What causes hyperhomocysteinemia?

What causes hyperhomocysteinemia?

The main cause of hyperhomocysteinemia is a dysfunction of enzymes and cofactors associated with the process of homocysteine biosynthesis. Other causes include excessive methionine intake, certain diseases and side effects of some drugs.

What do homocysteine levels indicate?

Homocysteine is an amino acid produced when proteins are broken down. A high homocysteine level, also called hyperhomocysteinemia, can contribute to arterial damage and blood clots in your blood vessels. High homocysteine levels usually indicate a deficiency in vitamin B-12 or folate.

Is hyperhomocysteinemia a disease?

Hyperhomocysteinemia refers to the condition where there is greater than 15 micromol/L of homocysteine in the blood. This condition is present in a wide range of diseases, and in many cases, it is an independent risk factor for more serious medical conditions.

Can hyperhomocysteinemia be cured?

It is possible to lower homocysteine levels through dietary changes and by taking supplements. However, a doctor may continue to monitor the person for signs of heart disease or other health conditions.

How serious is hyperhomocysteinemia?

High homocysteine levels may mean you have a vitamin deficiency. Without treatment, elevated homocysteine increases your risks for dementia, heart disease and stroke.

How is hyperhomocysteinemia treated?

Thus, mild hyperhomocysteinemia, which is frequently encountered in patients with premature arteriosclerotic disease, can be reduced to normal in virtually all cases by safe and simple treatment with vitamin B6, folic acid, and betaine, each of which is involved in methionine metabolism.

Does homocysteine cause blood clots?

Elevated levels of homocysteine show an increased risk for (1) hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which could eventually result in a heart attack and/or stroke, and (2) blood clots in the veins, referred to as venous thrombosis.

Does homocysteine cause inflammation?

Background: An elevated level of homocysteine (Hcy) has been shown to be a cardiovascular risk factor in the majority of research studies. Recently, it was found to be associated with new risk factors such as inflammatory markers.

How common is hyperhomocysteinemia?

The prevalence of any genetic defect leading to hyperhomocysteinemia is approximately 1%. The far more common cause of hyperhomocysteinemia results from a deficiency in B6, B12, or folate, thus restricting cofactors necessary for transsulfuration or transmethylation.

What happens if homocysteine is high?

High homocysteine levels in the blood can damage the lining of the arteries. High levels may also make the blood clot more easily than it should. This can increase the risk of blood vessel blockages. A clot inside your blood vessel is called a thrombus.

Does homocysteine cause stroke?

Elevated blood homocysteine concentration increases the risk of stroke, especially among hypertensive individuals. Homocysteine is largely affected by the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and folate status.

Is homocysteine a cholesterol?

Dubbed ‘the cholesterol of the 90s’ by the media, homocysteine alters the blood clotting mechanism and damages the vascular endothelium and arterial wall. The body’s regulation of homocysteine is dependent on our vitamin B status – particularly folate, B6 and B12.