Association between serum total homocysteine and arterial stiffness in adults: a community-based study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Biochemistry
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Increased arterial stiffness and elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) are established cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.
• The precise relationship between tHcy and arterial stiffness remains incompletely understood.
• Understanding this link is crucial for developing targeted CVD prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum tHcy levels and arterial stiffness, measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV).
• To identify potential effect modifiers influencing the tHcy-arterial stiffness relationship in an adult population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study conducted in Jiangsu Province, China, with 16,644 participants.
• Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) measured to assess arterial stiffness (cfPWV ≥10 m/s defined as increased stiffness).
• Statistical analyses performed to determine the association between tHcy and cfPWV, and to explore interactions with age, BMI, blood pressure, and diabetes status.

Main Results:

• A significant positive association was observed between tHcy levels and both cfPWV and the prevalence of increased arterial stiffness.
• Higher tHcy levels (≥15 μmol/L) were significantly correlated with higher cfPWV and increased arterial stiffness.
• The positive association between tHcy and arterial stiffness was more pronounced in older adults (≥60 years), individuals with low BMI (<25 kg/m²), high systolic blood pressure (≥145 mm Hg), and those with diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions:

• Serum tHcy concentrations are positively associated with arterial stiffness and its prevalence.
• Arterial stiffness may serve as a key mediator in the cardiovascular risk associated with elevated tHcy.
• These findings highlight the importance of managing tHcy levels for cardiovascular health, particularly in at-risk populations.