Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is an intermediary product in methionine metabolism. In 1969, based on studies of postmortem findings in patients with very high homocysteine levels due to rare genetic defects, McCully proposed that homocysteine may promote the development of vascular lesions. More recent investigations have focused on the possibility that moderate elevations may also be associated with increased risk of vascular disease. To date, more than 80 clinical and epidemiological studies, including prospective studies, have shown that an elevated total homocysteine level is a common cardiovascular risk factor in the general population. This has been shown to be the case for coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Homocysteine: An Amino Acid
Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is an intermediary product in methionine metabolism. In 1969, based on studies of postmortem findings in patients with very high homocysteine levels due to rare genetic defects, McCully proposed that homocysteine may promote the development of vascular lesions. More recent investigations have focused on the possibility that moderate elevations may also be associated with increased risk of vascular disease. To date, more than 80 clinical and epidemiological studies, including prospective studies, have shown that an elevated total homocysteine level is a common cardiovascular risk factor in the general population. This has been shown to be the case for coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease.
