Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia is recognized as a risk factor for several diseases, including cardiovascular and neurological conditions. Homocysteine (HCys) is a key metabolite involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of methionine (Met), which plays a pivotal role in the physiological cell's life cycle. The biochemistry of Met is finely regulated by several enzymes that control HCys concentration. Indeed, balanced activity among the enzymes is essential for the cell's well-being, while its malfunction could raise HCys concentration which can lead to the onset of several pathological conditions. The HCys concentration increase seems to be caused mainly by the widely diffused polymorphisms of several enzymes. Nowadays, a blood test can easily detect elevated concentrations of HCys, referred to as Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCys). Prolonged exposure to this condition can lead to the onset of cardiovascular disease and can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, stroke, inflammatory syndromes like osteoporosis and rheumatism, as well as neuronal pathologies including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In this review, we analyzed the literature of several pathological conditions in which the molecular pathways of HHCys are involved. Interestingly, several observations indicate that the calibrated assumption of correct doses of vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and betaine may control HHCys-related conditions.
Highlights
INTRODUCTIONA high blood level of Homocysteine (HCys) has been regarded, in the last 10 years, as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease as well as a risk factor for many other pathologies, including Alzheimer’s and other dementias [1]
A high blood level of Homocysteine (HCys) has been regarded, in the last 10 years, as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease as well as a risk factor for many other pathologies, including Alzheimer’s and other dementias [1].Homocysteine (HCys) is a non-essential amino acid that derives from the biosynthesis and metabolism of methionine (Met)
Plasma HCys directly correlated with psoriasis severity according to skin psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score, whereas it was inversely correlated with plasma folic acid levels, which were lower in psoriasis patients than in the controls and lower than the normal range in 13 of 40 (32.5%) psoriasis patients studied [127]
Summary
A high blood level of Homocysteine (HCys) has been regarded, in the last 10 years, as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease as well as a risk factor for many other pathologies, including Alzheimer’s and other dementias [1]. Homocysteine (HCys) is a non-essential amino acid that derives from the biosynthesis and metabolism of methionine (Met). Within the Met metabolic pathway, HCys either can be irreversibly degraded to cysteine (Cys) via the trans-sulfuration pathway or re-methylated back to Met. HCys is extremely important for the cell’s homeostasis, its physiological activity is essential to Met, which plays a vital role for the cell’s viability
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