Hyperhomocysteinemia and cardiovascular disease in animal model

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is associated with primary causes of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Several studies have been carried out to evaluate the effects of a diet inducing cystathionine-β-synthase, methyltetrafolate, folic acid, and vitamin B supplemented with methionine on the homocysteine metabolism and in lowering the plasma total homocysteine levels. A large number of molecular and biomedical studies in numerous animals, such as mice, rabbits, and pigs, have sought to elevate the plasma total homocysteine levels and to identify a disease model for human hyperhomocysteinemia. However, a specific animal model is not suitable for hyperhomocysteinemia in terms of all aspects of cardiovascular disease. In this review article, the experimental progress of animal models with plasma total homocysteine levels is examined to identify a feasible animal model of hyperhomocysteinemia for different aspects.