Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
4
pubmed:dateCreated
1999-10-7
pubmed:abstractText
Homocysteine is a sulfhydryl amino acid formed during metabolism of methionine. Increasing evidence suggests that homocyst(e)ine may act as an independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Recent prospective data have shown that homocyst(e)ine levels in the top 20% of the population increase the risk for ischemic heart disease by approximately twofold. Homocyst(e)ine seems to promote the progression of atherosclerosis by causing endothelial dysfunction, increasing oxidant stress, and promoting vascular smooth muscle growth. Recent human studies using methionine loading to experimentally induce moderate hyperhomocyst(e)inemia have demonstrated rapid and profound impairment of resistance and conduit artery endothelial function. No data are available from randomized, controlled trials of the effects of lowering plasma homocyst(e)ine on atherosclerotic vascular events; however, screening for hyperhomocyst(e)inemia should be actively considered in individuals with progressive and unexplained atherosclerosis. Both fasting and postmethionine load homocyst(e)ine levels should be measured. B vitamins, including folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 are the mainstay of treatment of patients with hyperhomocyst(e)inemia. Primary prevention strategies await the completion of long-term, randomized, prospective studies.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jul
pubmed:issn
0268-4705
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
14
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
283-91
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-11-14
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1999
pubmed:articleTitle
Homocysteine as a novel risk factor for atherosclerosis.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242-1081, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't