Hyperhomocysteinemia

Hyperhomocysteinemia
Other namesHyperhomocysteinaemia
Total plasma homocysteine
SpecialtyNutrition, medical genetics, endocrinology Edit this on Wikidata

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally high level of total homocysteine (that is, including homocystine and homocysteine-cysteine disulfide) in the blood, conventionally described as above 15 μmol/L.[1]

As a consequence of the biochemical reactions in which homocysteine is involved, deficiencies of vitamin B6, folic acid (vitamin B9), and vitamin B12 can lead to high homocysteine levels.[2] Other possible causes of hyperhomocysteinemia include genetics, excessive methionine intake, and other diseases.[3]

Hyperhomocysteinemia is typically managed with vitamin B6, vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 supplementation.[4] Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease; supplements of these vitamins may slightly reduce stroke outcome but not myocardial infarction, death from any cause or adverse events.[5]

  1. ^ Guo, H; Chi, J; Xing, Y; Wang, P (2009). "Influence of folic acid on plasma homocysteine levels & arterial endothelial function in patients with unstable angina". The Indian Journal of Medical Research. 129 (3): 279–84. PMID 19491420.
  2. ^ Miller, J. W.; Nadeau, M. R.; Smith, D; Selhub, J (1994). "Vitamin B-6 deficiency vs folate deficiency: Comparison of responses to methionine loading in rats". The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 59 (5): 1033–9. doi:10.1093/ajcn/59.5.1033. PMID 8172087.
  3. ^ Kim, Jihyun; Kim, Hyunhee; Roh, Heewon; Kwon, Youngjoo (2018-04-01). "Causes of hyperhomocysteinemia and its pathological significance". Archives of Pharmacal Research. 41 (4): 372–383. doi:10.1007/s12272-018-1016-4. ISSN 0253-6269.
  4. ^ Stehouwer, Coen DA; Guldener, Coen van (2005). "Homocysteine-lowering treatment: An overview". Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. 2 (9): 1449–60. doi:10.1517/14656566.2.9.1449. PMID 11585023. S2CID 45945199.
  5. ^ Martí-Carvajal, Arturo J; Solà, Ivan; Lathyris, Dimitrios; Dayer, Mark (2017-08-17). Cochrane Heart Group (ed.). "Homocysteine-lowering interventions for preventing cardiovascular events". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021 (9). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006612.pub5. PMC 6483699. PMID 28816346.