Causes of hyperhomocysteinemia and its pathological significance

Arch Pharm Res. 2018 Apr;41(4):372-383. doi: 10.1007/s12272-018-1016-4. Epub 2018 Mar 19.

Abstract

In the last 10 years, homocysteine has been regarded as a marker of cardiovascular disease and a definite risk factor for many other diseases. Homocysteine is biosynthesized from methionine through multiple steps and then goes through one of two major metabolic pathways: remethylation and transsulfuration. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a state in which too much homocysteine is present in the body. 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. Hyperhomocysteinemia 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 homocysteine level and various symptoms. We speculate that a high level of homocysteine can be the sole reason or an aggravating factor in numerous diseases for which causal links are not fully understood.

Keywords: Disease caused by hyperhomocysteinemia; Homocysteine; Hyperhomocysteinemia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / blood
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis
  • Alzheimer Disease / epidemiology
  • Anemia / blood
  • Anemia / diagnosis
  • Anemia / epidemiology
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Homocysteine / blood*
  • Humans
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / blood*
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / diagnosis
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / epidemiology*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Homocysteine