Mechanism of hyperhomocysteinemia and its pathological significance

doi:10.3877/cma.j.issn.2095-123X.2019.02.013

Abstract

Abstract:

In the last 10 years, homocysteine (Hcy) has been regarded as a marker of cardiovascular disease and a definite risk factor for many other diseases. Hcy is biosynthesized from methionine through multiple steps and then goes through one of two major metabolic pathways: remethylation and transsulfuration. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a state in which too much Hcy is present in the body. The main cause of HHcy is a dysfunction of enzymes and cofactors associated with the process of Hcy biosynthesis. Other causes include excessive methionine intake, certain diseases and side effects of some drugs. HHcy is a trigger for many diseases, such as atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, age-related macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease and hearing loss. There are many studies showing a positive relationship between Hcy level and various symptoms. We speculate that a high level of Hcy can be the sole reason or an aggravating factor in numerous diseases for which causal links are not fully understood.

Key words: Homocysteine, Hyperhomocysteinemia, Pathophysiology

Shuzhen Wang, Hongsheng Wang, Lizhi Wang, Yingjie Li. Mechanism of hyperhomocysteinemia and its pathological significance[J]. Chinese Journal of Brain Diseases and Rehabilitation(Electronic Edition), 2019, 09(02): 117-120.

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