vascular lesions.
- Strong evidence links homocysteine to symptomatic atherosclerotic disease in multiple circulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical impact of normalizing plasma homocysteine levels.
- To determine if homocysteine normalization prevents or arrests atherosclerosis progression.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical data on homocysteine and atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of studies involving homocysteine-lowering therapies, specifically oral folate.
Main Results:
- Homocysteine elevation is a consistent risk factor for atherosclerosis.
- Oral folate effectively normalizes plasma homocysteine in most patients.
Conclusions:
- Despite established links and effective normalization methods, the clinical benefit of reducing homocysteine in atherosclerosis is not yet proven.
- Further research is needed to ascertain if homocysteine normalization halts or prevents atherosclerotic disease progression.
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