Serum Hcy Levels Research Articles

Metformin Can Alleviate the Symptom of Patient with Diabetic Nephropathy Through Reducing the Serum Level of Hcy and IL-33.

BackgroundInterleukin-33 (IL-33) and homocysteine (Hcy) were found to be up-regulated in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN), and the present study aimed to investigate whether metformin (MT) can influence the serum levels of IL-33 and Hcy in patients with DN.MethodsSixty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were divided into DM group (albumin: Alb <20 mg/L), DN group (Alb >20mg/L), and DN+ MT treatment group, with 20 cases in each group. Patients in each group were treated with insulin for 3 months, and patients in DN+MT group was treated with insulin+MT for 3 months. The serum levels of IL-33, urinary microalbumin excretion rate (UAE), body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), creatinine (Cr), cystatin C (CysC) and Hcy were measured before and after medication. Twenty normal subjects were involved as control.ResultsBMI, Hcy and TC were reduced and HDL-C was increased of patients had been treated with metformin and insulin. UAE, Cr, Ccr and CysC had no differences before and after treatment. The serum level of IL-33 significantly up-regulated in patients with DN, and MT treatment significantly decreased the serum level of IL-33 in patients with DN.ConclusionMetformin could alleviate the symptom of patient with DN through decreasing the serum level of IL-33 and Hcy.

Association of Leukocyte Telomere Length with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: Role of Folate and Homocysteine

Background: Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with the aging process and age-related degenerative diseases. The relation of peripheral blood LTL to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the role of folate and homocysteine (Hcy) in this relation remain unclear. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the association between LTL and the risks of MCI/AD, and to explore whether folate and Hcy may play a role in this association. Methods: This case-control study included 129 MCI subjects, 131 AD patients and 134 healthy controls. LTL was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Serum folate levels were tested by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay, and serum Hcy levels were measured using the enzymatic cycling method. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression and multivariable linear regression with adjustment for potential confounders. Results: The mean LTL was 1.56 ± 0.25 in controls, 1.44 ± 0.23 in MCI, and 1.28 ± 0.28 in AD patients (p< 0.01). In multivariate logistic regression, subjects in the longest LTL tertile had lower OR for MCI (OR 0.246; 95% CI 0.101–0.597) and AD (OR 0.123; 95% CI 0.044–0.345) in comparison to subjects in the shortest tertile. Shorter LTL was dose-dependently related to the ORs of MCI and AD. Further, serum folate concentration was positively associated with LTL (p < 0.01), while serum Hcy level was negatively associated with LTL (p < 0.05). In stratified analyses, LTL-MCI/AD association varied by serum folate and Hcy level. Conclusions: Shorter LTL is associated with the risks of MCI/AD. Folate and Hcy might play an important role in this association.

Association of Folate Metabolites and Mitochondrial Function in Peripheral Blood Cells in Alzheimer's Disease: A Matched Case-Control Study.

The nutrition state plays an important role in the progress of aging. Folate may play a role in protecting mitochondrial (mt) DNA by reducing oxidative stress. The primary aim of this study was to examine the association of mitochondrial oxidative damage with risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to explore the possible role of folate metabolites in this association in a matched case-control study. Serum folate metabolites and mitochondrial function in peripheral blood cells were determined in 82 AD cases and 82 healthy controls, individually matched by age, gender, and education. AD patients had lower serum levels of folate and higher homocysteine (Hcy) concentration. AD patients had a reduced mtDNA copy number, higher mtDNA deletions, and increased 8-OHdG content in mtDNA indicative of reduced mitochondrial function. The highest level of mtDNA copy number would decrease the risk of AD (OR = 0.157, 95% CI: 0.058-0.422) compared to the lowest level, independently of serum folate, and Hcy levels. Serum folate levels correlated with low 8-OHdG content in mtDNA both in AD patients and controls, independently of serum Hcy level. Moreover, serum Hcy levels correlated with low copy number in mtDNA both in AD patients and controls, independently of serum folate levels. In conclusion, mitochondrial function in peripheral blood cells could be associated with risk of AD independent of multiple covariates. AD patients with a folate deficiency or hyperhomocysteinemia had low mitochondrial function in peripheral blood cells. However, further randomized controlled trials are need to determine a causal effect.

Investigation of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Homocysteine (Hcy) and C- reactive protein (CRP) in sera of patients with Angina Pectoris

Homocysteine (Hcy) has been considered as an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD Oxidative stress and free radicals are known to have important roles in the development ofAngina Pectoris. Oxidative stress is present in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and hyperhomocysteinemia, an independent risk factor for these diseases, may play a role in inducing production of oxygen free radicals. The aim of this study was to determine a possible relationship between blood serum Hcy levels and lipid peroxidation in patients suffering from Angina Pectoris (AP).To evaluate the possible role of homocysteine (Hcy) in inducing oxidative stress in Angina Pectoris(AP), plasma homocysteine( Hcy), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and C reactive protein (CRP) were measured in 60 unstable Angina Pectoris patients, we tested 30 healthy volunteers. Hcy was measured by an enzymatic colorimetric method and MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation, by spectrophotometer. Serum Hcy levels were significantly higher in angina pectories (AP) patients than the controls (23.2±8.0 vs 10.76 ± 2.55 micromol/L; P

Homocysteine Serum Levels as Prognostic Marker of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Thrombosis.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of endstage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of Homocysteine (Hcy) in HCC patient with PVT. Hcy is a sulphur amino-acid involved in two pathways, trans-sulphuration and remethylation, that involve vitamins B6, B12 and folates. We recruited 54 patients with HCC and PVT, 60 patients with HCC and without PVT and 60 control subjects. We measured serum levels of Hcy, folate, vitamins B6 and B12. The comparison between HCC patients with PVT versus HCC without PVT was shown that mean values of Hcy were 6.4 nmol/L (p<0.0073) higher, LDL cholesterol were 4.8 mg/dl (p<0.0079) lower, vitamin B6 were 4.6 nmol/L(p=0.0544) lower, vitamins B 12 were 22.1 pg/ml (p=0.0001) lower. High serum levels of Hcy are an established thrombotic risk factor in the general population. We found significantly higher levels of Hcy in HCC patients with PVT versus both HCC patients without PVT and controls.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is key for increased susceptibility to PND in aged mice.

BackgroundPostoperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a severe postoperative complication with no effective therapy that affects up to 19–52% of senior patients. Age and surgery type have been identified as risk factors. However, what caused the increased risk in the elderly is poorly understood.MethodsWe utilized a PND model in aged mice undergoing experimental laparotomy with general anesthesia to evaluate the causal relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and increased PND susceptibility. PND was assessed by Novel Object Tasks, Fear Conditioning Tests, and Barnes Maze Tests. Serum homocysteine (Hcy) as well as vitamin B12 and folate acid levels were tested before, immediately after surgery and from day 1 to day 29 after surgery by ELISA. The effectiveness of preventative strategy including diet supplementation of vitamin B12 + folic acid (Vit B12 + FA) and S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) injection targeting hyperhomocysteinemia were also tested.ResultsPND in aged mice lasted for at least 2 weeks after experimental laparotomy, which was not observed in young adult mice. Serum Hcy results indicated a significant correlation between postoperative cognitive performance and perioperative Hcy level. Preoperative supplementation with VB12 and folic acid (FA) in the diet or S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) injection reduced perioperative serum Hcy level and inhibited the development of PND in aged mice.ConclusionsSerum homocysteine accumulation is a fundamental cause for increased susceptibility of PND in aged mice. Preoperative diet supplementation of VitB12 + FA can effectively reduce PND in aged mice, which may be a promising prophylaxis treatment in clinical settings.

Serum Total Homocysteine Level in Association with Folate and Vitamin B12 Status Among Algerian Prostate Cancer Patients

Background: Folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine are essential for methyl group metabolism and thus also for DNA methylation and metabolic disorders may lead to carcinogenesis&nbsp;metabolic disorders, which may lead to carcinogenesis. In the present study, we proposed to evaluate the associations between folate and vitamin B12, with fasting plasma tHcy concentration in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Methods: A case –control study was conducted with 40 newly patients with prostate cancer diagnosed with prostate cancer and 50 age matched healthy controls. Serum level of total homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 were measured by enzyme conversion immunoassay and radioassay, respectively using the ARCHITECT system (both Abbott–Diagnostics Division). Results: The average rate of total PSA was 20.97 ng / ml (ranged between 8- 60 ng / ml). 53% of patients had a PSA≥20ng/ml. Histology confirmed that all patients accounted for prostatic adenocarcinoma with prognostic Gleason score that ranged between 7 and 8 . There are no significant differences between cases and controls about serum Hcy levels (adjusted OR&nbsp;=&nbsp;0.160% CI =&nbsp;0.832-1.031), folate levels (adjusted OR&nbsp;=&nbsp;0.428% CI &nbsp;=&nbsp;0.977-1.008) and vitamin B12 (adjusted OR&nbsp;=&nbsp;0.103% CI &nbsp;=&nbsp;0.992-1.001). Conclusion: In this study, the results show that homocysteine is not involved in prostate cancer. However, this study shows that the sporadic form is much more prevalent than familial one. The diagnosis is often made too late in advanced stage with a high PSA levels and biopsy showing high levels of Gleason

Measurement of serum vitamin B12-related metabolites in newborns: implications for new cutoff values to detect B12 deficiency

Objective Our aim was to determine the prevalence of maternal and neonatal vitamin B12 (vit-B12) and folate deficiencies, a new cutoff value of serum vit-B12 in newborns using vit-B12-related metabolites and also cutoff values of homocysteine (Hcy), propionyl (C3) carnitine, and methyl malonic acid (MMA) in newborns using a vit-B12 cutoff value of 200 pg/mL. Methods Healthy pregnant women (without iron deficiency) and 98 healthy, term, singleton babies were included. Blood samples were obtained from women 0–8 h before birth and from cord blood during birth for hemogram and to measure serum vit-B12, folate, and Hcy levels. Maternal and cord blood serum vit-B12 levels were classified as low < 200 pg/mL, marginal 200–300 pg/mL, and normal ≥ 300 pg/mL. Neonatal urine MMA levels were analyzed in mothers with a vit-B12 concentration < 300 pg/mL. C3 carnitine levels of newborns were acquired from extended newborn screening. Receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis was used for serum vit-B12, urine MMA, C3 carnitine, and Hcy. Results Of total, 98 pregnant women (28.6 ± 5.5-year-old) and 98 newborn were included. Vit-B12 level was lower than 300 pg/mL in 93% of the pregnant women and 61% of cord blood samples. Folate deficiency was not found in either group. There was statistically significant negative correlation between baby C3 carnitine, cord blood folate (r = −0.265, p = .008) and cord blood vit-B12 (r = −0.220, p = .029). In backward stepwise linear regression analysis, maternal vit-B12 level exerted the most marked effect on cord blood vit-B12 level (adjusted R 2 = 0.457). In ROC analysis, the Hcy cutoff value was 4.77 µmol/L (68.4% sensitivity, 58.3% specificity, p = .012) for the detection of vit-B12 deficiency. Conclusion Vit-B12 deficiency remains an important health issue for pregnant women and newborns. Our study revealed a cutoff value for Hcy for the detection of nutritional vit-B12 deficiency that could be used in practice for newborns.

Expression of serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 in patients with acute ischemic stroke and its clinical significance

Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of serum homocysteine (Hcy), galectin-3 (GAL3) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (ACIS). Methods 100 patients with ACIS in our hospital from January 2016 to February 2018 were selected as the observation group, and 64 healthy persons in our hospital were selected as the control group during the same period. The levels of serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 were detected and compared between the two groups. The levels of serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 in patients with different pathological changes, different cerebral infarction areas and different prognosis in the observation group were compared. The correlation between serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 levels and ACIS cerebral infarction area and neurological deficit scale (NIHSS) was analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MCP-1 in diagnosing ACIS alone and in combination. Results The levels of serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were significant differences in serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 levels between the patients with different pathological degrees of disease (P<0.05). The level of the above-mentioned indicators in patients with severe injury was higher than that in patients with moderate injury. The patients with moderate injury were higher than those with mild injury (P<0.05). There were significant differences in serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 levels in patients with different cerebral infarction areas (P<0.05), and the above-mentioned index level of patients with large-area infarction was higher than that of patients with moderate-area infarction. The patients with moderate-area infarction were higher than those with small-area infarction (P<0.05). The levels of serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 in the dead patients in the observation group were higher than those in the survivors (P<0.05); correlation analysis showed that serum Hcy, GAL3, MCP-1 levels were positively correlated with ACIS cerebral infract size and NIHSS score (P<0.05); the sensitivity (91.00%) and accuracy (83.54%) of combined diagnosis of ACIS were higher than the single-index diagnosis (P<0.05). Conclusions The levels of serum Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 in patients with acute ischemic stroke are highly expressed, and their levels are closely related to the degree of disease, cerebral infarction area and prognosis. The combined detection of Hcy, GAL3 and MCP-1 could improve the accuracy and sensitivity of diagnosis, and could be used as an effective index for clinical diagnosis, condition and prognosis evaluation of acute ischemic stroke. Key words: Brain ischemia; Stroke; Homocysteine; Galectin 3; Chemokine CCL2

A Case-Control Study of the Association of the Polymorphisms of MTHFR and APOE with Risk Factors and the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

Objectives: To explore the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MTHFR and APOE and the risk of CAD and, more importantly, the severity of CAD and the profile of serum lipids, we performed a case-control study in a Chinese Han population. Methods: A total of 1,207 cases of consecutive CAD-suspected inpatients were recruited, and 406 CAD cases and 231 non-CAD controls were enrolled for the final analysis after screening for exclusion criteria. All subjects had undergone coronary angiography, and the severity of CAD was evaluated by 2 cardiologists according to the Gensini scores. The genotypes of MTHFR and APOEwere detected using real-time PCR, and then verified by Sanger sequencing. Environmental risk factors, such as age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and BMI were collected. Statistical analyses (the χ² test, binary logistic regression analysis, and ordinal polytomous logistic regression analysis) were performed with SPSS v16.0. Results: The genotypes ofall the subjects included in the CAD and non-CAD groups in this study were successfully detected, with an agreement of 100% with Sanger sequencing. The distributions of genotypes CT and TT at MTHFR C667T were higher in CAD cases than in non-CAD controls (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.34–2.95; OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.18–2.67; p < 0.05), whereas genotype AC at MTHFR A1298Cwas lower in CAD cases (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.50–1.02; p < 0.05). A significant association was observed in genotypes CT and TT at MTHFR C667T and the risk of CAD (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.27–3.67; OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.88–2.78; p < 0.05). Both genotypes and alleles of APOE were comparable in the CAD cases and non-CAD controls (p > 0.05). The genotype TT at MTHFR C667T and ε4+ at APOE were more likely to be found in the CAD subgroup with a Gensini score ≥72 (p = 0.040 and p = 0.028, respectively). Meanwhile, in the patients with genotype TT,a higher level of serum Hcy was detected, while genotype ε4+ patients possessed higher levels of serum apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) than other genotypes. Conclusion: This study revealed that the SNP site of MTHFR C667Tis associatedwith the risk of CAD in this Chinese Han population. In addition, the genotypes of TT in MTHFR C667T and ε4+in APOE may increase the severity of CAD, and higher Hcy, LDL-C, and ApoE levels may be involved in this pathogenic process.

Determination of Serum Homocysteine and Hypersensitive C-reactive Protein and Their Correlation with Premature Coronary Heart Disease.

This study aims to investigate the correlation between premature coronary heart disease (pCHD) and both serum homocysteine (Hcy) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). A total of 170 patients with pCHD were enrolled in this study from June 2014 to April 2016 (including 52 patients with stable angina pectoris [SAP], 70 patients with unstable angina pectoris [UAP], and 48 patients with acute myocardial infarction [AMI]), together with 105 healthy controls (CON) selected at the same period, to observe the changes of Hcy and hs-CRP in CHD patients and those with different types of CHD. The levels of serum Hcy and hs-CRP in group pCHD were significantly higher than in group CON (P < .05). The levels of Hcy and hs-CRP in group AMI were significantly higher than in group UAP and group SAP (P < .05). The changes of serum Hcy and hs-CRP were significantly higher in patients with multi-vascular lesions and dual-vascular lesions than in those with single-vascular lesion (P < .05). The levels of serum Hcy and hs-CRP in CHD patients are positively correlated with the severity of CHD, which increase with the increase of lesion count. The combined detection of Hcy and hs-CRP can initially reflect the severity of coronary artery, thus better guiding treatment and predicting prognosis.

Negative Correlation Between Serum Levels of Homocysteine and Apolipoprotein M.

Homocysteine (Hcy) has been suggested as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein M (apoM) is a constituent of the HDL particles. The goal of this study was to examine the serum levels of homocysteine and apoM and to determine whether homocysteine influences apoM synthesis. Serum levels of apoM and Hcy in 17 hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) patients and 19 controls were measured and their correlations were analyzed. Different concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy) and LY294002, a specific phosphoinositide 3- kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, were used to treat HepG2 cells. The mRNA levels were determined by RT-PCR and the apoM protein mass was measured by western blot. We found that decreased serum apoM levels corresponded with serum HDL levels in HHcy patients, while the serum apoM levels showed a statistically significant negative correlation with the serum Hcy levels. Moreover, apoM mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased after the administration of Hcy in HepG2 cells, and this effect could be abolished by addition of LY294002. Present study demonstrates that Hcy downregulates the expression of apoM by mechanisms involving the PI3K signal pathway.

Correlations of serum homocysteine, VEGF and gastrin 17 with gastric cancer and precancerous lesions.

To investigate the correlations of Homocysteine (Hcy), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and serum gastrin 17 (G17) with gastric cancer and precancerous lesions. A total of 56 patients with gastric cancer (gastric cancer group) and 53 patients with precancerous lesions (precancerous lesion group) admitted to Heze Municipal Hospital from January 2017 to October 2018 were selected, and 50 healthy subjects undergoing the physical examination in the same period were selected as control group. The levels of serum Hcy, VEGF, and G17 in the three groups were compared, and the relations of each index with clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer were analyzed. The levels of serum Hcy, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and G17 in gastric cancer group and precancerous lesion group were higher than in control group, and those in gastric cancer group were higher than in precancerous lesion group (p<0.05). Besides, the high expression levels of serum Hcy, VEGF, and G17 had evident correlations with the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, Lauren type, infiltration depth, and lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer (p<0.05). Hcy, VEGF, and G17 can exhibit different levels of expressions in precancerous lesions. They are also highly expressed in gastric cancer. Besides, they are involved in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer and can be regarded as crucial indexes with clinical significance for the differential diagnosis of gastric cancer and precancerous lesions in the early stage.

PS-08-006 Serum homocysteine levels in men with and without erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Elevated levels of serum homocysteine (Hcy) have been associated with cardiovascular diseases and endothelial dysfunction, conditions closely associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). This meta-analysis was aimed to assess serum Hcy levels in subjects with ED compared to controls in order to clarify the role of Hcy in the pathogenesis of ED. Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for publications investigating the possible association between ED and Hcy. Results were restricted by language, but no time restriction was applied. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was obtained by random effect models. This study is registered with Prospero registration number CRD42018087558. A total of 9 studies were included in the analysis with a total of 1320 subjects (489 subjects with ED; 831 subjects without ED). Pooled estimate was in favor of increased Hcy in subjects with ED with a SMD of 1.00, 95% CI 0.65–1.35, p < 0.0001. Subgroup analysis based on prevalence of diabetes showed significantly higher SMD in subjects without diabetes (1.34 (95% CI 1.08–1.60)) compared to subjects with diabetes (0.68 (95% CI 0.39–0.97), p < 0.0025 versus subgroup w/o diabetes).

Decreased Serum Oxytocin and Increased Homocysteine in First-Episode Schizophrenia Patients.

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a debilitating and heterogeneous disease. We hypothesized that the oxytocin (OXT) system, inflammation and one-carbon metabolism would have a link with SZ. In this study, serum OXT, OXT receptor (OXTR), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels were measured in 52 first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients and 41 healthy controls (HC) from the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Meanwhile, the mRNA expressions of OXT and OXTR genes were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Serum OXT and OXTR levels were significantly lower in FES patients (518.96 ± 22.22 and 174.60 ± 17.11 pg/ml) than the HC group (711.58 ± 40.57 and 252.15 ± 20.62 pg/ml). Serum IL-6 and hsCRP levels showed no difference between the two groups (1.82 ± 0.30 vs. 1.69 ± 0.36 pg/ml, 0.66 (0.22, 1.07) vs. 0.31 (0.13, 0.91) mg/L), but serum Hcy levels were significantly higher in FES patients (20.18 ± 1.83 vs. 15.24 ± 0.82 μmol/ml). The FES patients (0.27 ± 0.02 and 0.20 ± 0.02) have relatively higher mRNA expressions of OXT and OXTR genes than the HC group (0.16 ± 0.01 and 0.14 ± 0.01). In summary, our results suggested the possible function of the OXT system and Hcy in the pathogenesis of SZ.

Abstract P225: Hyperhomocysteinemia Mediates the Association of Food Deserts With Recurrent Heart Failure Hospitalizations

Background: Food deserts (FD) are low-income areas with low access to healthful foods. Prior studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and dairy products substantially lowers homocysteine (Hcy) levels by supplementing folate, vitamin B 12 , B 6 and choline intake. Since Hcy is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and may be abnormal in subjects living in a FD, we examined the impact of living in a FD on serum Hcy levels and the risk of recurrent heart failure hospitalizations (HFH). Methods: FD status was assessed using the USDA FD Research Atlas in 173 HF patients (mean age 57 ± 12 yrs, 63% male, 38% black), prospectively enrolled in the Atlanta Cardiomyopathy Consortium from 2007 to 2011. Hcy values were log-transformed (log 2 Hcy) for analysis. Linear regression was used to determine the association of FD with log 2 Hcy, and Poisson regression to examine the association of FD with risk of repeat HFH. Models were adjusted for age, gender, race, HF etiology, NYHA class, smoking status, EF, DM, hyperlipidemia, mean arterial pressure, BMI and serum creatinine. Results: Patients who lived in a FD (n=29) were younger (p=0.08) and more likely to be black (p&lt;0.001). After adjusting for covariates, FD status was associated with higher log 2 Hcy levels (adjusted β estimate: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11- 0.52, p=0.003). During a median follow-up of 827 (IQR 506, 1379) days, 60 (34.7%) subjects had at least 1 HFH. The overall frequency of HFH (40.9 vs. 29.2 per 100 patient-years) was higher in patients who lived in a FD. In a fully adjusted model, for each unit increase in log 2 Hcy, there were 1.98 (adjusted, 95% CI: 1.38-2.82, p&lt;0.001) times more HFH. Living in a FD was associated with 1.46 (adjusted, 95% CI: 1.1-1.94, p=0.009) times more HFH. Addition of log 2 Hcy to the Poisson model eliminated the association of FD with recurrent HFH (adjusted HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.74- 1.76, p=0.54). Conclusions: Living in a FD is associated with higher serum Hcy. These results provide insights into the mechanisms by which FD status influences the risk of recurrent HFH.

Clinical value of serum homocysteine, folate, and ultrasonography detection of yolk sac in predicting the outcome of threatened abortion

AbstractBackground: To investigate the clinical value of serum homocysteine (Hcy), folate, and ultrasonography detection of yolk sac in predicting the outcome of threatened abortion.Methods: Ninety-eight pregnant women within 12 weeks of gestation were included in the study. Of these subjects, 29 presented with threatened abortion and were considered the case group (n=29). The other 69 subjects showed as a normal pregnancy were the control group (n=69). The case group was followed up with at 28 weeks of gestation, and further divided into inevitable abortion group (IA, n=9) and successful fetus protection group (SFP, n=20). The yolk sacs of the included cases were measured by ultrasonography. The serum Hcy and folate levels of the included cases were measured by an enzyme cycling assay and chemiluminescent immunoassay, respectively. The yolk sac visualization rate and serum Hcy and folate levels were compared between the two case groups and used as a predicting reference for the outcome of threatened abortion. Results: The yolk sac visualization rates detected by ultrasonography were 97.1% (67/69) for the control group and 69.0% (20/29) for the threatened abortion group, with a statistical difference (p&lt;0.05). For the IA and SFP groups, the visualization rates were 22.2% (2/9) and 90.0% (18/20) respectively, with a statistical difference (p&lt;0.05). The serum Hcy levels in the threatened abortion group were significant elevated compared with control group (6.1±2.0 μmol/L vs 4.5±1.3 μmol/L), with a statistical difference (p&lt;0.05). However, the serum levels of folat in the threatened abortion group were significantly decreased compared with the control group (15.5±4.2 nmol/L vs 19.1±4.7 nmol/L), with a statistical difference (p&lt;0.05). The serum levels of Hcy and folate were 7.5±1.7 μmol/L and 12.7±4.2 nmol/L for the IA group, which were statistically different compared to the SFP group (p&lt;0.05). The predictive sensitivity for the outcome of threatened abortion based on serum Hcy and folate levels were 85.0% and 75.0%, with a predictive specificity of 66.7% and 88.9% respectively. Conclusion: Serum Hcy and folate levels were quite different in threatened abortion pregnant woman compared to the control group. Serum Hcy and folate level detection combined with ultrasonography detection of yolk sac can provide useful information for threatened abortions

Associations of homocysteine status and homocysteine metabolism enzyme polymorphisms with hypertension and dyslipidemia in a Chinese hypertensive population

ABSTRACTBackground: Hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods: Hypertensive Chinese subjects (n = 228) were enrolled. MTHFR C667T, MTHFR A1298C, MTR A2756G, and MTRR A66G genotypes were determined. Unconditional logistic regression was performed to determine the associations of serum Hcy status and genotypes with HTN and dyslipidemia.Results: The mean age of hypertensive adults was 65.53 ± 9.94 years, including 88 (38.6%) men and 140 (61.4%) women. Patients with MTHFR 667TT and MTRR GG carriers showed higher serum Hcy levels (P = 0.019 and 0.018, respectively), which is associated with higher serum triacylglycerols (TAG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels (P = 0.014 and 0.044, respectively) and a higher risk for hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 1.889, 95% CI: 1.105–3.229, P = 0.020). Compared with low Hcy and MTRR 66AA, those with high Hcy and 66AA or 66AG+GG showed higher odd\\s of hypertriglyceridemia (MTRR 66AA+ high Hcy: OR: 2.692, 95% CI: 1.189–6.096, Pcombined = 0.018; MTRR 66AG/GG+ high Hcy: OR: 3.433, 95% CI: 1.517–7.772, Pcombined = 0.003, respectively). Patients with high Hcy and MTHFR 667CC, as well as those with low Hcy and 667CT+TT, showed lower odds of uncontrolled SBP (MTHFR 667CC+ high Hcy: OR: 0.338, 95% CI: 0.115–0.996, Pcombined = 0.049; MTHFR 667CT/TT+ low Hcy: OR: 0.421, 95% CI: 0.193–0.921, Pcombined = 0.030) compared to patients with low Hcy and MTHFR 667CC.Conclusions: Serum Hcy status and Hcy metabolism gene polymorphisms (MTHFR C667T and MTRR A66G) may have synergistic effects on the prevalence of HTN and dyslipidemia.

Correlation between serum Hcy level and severity of chronic HBV hepatitis

Abstract Objective The aim of this work was to investigate the serum homocysteine (Hcy) level and severity of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Methods 72 patients with chronic HBV and 28 healthy controls were included in this work. Of the included 72 chronic HBV hepatitis patients, 20 patients had mild disease, 31 had moderate disease and 21 had severe disease. The serum homocysteine (Hcy), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBIL) were examined in both HBV hepatitis and control patients. Results Significant statistical difference was observed for serum Hcy, ALT, AST and TBIL in different groups (p&lt;0.05). The serum Hcy, ALT, AST and TBIL in the severe group were significantly higher than those of other groups with statistical difference (p&lt;0.05); significant correlation was observed between serum Hcy and AST in the moderate (r=0.43, p&lt;0.05) and severe disease groups (r=0.63, p&lt;0.05). However, the correlation between Hcy and ALT, and Hcy andTBIL were not statistically significant in any group (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion The serum Hcy level in patients with hepatitis B reflects the damage to the of liver. The continuous increase of serum Hcy level can be regarded as a risk factor for the progression of hepatitis, and it can be used as serological marker for clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Clinical influence of maternal serum homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 in the development of pre-eclampsia

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between maternal serum homocysteine (Hcy), folate, vitamin B12 (VitB12) and the development of pre-eclampsia (PE). Methods: Seventy-eight normal pregnant women (without hypertension and proteinuria during their pregnancy (control group)), 66 cases of gestational hypertension (GH group) and 82 cases of pre-eclampsia (PE group, with 56 cases of mild disease and 26 cases of severe disease) were include in this study. The maternal serum Hcy, folate and VitB12 level of the included cases were examined between 11 to 13 weeks gestation and compared between each group. Results: The serum levels of VitB12 were significantly different between the control, GH and PE groups (p&lt;0.05). The serum levels of Hcy in the PE group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p&lt;0.05). However, the serum levels of folate in the PE group were significantly lower than those of control group (p&lt;0.05). Significant statistical differences in the maternal serum Hcy and folate were found between mild and severe PE patient groups (p&lt;0.05). A significant correlation was found between maternal serum Hcy and VitB12 (r=-0.34, p=0.001). Conclusion: Hcy, folate and VitB12 may play an important role in the development of PE and could be potential serological biomarkers for early PE diagnosis.