J Clin Neurol.  2014 Oct;10(4):281-288. 10.3988/jcn.2014.10.4.281.

Hyperhomocysteinemia and Neurologic Disorders: a Review

• Ansari R
• Mahta A
• Mallack E
• Luo JJ

• KMID: 2287506
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3988/jcn.2014.10.4.281

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.

Keyword

hyperhomocysteinemia; neurologic disorders; pregnancy

MeSH Terms

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
DNA
Folic Acid
Homocysteine
Methionine
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
Vitamin B 12
Vitamins

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