Homocysteine and Cardiovascular Disease

Homocysteine is a sulphur-containing aýnino acid formed during the ýnetabolisýn of ýnethionine . It is ýnetabolised by reýnethy lation or transsulphuration. Fasting normal ranges are 5- ý 5 ýýýnoi/L in the general population. Plasma hoýnoc yste ine ý eve l s are strongly influenced by diet, as well as genetic factors. It is suggested that atherogenic propensity associated with h yperhoýnocysteineýn i a results from endothelial dysfunction and injury. Although there is considerable epideýn i ologica l evidence for a relation between plasýna hoýnocyste ine and cardiovascular disease, not all prospective studies have supported such a relationship. Moreover, despite the potential for reducing hoýnocysteine levels with increased intake of folic acid, it is not known whether reduction of plasýna hoýnocyste ine by diet and/or vitamin therapy wi ll reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Hoýnocysteine leveýs of mo re than ý 5 ýým oi/L ýnay be ýnanaged with 400 ýýg folate with or without other B vitamins.