Homocysteine: relations to ischemic cardiovascular diseases

Homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is an intermediate metabolite of methionine. Patients with homocystinuria and severe hyperhomocysteinemia develop premature arteriosclerosis and arterial thrombotic events, and venous thromboembolism. Studies suggest that moderate hyperhomocysteinemia ca...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inLa revue de medecine interne Vol. 17; no. 1; pp. 34 - 45
Main Authors Piolot, A, Nadler, F, Parez, N, Jacotot, B
Format Journal Article
LanguageFrench
Published France Elsevier 1996
Subjects
Arteriosclerosis - metabolism
Arteriosclerosis - physiopathology
Cardiovascular Diseases - metabolism
Cardiovascular Diseases - physiopathology
Chemical Sciences
Homocysteine - blood
Homocysteine - metabolism
Homocysteine - urine
Humans
Myocardial Ischemia - metabolism
Myocardial Ischemia - physiopathology
Organic chemistry
Risk Factors
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Summary:Homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is an intermediate metabolite of methionine. Patients with homocystinuria and severe hyperhomocysteinemia develop premature arteriosclerosis and arterial thrombotic events, and venous thromboembolism. Studies suggest that moderate hyperhomocysteinemia can be considered as an independent risk factor in the development of premature cardiovascular disease. In vitro, homocysteine has toxic effects on endothelial cells. Homocysteine can promote lipid peroxidation and damage vascular endothelial cells. Moreover, homocysteine interferes with the natural anticoagulant system and the fibrinolytic system. Homocysteinemia should be known in patients with premature vascular diseases, especially in subjects with no risk factors. Folic acid, vitamin B6 can lower homocysteine levels.
ISSN:0248-8663
1768-3122