Homocysteine Levels In Children Research Articles

Serum interleukin-17 A and homocysteine levels in children with autism

BackgroundAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that typically emerges early in childhood. This study aimed to explore the potential link between serum levels of vitamin B12 and homocysteine (Hcy) and the severity of ASD symptoms in children.MethodsIn this study, 50 children diagnosed with ASD comprised the observation group, while 50 healthy children constituted the control group. Serum levels of IL-17 A, Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 were compared between the study group and control group, as well as among children with different degrees of ASD severity. The correlation between the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score and serum levels of IL-17 A, Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 was examined. Additionally, the relationship between serum IL-17 A and Hcy levels and their association with the severity ASD were explored.ResultsCompared to the control group, the observation group demonstrated elevated serum Hcy and IL-17 A levels alongside decreased folate and vitamin B12 levels. Individuals with severe ASD exhibited higher Hcy and IL-17 A levels but lower folate and vitamin B12 levels compared to those with mild to moderate ASD. The CARS score showed negative correlations with serum folate and vitamin B12 levels and positive correlations with serum IL-17 A and Hcy levels in ASD patients. Additionally, serum Hcy and IL-17 A levels were correlated with ASD severity.ConclusionChildren diagnosed with ASD presented with reduced serum vitamin B12 levels and increased levels of Hcy, potentially contributing to the onset and severity of ASD.

Retracted: Influence of Different Antiepileptic Drugs on Blood Ammonia and Homocysteine Levels in Children with Epilepsy.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/5698765.].

A Study of Plasma Homocysteine Level in Children with Autism

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that appears in early life. B6 and B12, and folate support homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism. Hence, any defect to them leads to Hcy accumulation in the body. Hcy, vitamins B12, B6 and folate are important in psychiatric disorders such dementia, schizophrenia, and autism. This study intended to compare the plasma Hcy levels in normal and autistic cases to find out whether there is difference between the levels of Hcy in plasma of autistic and normal children.
 Methods: This case control study enrolled 60 children who were allocated in two groups 30 with autism and other 30 as controls. All patients were exposed to full history taking, physical examination, mental status examination, hearing test, routine lab investigations and specific lab investigations (serum folic acid, plasma vitamin B12 and Hcy level).
 Results: Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) level among autistic children was 49.400 ± 5.840. The mean plasma Hcy level was considerably higher in children with autism than controls (P value< 0. 01). The mean serum folic acid level and vit B12 level was significantly reduced in autistic cases than controls (P value< 0. 01). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between plasma Hcy level (µmol/L) and CARS level in children with autism (P value< 0. 01).
 Conclusions: Children with autism have increased levels of Hcy, and decreased levels of folic acid and vit B12. So, Hcy may be used as a clinical biomarker for early diagnosis and managing of autistic children.

Serum homocysteine levels in children with coeliac disease

The Journal is the primary organ of Continuing Paediatric Medical Education in Sri Lanka. The journal also has a website. Free full text access is available for all readers.The Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health is now indexed in SciVerse Scopus (Source Record ID 19900193609), Index Medicus for South-East Asia Region (IMSEAR), CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International Global Health Database), DOAJ and is available in Google, as well as Google Scholar.The policies of the journal are modelled on the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Guidelines on Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health is recognised by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) as a publication following the ICMJE Recommendations.

Influence of Different Antiepileptic Drugs on Blood Ammonia and Homocysteine Levels in Children with Epilepsy.

In this study, we performed a study on 106 children with epilepsy who were treated with sodium valproate (the VPA group, n = 37), oxcarbazepine (the OXC group, n = 34), or levetiracetam (the LEV group, n = 35). In addition, the clinical data of epileptic children who were newly diagnosed in the same period without antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment (the untreated group, n = 35) and normal children who received physical examination in our hospital (the healthy group, n = 35) were selected as controls. We analyzed the efficacy and safety of different AEDs, used blood ammonia and homocysteine levels as the observation indicators, and calculated the incidence of hyperammonemia (VAH) and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) treated with different AEDs. And, based on the effect of epilepsy status on the cognitive function of patients, we also analyzed the effect of different AED treatments on children's cognitive function. Our results show that sodium valproate, oxcarbazepine, and levetiracetam are all effective in the treatment of children with epilepsy and can be used as the first-line choice of antiepileptic treatment for children with epilepsy. However, compared with sodium valproate, levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine have a lower incidence of adverse drug reactions and do not cause an increase in blood ammonia and Hcy levels, so they have higher safety of drug treatment. In addition, compared with sodium valproate, levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine have better recovery of cognitive function in children with epilepsy and so they have better application value.

Serum pyridoxine, folate, cobalamin, and homocysteine levels in children presenting with vasovagal syncope.

Recent studies confirm the role of B vitamins deficiency and hyperhomocysteinaemia in the development of dysautonomia that has been considered to be the main factor in vasovagal syncope development. The aim of the study was to investigate serum pyridoxine, folate, cobalamin, and homocysteine levels in children presenting with vasovagal syncope and to analyse the correlation between them and main clinical parameters of syncope. We studied 40 children, ages 8-17 years with a history of vasovagal syncope and 24 healthy volunteers. The serum pyridoxine, folate, cobalamin, and homocysteine levels were measured by a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique using a commercial kit (Monobind, USA). Twenty-four-hour Holter monitoring and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were conducted for all participated patients. Serum pyridoxine (9.42±4.87, 16.11±5.53µg/L) and cobalamin (307.48±95.50, 447.28±108.85ng/L) levels were reasonably low (p < 0.05) in patients with vasovagal syncope. Although there was no significant change in folate levels between syncope and healthy children (4.00±1.34, 4.71±1.73µg/L; p = 0.20), we detected low folate-level association with longer duration of syncope (r=-0.42) and post syncope (r=-0.43) symptoms (p < 0.05). Finally, there was increased serum homocysteine level (13.55±5.03, 7.81±1.71µmol/L; p < 0.05) in patients with vasovagal syncope. It was positively correlated with the average PQ interval (r = 0.35, p < 0.05) and average QTc interval (r = 0.49, p < 0.05). The results suggested that pyridoxine, folate, cobalamin, and homocysteine may be involved in the pathogenesis of vasovagal syncope. This might provide a new approach for effective treatment of paediatric vasovagal syncope, requiring further study.

Serum B12, homocysteine, and anti-parietal cell antibody levels in children with autism

Aims To compare vitamin B12, homocysteine, and anti-parietal cell antibody (APCA) levels between children with ASD and controls, paired in terms of age, sex, and socioeconomic level. Methods The research group consisted of 69 children, 36 with ASD and 33 controls. The severity of ASD was determined using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Serum vitamin B12, homocysteine and human anti-parietal cell levels were analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels in children with ASD were lower than in the control group, but there was no significant difference in terms of APCA levels. Conclusions Deficiencies in micronutrients, such as B12, may play a role in the pathogenesis and clinical symptoms of autism. However, it is believed that these parameters should be analysed in a wider population to clarify their effect on the aetiology of ASD. KEY POINT We hypothesised that low levels of vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels reported in previous studies might be associated with APCA levels. The homocysteine and B12 levels were found to be significantly lower in children with ASD. There was no significant difference in serum APCA levels. No significant relationship was found between B12 levels and APCA. Given all these findings, it can be stated that vitamin B12 deficiency is not associated with an absorption-related mechanism due to the presence of APCA. Deficiencies in micronutrients, such as B12, may play a role in the pathogenesis and clinical symptoms of autism. In future studies, it will be beneficial to investigate other mechanisms that may cause vitamin B12 deficiency.

Hyperhomocysteinemia in children and forest fires in the Chоrnobyl exclusion zone

Objective: We determined a role of folate metabolism genotypes in the occurrence of hyperhomocysteinemia in children after a forest fire in the Chоrnobyl exclusion zone (ChEZ). Material and methods: In the study, we applied immunochemical, Real-time PCR, mathematical and statistical methods. Results: A survey of 84 adolescents from the Poliske district, Kiev region revealed changes in their metabolic processes in the form of increased homocysteine production in connection with a forest fire in the ChEZ which was recorded during April 26-29, 2015. A comparative analysis of the specific gravity of the folate cycle genotypes in the subgroups of the children with hyperhomocysteinemia before and after a forest fire showed that an endogenous factor in the form of a genetic apparatus, controling synthesis of folate cycle enzymes, was not involved in this phenomenon. Сonclusions: Forest and peat fires in the Chernobyl exclusion zone are one of the main causes for the elevation in blood homocysteine levels in children from the adjacent districts, regardless of the state of folate metabolism genetic system. Monitoring of the blood homocysteine levels in children and adults living under conditions of the exposure to wood combustion gases, containing radioactive elements, is a key component of the programmer for the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Folate cycle genome and change in the homocysteine level in children after forest fires in the Chernobyl exclusion zone

Fires that often occur in the forests of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone are one of the most powerful sources of secondary air contamination with combustion products and various radionuclides that have a negative effect on the health of children and adults. Aim. Aim was to explore the relationship between forest fires and the change in blood homocysteine levels in children living in Polessky district of Ukraine bordering the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Methods. Immunochemical, mathematical and statistical. Results. Increased blood levels of homocysteine, irrespective of the state of genome of folate cicle, were found in more than 70.0 % of cases in the group of children living near the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone during the period from 02/04/2015 to 18/12/2015. Given the forest fires with an area of 10.127 ha and 130 ha officially registered in the Chernobyl exclusion zone in the spring and summer of 2015, it can reasonably be argued that the increase in the level of homocysteine in the blood of children living in the border region associatared with wood burning particles, including black carbon and radioactive elements, that enter the body with air and food. Conclusions. Forest fires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone are the cause of abnormal methionine metabolism and an increase in blood homocysteine levels in children from the adjacent districts.&#x0D; Keywords: homocysteine, folate metabolism, genetic polymorphisms, association, forest fires, Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Homocysteine Level in Children with Systemic Lupus Erythmatosis

Homocysteine Level in Children with Systemic Lupus Erythmatosis

Serum homocysteine level in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease of childhood and a leading cause of short and long-term disability. Abnormal level of serum homocysteine (Hcy) may be found in Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients. Some studies were done on serum homocyestine levels in children with JIA which showed conflicting results. So far, no study regarding the Hcy level in JIA patients was done in Bangladesh.&#x0D; Objectives: The study was aimed to assess the homocysteine level in children with different subtypes of JIA.&#x0D; Methods: It was a cross sectional and case control study. Fifty newly diagnosed cases of JIA attending the Pediatric Rheumatology clinic of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, from January 2016 to March 2017 were included. Fifty age and sex matched controls were selected. Serum homocysteine levels were measured in both cases and controls.&#x0D; Results: Among JIA patients, 36% had high serum homocysteine (Hcy) level whereas 100% of controls had normal level. Mean hcy level was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher among cases than controls. Significantly higher number and level of hyperhomocystaeinemia was found among JIA patients having duration of illness more than 1 year than duration less than 1 year. Mean homocysteine level of polyarticular RF positive cases was found as 14.38±3.79 µmol/L and that of SJIA was found as 13.0±4.66 µmol/L. When compared with homocysteine levels of control group these two groups had significantly higher homocysteine level.&#x0D; Conclusion: More than one third of JIA patients had hyperhomocysteinaemia. Mean hcy level of JIA cases was significantly higher than that of controls. Significant association of hyperhomocysteinaemia was present with duration of illness and certain types of JIA.&#x0D; Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2020; 46(1): 12-16

Plasma Homocysteine level in Children under Treatment with Antiepileptic Drugs and its Relation to Intelligence Quotient

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in children. It often requires long-term antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy. AEDs are frequently associated with cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions. Also, there is a relationship between AEDs use and homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine has been associated with cognitive dysfunction. However, such effect among epileptic children has not been well-studied.Aim of the work: To study plasma homocysteine level in children under treatment with AEDs and its relation to intelligence quotient (IQ).Patients and Methods: A case control study included 56 epileptic children on AED therapy for at least 6 months, and 36 healthy children (Controls). Study was conducted at Al-Azhar University Hospital (Damietta) from June 2016 to June 2018. Plasma homocysteine was measured using Enzymatic Recycling (Biotecnica Instruments SpA). IQ testing was conducted using Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, Fifth Edition.Results: Epileptic children exhibited significant elevation of Homocysteine level (P=0.005), and significant affection of all IQ parameters. There was significant negative correlation between homocysteine level with total working memory, total verbal IQ and total IQ. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that homocysteine showed a significant and independent association with total working memory, total verbal IQ and total IQ. None of the other studied factors revealed such association.Conclusion: Homocysteine was a significant and independent risk factor for low total working memory score, low total Verbal IQ and low total IQ scores. Further studies are required to confirm these results, and to evaluate the effect of homocysteine-lowering treatment on cognitive function in epileptic children.

&lt;p&gt;Comparison of serum B12, folate and homocysteine concentrations in children with autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and healthy controls&lt;/p&gt;

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the serum concentrations of vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and healthy controls.Materials and methodsSerum vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine concentrations were measured in 118 children (48 children diagnosed with ADHD, 35 children diagnosed with ASD and 35 healthy controls). Symptom severity in the ADHD and ASD groups was evaluated by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Turgay-DSM-IV-Based Screening and Assessment Scale for Disruptive Behavior Disorders. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to evaluate the effects of diagnosis and gender on biochemical parameters.ResultsThe ADHD and ASD groups and the healthy controls differed significantly regarding vitamin B12 and homocysteine concentrations, but not folate levels. Patients with ASD had the lowest vitamin B12 and the highest homocysteine levels. Vitamin B12 levels correlated negatively with hyperactivity and/orimpulsivity and oppositionality symptoms in children with ADHD. There were no relationships between psychometric evaluations and laboratory measurements in children with ASD. Gender did not affect vitamin concentrations.ConclusionPrevious studies found that vitamin B12 was reduced while homocysteine was elevated among patients with ADHD and ASDs. Our results also support those reported previously. Oppositionality and hyperactivity and/orimpulsivity may be related to vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels in children with ADHD. Further studies are required to define the role of these parameters and effects on the etiology and clinical manifestations of ASD and ADHD.

Plasma Free Homocysteine Levels in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome.

Altered metabolism of homocysteine in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome leads to raised plasma-free homocysteine levels. Elevated free homocysteine causes endothelial cell dysfunction and promotes early atherosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis. In this analytical study with a longitudinal follow-up, 29 children with first episode of nephrotic syndrome (FENS) aged 1–16 years along with 30 age andgender-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Plasma-free homocysteine was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Other variables were measured using standard biochemical methods. The primary outcome measure was plasma-free homocysteine level in children with FENS and in controls. The secondary outcome measure was to observe the levels of plasma-free homocysteine in children with FENS at 12 weeks in remission and in steroid resistant states. Plasma-free homocysteine levels were significantly elevated in children with FENS at disease onset [Median (IQR) 2.170 (1.54–2.71); N = 29; P < 0.001], at 12 weeks of steroid-induced remission [Median (IQR) 1.946 (1.53–2.71); N = 22; P < 0.001], and in steroid-resistant states [Median (IQR) 2.262 (1.53–2.74); N = 7; P < 0.001] compared to controls. The levels did not decrease significantly at 12 weeks of steroid-induced remission compared to onset of nephrotic syndrome. Plasma-free homocysteine levels correlated positively with serum total cholesterol (P = 0.005; r = 0.362) and negatively with serum albumin (P = 0.032; r = 0.281). Plasma-free homocysteine levels are raised in children with FENS posing a risk of endothelial dysfunction which persists at least in short term. Long-term effects of raised plasma-free homocysteine needs to be studied.

Homocysteine Level in Children with Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Relationship to Carotid Intimal Wall Thickness and Left Ventricular Function

Background/Aims: Homocysteine is an important and independent risk factor for atherosclerotic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of homocysteine in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and their relation to carotid artery intima-media thickness (CA-IMT) and left ventricular (LV) function. Methods: This study included 36 children with classic CAH and 36 healthy children. All underwent anthropometric evaluation. Measurement of serum levels of total homocysteine was carried out. The LV mass (LVM) and function were assessed using conventional echocardiography. Duplex ultrasonography was used to measure CA-IMT. Results: Compared to the controls, the patients had higher homocysteine levels (p = 0.001), a thicker CA-IMT (p = 0.01), a higher LVM index (LVMI) (p = 0.001), and a prolonged mitral deceleration time (DcT) (p = 0.01). Abnormalities were marked in children who were uncontrolled on medical treatment. In multivariate analysis, homocysteine levels were significantly correlated with systolic (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.10–1.18; p = 0.01) and diastolic blood pressures (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.45–2.4; p = 0.01), atherogenic index (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.33–2.89; p = 0.01), HOMA-IR (OR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.04–1.34; p = 0.001), LVMI (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.1–1.13; p = 0.001), mitral DcT (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.15–2.05; p = 0.01), and CA-IMT (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.16–1.57; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Serum total homocysteine was elevated in children with classic CAH, particularly in those with poor control on medical treatment, and it was correlated with CA-IMT, LVMI, and mitral DcT. Measurement of homocysteine in children with CAH may help to identify those at high risk of developing LV dysfunction and subclinical atherosclerosis.

A Prospective Study of Homocysteine and its relation to Body Mass Index and Lipid Profile in School Children.

To study the serum Homocysteine levels in children and its relation with body mass index (BMI), lipid profile and plasma glucose. 138 children (age 5-15 y) were enrolled and categorized into normal, overweight and obese group. Blood homocysteine, lipid profile and plasma glucose were estimated. Out of 138 children, 46 (33%) were normal, 40 (29%) were overweight and 52 (38%) were obese. Hyper-homocysteinemia was found in 34 (24.6%) of children. None of the normal children had hyperhomocysteinemia in contrast to 15 (37.5%) in overweight and 19 (36.5%) in obese group (P=0.001).The median homocysteine levels in obese and overweight children was significantly higher compared to normal children (P=0.001).There was a positive correlation between BMI and homocysteine levels. There was no significant correlation between lipid profile and plasma glucose with homocysteine levels. Serum homocysteine levels are significantly higher in both overweight and obese children compared to normal children.

Homocysteine as a Diagnostic and Etiopathogenic Factor in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Substantial characteristics of autism are cognitive and psychophysical disorders. Etiopathogenetic factors are thought to be responsible for development of autism in children with genetic predisposition as well as have their effect on the severity of the disorders. The main problem of early identification of patients affected by autism spectrum disorder is that there are no clear diagnostic criteria. The aim of our study was assessment of hair magnesium and serum homocysteine concentrations in children with autism. The presented work is a continuation of previous study in which we investigated the influence of disturbances in magnesium and homocysteine levels in children with autism, performed on a new, larger group of patients. One hundred and forty children had hair magnesium levels analyzed, as well as blood serum levels of homocysteine and magnesium. Hair magnesium analysis was performed using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer, blood serum homocysteine determination was performed using a radioimmunological method, and blood serum magnesium level was determined using a biochemical method. Our research showed normal magnesium blood levels and significantly high homocysteine levels and very low hair magnesium levels. Low concentration of hair magnesium progresses with age. Our hypothesis is that magnesium deficiency, as a relevant epigenetic factor, might be decreasing methylation of homocysteine, therefore decreasing genome transcription and lowering the synaptic plasticity. We suggest that analysis of hair magnesium and serum homocysteine levels might be useful in identification of children with autism spectrum disorder, as well as control of its treatment. Obtained results and performed analysis might therefore justify supplementation of magnesium among children with autism.

Hyperhomocysteinemia, Cognitive Deficits, and Delayed P300 Latencies in Malnourished Children from Northern India

Background: Malnutrition during childhood can adversely affect behaviour and cognitive performance. Vitamin B deficiencies in particular have been linked to cognitive impairment and hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor for cardiovascular and neurological disorders. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of malnourishment on cognition and plasma vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine levels in children in Northern India. Methods: 825 school going children were screened following which 75 children were included in the malnourished group and 50 apparently healthy children in the control group. Attention span, long and short-term memory, and latenciesof the brain event related potential P300 were assessed as the cognitive measures. 1.0 ml blood (fasting) was collected from each subject in EDTA tubes and centrifuged (2000 rpm) at 4 °C for 20 minutes,separate the plasma. Fasting plasma levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate were also determined by ELISA. Results: Significantly lower scores in the attention span and memory tests were observed in the malnourished group as compared to the control group (P<0.001). These differences were further exemplified by delayed P300 latencies observed in the malnourished group as compared to controls (P<0.001). Elevated plasma homocysteine along with lower folate, and vitamin B12 levels were also observed in the malnourished group when compared to controls(P<0.001). Discussion: These results encourage pilot studies to establish whether interventions to treat vitamin B12 folate and iron deficiencies in the malnourished children studied here could help improve cognitive performance and ameliorate hyperhomocysteinemia.

English

Objective: To observe the relationship between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism and homocysteine levels in cerebral palsy (CP) children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in several hospitals, school for children with special needs, and rehabilitation centers in Bandung from March to November 2014, on children with CP aged 4–14 years who met the inclusion criteria. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and direct sequencing. Homocysteine serum level was measured using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) method. Statistical analysis was conducted using t test. Results: In this study, 150 CP children had MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism with a frequency of 18%, consisting of TT homozygotes (4%), CT heterozygotes (14%), and T allele (11%. The mean serum level of homocysteine in CP with C677T MTHFR gene polymorphism was 8.22 (±1.89) µmol/L, higher than those without polymorphism (p=0.046). Conclusions: A relationship between MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and homocysteine level in children with cerebral palsy is found in this study. Keywords: Cerebral palsy, homocysteine, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism DOI: 10.15850/ijihs.v4n1.682

Obesity and homocysteine level in children, preliminary data

Among children and adolescents, metabolic syndrome is more common than previously believed.