Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
07:29

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein

Published on: October 12, 2017

9.6K

Plasma Homocysteine and Cardiovascular Organ Damage in a Population with a High Prevalence of Risk Factors

Michaela Kozakova1, Carmela Morizzo2, Giuseppe Penno1

  • 1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|May 27, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is linked to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), a condition associated with cardiovascular events (CVEs). This suggests LVH may be a key link between Hcy and cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • The direct impact of Hcy on the cardiovascular system and its mediation by established risk factors remain unclear.
  • This study investigates the relationship between Hcy and cardiovascular organ damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate cross-sectional relationships between plasma Hcy and indices of cardiovascular organ damage.
  • To determine the association between these indices and a history of cardiovascular events (CVEs).

Main Methods:

  • 269 patients with high prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension were studied.
  • Measurements included carotid intima-media thickness, ankle-brachial index (ABI), reactive hyperemic index, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), left ventricular (LV) mass, and cardiac index.
  • Plasma Hcy levels were analyzed in relation to these cardiovascular parameters and history of CVEs.

Main Results:

  • Plasma Hcy levels were independently associated with LV mass and ABI.
  • Significantly higher Hcy levels were observed in patients with LV hypertrophy (LVH) and ABI < 0.90.
  • LVH was the only marker of CV organ damage associated with a history of CVEs.

Conclusions:

  • Hcy is independently associated with LV mass.
  • LVH is independently associated with a history of CVEs.
  • LVH may serve as a pathophysiologic link between Hcy and cardiovascular risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
arterial stiffnesscardiovascular eventshomocysteineleft ventricular hypertrophy

More Related Videos

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis07:51

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis

Published on: September 26, 2018

7.9K
Author Spotlight: Exploring Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction as an Antihypertensive Drug05:57

Author Spotlight: Exploring Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction as an Antihypertensive Drug

Published on: May 17, 2024

1.1K

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
434
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
270
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
778
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
528
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
362
Disorders of Hemostasis01:24

Disorders of Hemostasis

Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
1.8K