Abstract
Homocysteine And Coronary Artery Disease
Indians are more prone to premature coronary artery disease. High serum homocysteine levels have been recognized as one of the novel risk factors of coronary artery disease. Hyperhomocystinemia has been associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction by a number of prospective case-control studies. A variety of genetic mutations, nutritional deficiencies including low intakes of folate, vitamin B12 and B6, disease states, and drugs can elevate homocysteine concentrations. It has been suggested that taking combination of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, trimethyl glycine or simply folate may be used to bring down homocysteine levels. This article reviews the biochemistry, homocysteine metabolism, pathogenesis,and etiology of hyperhomocysteinemia, along with its association with coronary artery disease.
