Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for intracranial aneurysms: a case-control study in a Chinese Han...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are prevalent cerebrovascular lesions.
• Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with various cerebrovascular diseases.
• The specific relationship between HHcy and IAs in the Chinese Han population requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between HHcy and the risk of developing IAs.
• To identify potential interaction effects of demographic and lifestyle factors on this association.
• To determine if HHcy is an independent risk factor for IAs in the studied population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study design involving 206 IA patients and 206 controls from the Chinese Han population.
• Measurement of serum total homocysteine levels.
• Multivariate logistic regression, interaction, stratified analyses, and two-piecewise linear regression were employed to assess the association and potential effect modifiers.

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between HHcy and IAs (OR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.02-2.75) after adjusting for vascular risk factors.
• A 1-μmol/L increase in serum total homocysteine was associated with a 2% increased risk of IAs.
• Age was identified as a significant interactive factor in the relationship between HHcy and IAs, with a stronger association observed in the elderly subgroup.

Conclusions:

• HHcy is an independent risk factor for intracranial aneurysms in the Chinese Han population.
• The elderly subgroup shows a particularly strong association between HHcy and IAs.
• Further longitudinal studies and clinical trials are warranted to confirm causality and explore homocysteine-lowering interventions.