Folic acid responsive postmenopausal homocysteinemia

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Homocysteinemia is linked to juvenile arteriosclerosis, thromboembolic issues, and osteoporosis.
• Plasma homocysteine (as homocysteine-cysteine mixed disulfide, MDS) is higher in patients with cardiovascular disease and in men versus premenopausal women.
• The study investigates MDS levels in relation to menopause and methionine loading.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare fasting and post-methionine load plasma MDS levels in normal premenopausal women, postmenopausal women, and men.
• To assess the effect of folic acid therapy on plasma MDS concentrations in individuals with initially normal folate levels.
• To explore the potential link between moderate homocysteinemia and postmenopausal health issues.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of plasma MDS in fasting state and post-methionine load in normal men and premenopausal/postmenopausal women.
• Administration of folic acid (5 mg daily) for four weeks.
• Comparison of MDS levels before and after folic acid therapy.

Main Results:

• Postmenopausal women exhibited significantly higher fasting MDS concentrations than premenopausal women and younger men.
• After methionine load, postmenopausal women showed markedly higher MDS levels with no overlap compared to premenopausal women and older men.
• Folic acid therapy led to significant reductions in MDS levels (pre-load: -31%, post-load: -28%) despite normal initial folate status.

Conclusions:

• Moderate homocysteinemia may contribute to postmenopausal arteriosclerosis and osteoporosis.
• Folic acid supplementation could be a beneficial prophylactic measure for postmenopausal women.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the role of homocysteinemia and folic acid in postmenopausal vascular and bone health.