Homocysteine: The Silent Marker of Cardiovascular and Neurological Health

Biochemistry and Metabolism

Homocysteine (HCY) is an amino acid which is made of sulfur and is not a protein amino acid. It is produced during the demethylation of methionine which is a amino acid that is gotten from the diet and is known as protein. Homocysteine is metabolised into two main processes namely the remethylation to methionine process which is regulated by folate and vitamin B12 and the transsulfuration to cysteine process which is regulated by vitamin B6. In normal conditions the body has a regulatory system that ensures that homocysteine is produced and converted into other compounds and thus avoid their accumulation in the blood stream.

Clinical Significance and Disease Associations

Homocysteine level, which is also referred to as hyperhomocysteinemia, has been recognized as a risk factor that is independent of other risks factors for a number of diseases with special reference to cardiovascular diseases. Elevated level of homocysteine can also cause damage to the endothelial cells that line the interior of our blood vessels, stimulate inflammatory response, increase oxidative stress and also increase the likelihood of blood clot formation. homocysteine. Also, there has been an attempt to establish the relationship between high homocysteine level and complications during pregnancy such as neural tube defects and pregnancy induced hypertension.

Factors Influencing Homocysteine Levels

There are various factors that can influence the level of homocysteine in the blood. Genetic polymorphisms that affect the enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of homocysteine can cause inherited hyperhomocysteinemia. The most common genetic risk factor is alterations in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene which is responsible for the proper regulation of homocysteine. Deficiency in folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 can influence the levels of homocysteine in the blood. Other lifestyle factors that have been linked with high homocysteine include smoking, high coffee intake and low physical activity. Age, gender, some medications for example anticonvulsants and methotrexate can also affect homocysteine metabolism.

Therapeutic Approaches and Prevention

The management of homocysteine is mainly through the management of the causes and prevention. Supplementation with B-vitamins including folic acid, vitamin B12 and B6 has been seen to lower homocysteine levels in a lot of people. The modifications in the diet is also recommended in order to improve the intake of folate rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, legumes and fortified cereals. Other lifestyle changes like exercise and avoiding smoking are also beneficial in improving the homocysteine metabolism. People with genetic tendency of having high homocysteine levels may require closer observation and specific management. It is also recommended that high risk groups such as those with cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders or family history of similar conditions should undergo screening.

Suitable ELISA Kits

• Homocysteine ELISA Kit
• HCY ELISA Kit