Homocyst(e)ine and arterial occlusive diseases

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M R Malinow1

  • 1Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, Beaverton.

Journal of Internal Medicine
|December 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

High homocysteine (H(e)) levels are linked to arterial diseases. While vitamin supplements can reverse elevated H(e), their impact on arterial disease progression requires further clinical trials.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Homocysteine (H(e)) is an amino acid linked to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral arterial diseases.
  • Elevated H(e) levels are an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss mechanisms regulating plasma H(e).
  • To explore the association between H(e) and arterial occlusive diseases.
  • To examine H(e) relationships with nitric oxide and hemostasis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of genetic, physiological, nutritional, and pharmacological mechanisms.
  • Discussion of clinical observations linking H(e) to arterial diseases.

Main Results:

  • High plasma H(e) levels are frequently observed in patients with arterial diseases.
  • Elevated H(e) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.
  • High H(e) levels are generally reversible with vitamin supplementation.

Conclusions:

  • The association between elevated H(e) and arterial occlusive diseases is well-established.
  • Further prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials are needed to determine if vitamin supplements can alter the course of arterial occlusive diseases.

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