Homocysteine and Non-Cardiac Vascular Disease

E-ISSN： 1873-4286|23|22|3224-3232

ISSN： 1381-6128

Source： Current Pharmaceutical Design, Vol.23, Iss.22, 2017-09, pp. : 3224-3232

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Abstract

Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels are predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hyperhomocysteinemiahas also been associated with total and CVD mortality. However, whether Hcy is just a marker or playsa causal role in CVD remains to be elucidated. In this narrative review, we discuss the associations between Hcyand non-cardiac vascular diseases, namely stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, chronickidney disease (CKD), atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) anderectile dysfunction (ED). The effects of several drugs on Hcy levels are also considered.

Folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 supplementation can significantly decrease circulating Hcy concentrations buttheir effects on CVD risk reduction are conflicting. No current guidelines recommend the routine screening ofHcy levels in patients with non-cardiac vascular diseases. Therefore, further research is needed to elucidate theuse of Hcy in the clinical practice.