Serum homocysteine and vitamin B12 levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is described as a glucose intolerance of variable severity which begun or was firstly recognized during gravidity. Two major metabolic disorders, insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, currently play major role in pathogenesis of GDM. Our intention was to investigate total serum homocysteine and vitamin B12 levels in pregnant women with GDM and non-diabetic gravid women. Serum homocysteine and vitamin B12 levels were prospectively measured in a total of 79 pregnant women, 60 of whom were diagnosed with GDM, and 19 of whom were healthy controls. Serum homocysteine levels were analyzed by ELISA. Vitamin B12 concentrations were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay, and lipids were determined enzymatically. GDM and control groups did not differ in terms of the serum homocysteine levels (median 7.24 vs 7.97 umol/L, respectively, p = 0.15). Nor did we find any association between serum homocysteine levels and BMI (r = 0.06, p = 0.55, respectively). There was no correlation between serum homocysteine and fasting serum glucose (r = 0.3, p = 0.8, respectively). There was no relationship between serum homocysteine concentrations and glycosylated hemoglobin (HgbA1c) levels (r = 0.06, p = 0.67, respectively). Serum vitamin B12 concentrations did not differ between the GDM and control groups (median 286 vs 262 pg/mL, respectively, p = 0.17). We found that levels of Vitamin B12 correlated inversely with fasting serum glucose concentrations (r = -0.44, p = 0.0009). Vitamin B12 concentrations increased along with LDL (r = 0.27, p = 0.043) and HDL (r = 0.38, p = 0.004) levels, however were inversely correlated with serum triglycerides (r = -0.34, p = 0.009). GDM patients with low Vitamin B12 values tend to have higher fasting serum glucose and altered lipid profiles (high triglycerides, low HDL and LDL). In women with GDM, serum homocysteine levels are not associated with HbA1c level, fasting glycemia, or BMI.
- Research Article
7
- 10.1016/j.artere.2021.04.003
- Apr 30, 2021
- Clínica e Investigación en Arteriosclerosis (English Edition)
Lipid profile and serum folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels in patients with retinal vein occlusion
- Research Article
33
- 10.7762/cnr.2016.5.1.7
- Jan 1, 2016
- Clinical Nutrition Research
Folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine (HCY) are involved in the metabolism of nucleic acid precursors and it has been hypothesized that they also influence telomere length, a biomarker of aging. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent findings, and data for older adults are limited. Our study aimed to evaluate associations between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and serum folate, vitamin B12, and HCY levels among adults aged 55 years and over. In a cross-sectional study in 798 men and women aged 55-79 years, serum folate, vitamin B12, and HCY levels were measured using chemiluminescent immunometric assays, and relative LTL was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. To evaluate associations between LTL and serum folate, vitamin B12, and HCY levels, multiple linear regression models were used. In multiple models adjusted for age, sex, serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, and other potential confounding factors, we found no association between LTL and serum folate, vitamin B12, and HCY levels. However, we did find a significant inverse association between HCY levels and LTL in participants with serum hs-CRP levels of ≥ 2 mg/L (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a trend toward an association between HCY and vitamin B12 levels in these individuals (p = 0.08). In those with serum hs-CRP levels of < 2 mg/L, HCY was inversely associated with vitamin B12 levels (p < 0.001) and had no association with LTL. Our findings suggest that increased serum HCY levels, when combined with the presence of systemic inflammation, may play a role in accelerating biological aging.
- Research Article
10
- 10.7754/clin.lab.2015.141230
- Jan 1, 2015
- Clinical Laboratory
The data regarding Valproate and its influence on serum folate and homocysteine levels are conflicting. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether differences exist in homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels in children receiving Valproate. A total of 55 newly diagnosed epileptic children with ages ranging from 2 to 15 years were enrolled at the start of study but after 3 months follow up, the total sample size finally was only 50 epileptic children. 5 children dropped out of study due to poor follow up. 50 age and gender matched healthy control subjects were also studied on enrollment at the start of study. Serum homocysteine levels were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay method using the kits provided by Axis-Shield Diagnostics Ltd (Dundee DD2 1XA, United Kingdom). Serum folate and serum vitamin B12 were estimated by Competitive Chemiluminescent Enzyme Immunoassay method. The serum homocysteine level in epileptic children was found to be significantly increased after Valproate monotherapy as compared to before therapy. Moreover, a highly significant decrease was observed in the levels of serum folate in epileptic children after Valproate monotherapy as compared to before therapy. But a non significant difference was observed in serum vitamin B12 levels in epileptic children before and after Valproate monotherapy. Thus, we conclude that there is a significant increase in the levels of homocysteine and a significant decrease in the concentration of serum folate while vitamin B12 decreases non-significantly after Valproate monotherapy. The atherogenic effect of increased serum homocysteine level is well established; the patients under Valproate monotherapy should be monitored for possible atherogenic effects. Considering the above observation and results of children undergoing Valproate monotherapy, these children should be screened for levels of serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 and treated when their levels are found to be disturbed.
- Research Article
1
- 10.7759/cureus.69675
- Sep 18, 2024
- Cureus
The purpose of this study was to assess serum homocysteine levels and their relationship with serum vitamin B12, folate, and ferritin levels in transfusion-dependent thalassemic children. This study was proposed due to a paucity of literature regarding the status of homocysteine levels in thalassemic children and their relationship with the levels of vitamins and iron overload (serum ferritin values). A descriptive observational study was conducted on transfusion-dependent thalassemic children aged 1-18 years, who were registered at the Thalassemia Day Care Centre (TDCC), Umaid Hospital, Dr. SN Medical College, Jodhpur, over a period of six months. A total of 100 children were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 8.89±4.50 years. The mean pre-transfusion hemoglobin level in the last six months was 8.23±1.02 gm/dL. The mean serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid, and ferritin were 10.93±3.72 µmol/L, 164.03±80.54 pg/mL, 7.69±5.77 ng/mL, and 2175.78±1341.39 ng/mL, respectively. A statistically significant negative correlation was detected between serum vitamin B12 concentration and serum homocysteine concentration (r=-0.285, p=0.004). Statistically non-significant positive correlations were detected between serum folic acid and serum homocysteine levels (r=0.033, p=0.748) and between serum ferritin and serum homocysteine levels (r=0.179, p=0.075). A statistically significant negative correlation between serum homocysteine and vitamin B12 levels was noted, whereas statistically non-significant positive correlations were observed between serum homocysteine andserum folic acid levels and between serum homocysteine andserum ferritin levels.
- Research Article
7
- 10.1016/j.arteri.2020.07.001
- Oct 14, 2020
- Clínica e Investigación en Arteriosclerosis
Perfil lipídico y concentraciones séricas de ácido fólico, vitamina B12 y homocisteína en pacientes con obstrucción venosa retiniana
- Research Article
- 10.5455/medscience.2025.01.04
- Jan 1, 2025
- Medicine Science | International Medical Journal
Homocysteine is an amino acid formed during methionine metabolism that contributes to neurodegeneration by inducing an excitotoxic response. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cognitive impairment and serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate levels in Parkinson\'s disease (PD). A total of 64 patients, 46 with PD and 18 with Parkinson\'s Disease Dementia (PDD), who were followed up in the Movement Disorders Outpatient Clinic, were included in the study. To assess cognitive performance, both patient groups underwent the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a clock drawing test. The correlations between serum vitamin B12, homocysteine and folate levels, and cognitive test scores were evaluated for both patient groups. In the PD group, higher levels of vitamin B12 and folate, as well as lower homocysteine levels, were found compared to the dementia group, with statistical significance observed only for vitamin B12 levels. In terms of the MMSE total scores, as well as its subcategories; in the registration, recall, and attention sections, PD patients were found to perform better than the dementia group. A negative correlation of 32.2% was found between MMSE total scores and homocysteine levels, while a positive correlation of 54.2% was observed between folate levels and attention. A positive correlation was found between the total MMSE scores and clock drawing test scores in both patient groups, but no significant relationship was found between clock drawing test scores and serum vitamin levels, or homocysteine levels. In PD, a negative correlation was observed between homocysteine levels and total MMSE scores, while a positive correlation was found between folate levels and attention in PDD.
- Research Article
13
- 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104743
- Jul 1, 2023
- Multiple sclerosis and related disorders
Association of serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 and mood following the Swank and Wahls elimination dietary interventions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: Secondary analysis of the WAVES trial.
- Research Article
22
- 10.1111/bjd.17034
- Sep 12, 2018
- British Journal of Dermatology
Patients with psoriasis are at increased risk for cardiovascular comorbidities. Previous studies examined the possible contribution of serum homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 to cardiovascular risks in patients with psoriasis but had conflicting conclusions. To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on serum homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 levels in patients with psoriasis. Online databases were searched on 15 February 2018 to include studies comparing serum homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 levels between patients with psoriasis and controls. A random effects model was adopted to estimate odds ratios for dichotomous data and standardized mean differences (SMDs) for continuous data. A comprehensive literature search identified 24 studies eligible for inclusion. Compared with controls, patients with psoriasis had a significantly higher serum homocysteine level [SMD 0·41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·21-0·61; I2 = 76·7%, 18 studies], a higher prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia (odds ratio 3·48, 95% CI 2·08-5·83; I2 = 41·1%, seven studies) and a lower serum folate level (SMD -0·94, 95% CI -1·49 to -0·40; I2 = 95·6%, 14 studies). However, there was no difference in serum vitamin B12 levels between patients with psoriasis and the control group (SMD 0·004, 95% CI -0·49 to 0·50; I2 = 92%, 11 studies). Metaregression analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between the SMD of homocysteine levels and folate levels. Patients with psoriasis might have higher serum homocysteine and lower folate levels than control patients without psoriasis. However, due to significant heterogeneity and other limitations, the associations require further examinations in more studies.
- Research Article
12
- 10.7754/clin.lab.2015.150911
- Jan 1, 2016
- Clinical laboratory
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with metabolic consequences that lead to an increase in risk of atherosclerosis in patients with epilepsy. Therefore, we evaluated whether differences exist in homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels in children receiving carbamazepine (CBZ) monotherapy. A total of 58 newly diagnosed epileptic children with ages ranging from 2 to 15 years were enrolled at the start of study. However, after 3 months follow up, the final total sample size was only 50 epileptic children. Eight children dropped out of the study due to poor follow up. Serum homocysteine levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay method. Serum folate and vitamin B12 levels were estimated by Competitive Chemiluminescent Enzyme Immunoassay method. The serum homocysteine level in epileptic children was found to be significantly increased after carbamazepine (CBZ) monotherapy as compared to before therapy. Moreover, a highly significant decrease was observed in the serum folate and vitamin B12 levels, after carbamazepine monotherapy as compared to before therapy in epileptic children. Carbamazepine monotherapy may cause a significant increase in the levels of homocysteine and a significant decrease in the levels of serum folate and vitamin B12 in children with epilepsy, significant changes in above mentioned parameters occurring early in the course of treatment. The atherogenic effect of increased serum homocysteine level is well established, and patients under carbamazepine monotherapy should be monitored for possible atherogenic effects. Therefore, it may be useful to measure serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 concentrations routinely in children with epilepsy taking carbamazepine monotherapy and be treated when their levels are found to be disturbed.
- Research Article
36
- 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.08.029
- Aug 28, 2018
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels in patients with vitiligo and their potential roles as disease activity biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Research Article
- 10.7759/cureus.102276
- Jan 25, 2026
- Cureus
The role of vitamin B12 in maternal obesity, insulin resistance, and gestational diabetesmellitus (GDM) is debatable. This study was undertaken to determine and compare the levels of serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine (Hcy) in pregnant women with and without GDM and to correlate them with maternal obesity. A total of 45 pregnant women with GDM and 45 pregnant women without GDM between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation were included in the study. Their body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Vitamin B12, Hcy, lipid profile, and blood glucose levels were measured. Serum vitamin B12 levels were low in both GDM and non-GDM groups. Only four women from the non-GDM group had normal vitamin B12 levels. Women with GDM had a significantly better socioeconomic status, probably accounting for relatively higher vitamin B12 levels, i.e., 146.2 pg/ml compared to 112 pg/ml in the non-GDM women.Women with GDM had significantly higher BMI (p = 0.001), higher triacylglycerol (TAG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) as compared to non-GDM women. No significant statistical difference in Hcy was found between the two groups. Vitamin B12 levels were low in both groups of women, but were higher in the GDM group, probably because the higher socioeconomic status among women with GDM played a role.Vitamin B12 deficiency was linked with higher BMI, and women with GDM had higher levels of TAG, VLDL, and blood pressure, highlighting a state of insulin resistance.
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.jds.2025.09.017
- Oct 10, 2025
- Journal of Dental Sciences
Anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia in younger and older oral lichen planus patients
- Research Article
- 10.54079/jpmi.36.2.3018
- Jun 30, 2022
- Journal of Postgraduate Medical Institute
Objective: To determine the frequency of serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels in patients with Pre-eclampsia. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar in collaboration with the Department of Biochemistry of Khyber Medical University (KMU), from May 2019 to December 2019 after obtaining ethical approval from Advanced Study and Research Board (ASRB). Using non-probability convenient sample technique, 60 patients who were Primi Gravida with Pre-eclampsia were admitted via OPD or labour room. Data was collected from hospital record , charts and documented and analyzed in SPSS version 22. Results: The mean age of the patients in this study was 21.75 ± 2.05 years. The mean vitamin B 12 levels recorded in our study was 175 ± 34.39 pmol/l. Vitamin B 12 levels in most of the participants, 45(75%) were in normal ranges. 12(20%) patients were deficient in vitamin B 12 levels while 03(05%) patients had high levels of vitamin B12. The mean serum Homocysteine level in our study was 9.63 ± 3.46 umol/l. Most of the participants 48 (80%) had normal levels while 09(15%) patients had high levels of serum Homocysteine while only 03 (05%) patients were deficient in serum Homocysteine levels. Conclusion: Majority of the patients with Pre eclampsia had normal levels of Homocysteine and vitamin B12. There was an inverse correlation between serum Vitamin B12 and Homocysteine levels in Pre-eclamptic patients
- Conference Article
2
- 10.4108/eai.13-11-2018.2283593
- Jan 1, 2019
Vitiligo is an idiopathic disease characterized by depigmented patches on the skin due to loss of melanocytes. Vitiligo is often believed to be present in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 are major determinants of homocysteine levels, and nutritional deficiency in these vitamins results in hyperhomocysteinemia. High levels of homocysteine are suspected to have toxic effects on melanocytes and cause vitiligo. This study aims to know the relation between serum homocysteine and vitamin B12 level with vitiligo severity. This work was an observational study with an analytic cross-sectional study design, consisting of 20 vitiligo patients aged 15-65 years who met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Vitiligo area severity index score was calculated, and serum homocysteine and vitamin B12 levels were determined by ELISA method. The mean age of vitiligo patients in this study was 44.55 ± 14.36 years and mostly female (85%). The most common type is vitiligo Vulgaris (70%) with the degree of severity based on the VASI score has a mean of 20.33 ± 25.64. The mean serum homocysteine level was 10.33 ± 10.01 μmol / L and vitamin B12 level was 138.77 ± 156.07 pmol / L. The association between serum homocysteine and vitamin B12 with a VASI score was not statistically significant. There was no significant correlation between homocysteine levels and serum vitamin B12 with the severity of vitiligo. But in this study see the average vitamin B12 levels are lower than normal values
- Research Article
40
- 10.1016/j.jaad.2010.08.025
- Jan 14, 2011
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Serum homocysteine as a biomarker of vitiligo vulgaris severity: A pilot study