Hyperhomocysteinemia and Neurologic Disorders: a Review.
10.3988/jcn.2014.10.4.281
- Author:
Ramin ANSARI
1
;
Ali MAHTA
;
Eric MALLACK
;
Jin Jun LUO
Author Information
1. Department of Neurology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. ali.mahta@tuhs.temple.edu
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
hyperhomocysteinemia;
neurologic disorders;
pregnancy
- MeSH:
Atherosclerosis;
Dementia;
DNA;
Eclampsia;
Epilepsy;
Female;
Folic Acid;
Homocysteine;
Hyperhomocysteinemia*;
Metabolism;
Methionine;
Methylation;
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2);
Multiple Sclerosis;
Myocardial Infarction;
Nervous System;
Nervous System Diseases*;
Parkinson Disease;
Plasma;
Pregnancy;
Stroke;
Vitamin B 12;
Vitamins
- From:Journal of Clinical Neurology
2014;10(4):281-288
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Homocysteine (Hcy) is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is generated during methionine metabolism. It has a physiologic role in DNA metabolism via methylation, a process governed by the presentation of folate, and vitamins B6 and B12. Physiologic Hcy levels are determined primarily by dietary intake and vitamin status. Elevated plasma levels of Hcy (eHcy) can be caused by deficiency of either vitamin B12 or folate, or a combination thereof. Certain genetic factors also cause eHcy, such as C667T substitution of the gene encoding methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. eHcy has been observed in several medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disorders, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, minimal cognitive impairment, dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and eclampsia. There is evidence from laboratory and clinical studies that Hcy, and especially eHcy, exerts direct toxic effects on both the vascular and nervous systems. This article provides a review of the current literature on the possible roles of eHcy relevant to various neurologic disorders.
