Elevated Homocysteine Levels and Endothelial Dysfunction in Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a common reproductive issue with complex causes and limited treatments.
• While folate metabolism is studied, methionine metabolism and homocysteine's role in RSA remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between homocysteine levels and recurrent spontaneous abortion.
• To explore the impact of homocysteine on endothelial cells and microparticle release.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of blood samples from women with RSA and controls.
• In vitro exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to homocysteine.
• Flow cytometry to assess cell viability and microparticle release.

Main Results:

• Women with RSA exhibited elevated homocysteine levels.
• Homocysteine correlated with increased plasma microparticles, endothelial microparticles (EMPs), and cell-free DNA.
• In vitro, homocysteine induced endothelial cell apoptosis, compromised membrane integrity, and increased EMPs release.

Conclusions:

• Elevated homocysteine may induce endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis in RSA.
• Increased microparticles and cell-free DNA are linked to homocysteine-induced endothelial damage.
• Findings contribute to understanding mechanisms of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA).