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Homocysteine stimulates orbital fibroblast proliferation and migration in Graves' orbitopathy via activating Akt signaling pathway

  • 0Beijing Diabetes Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications +

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May 7, 2025

|

May 7, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels are linked to Graves' orbitopathy (GO) progression. Homocysteine stimulates orbital fibroblast activity, suggesting its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for GO.

Area Of Science

  • Ophthalmology
  • Endocrinology
  • Biochemistry

Background

  • Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is a serious complication of Graves' disease (GD) requiring better diagnostic and treatment options.
  • Orbital fibroblast (OFs) proliferation and migration are key in GO pathogenesis.
  • The role of homocysteine (Hcy) in GO is not well understood.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the role of Hcy in the progression of GO.
  • To determine the effects of Hcy on orbital fibroblasts (OFs).

Main Methods

  • Serum Hcy levels were measured in 131 Graves' disease patients (68 with GO).
  • Primary OFs were cultured and their proliferation and migration were assessed.
  • Western blotting analyzed the Akt signaling pathway.

Main Results

  • Serum Hcy levels were higher in GO patients than in GD patients, and further elevated in active GO.
  • Hcy levels positively correlated with GO clinical activity.
  • In vitro, Hcy promoted OFs proliferation and migration by activating the Akt pathway.

Conclusions

  • Homocysteine may serve as a novel biomarker for GO progression.
  • Hcy stimulates OFs, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target for GO.

Keywords:

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