The relation between plasma homocysteine level and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

VernacularTitle:血浆同型半胱氨酸水平和肌萎缩侧索硬化症的关系
Author: Hongli WANG ; Dongsheng FAN
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Cysteine; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
From: Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2012;51(4):308-310
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective To investigate the relationship between plasma level of homocysteine (Hcy) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Methods The differences of Hcy,Vitamin B12,and folate levels between 150 outpatients with ALS and 137 age and sex matched controls were compared in a cross-sectional study.Results Compared with the healthy controls,patients with ALS had a higher plasma Hcy level [ ( 18.47 ± 13.09) μmol/L vs ( 11.91 ± 5.37 ) μmol/L,P ＜ 0.001 ] and a lower folate level [ ( 8.39 ±4.45) ng/ml vs (10.38 ±5.01) ng/ml,P ＜0.001].In a logistic regression model using ALS as a dependent variable,plasma level of Hcy was significantly associated with ALS.A trend for higher Hcy levels in patients with shorter interval from symptom onset to diagnosis ( ODI ) was also found [ Hcy levels (20.73 ± 15.79 ) μmol/L with ODI ＜ 19 months vs ( 16.41 ± 9.73 ) μmol/L with ODI ≥ 19 months,P =0.035 ].Conclusions Plasma Hcy level is significantly increased in patients with ALS.The individuals with shorter time to diagnosis present higher Hcy level,suggesting that it may associate with the progression pace of ALS.