[Effect of folates, vitamin B12 and life style factors on mild hyperhomocysteinemia in a population sample].
BACKGROUND
Mild hyperhomocysteinaemia (MHHcy) is a significant and independent risk factor for vascular diseases, however, its causality has not yet been unequivocally confirmed. The total homocysteine (Hcy) blood level is considered a product of genetic and lifestyle interactions, mainly folates, vitamin B12 and pyridoxine intake. In this paper we estimated the influence of these factors on MHHcy in the population.


RESULTS
The population sample included 292 males a 251 women, mean age 53.4 years, selected from the population study PILS II. All subjects were examined by a standard protocol for clinical, anthropometrical and laboratory examination. Hcy levels were examined by ion exchange chromatography, all other factors by commercial kits. Statistical analysis was done in quartiles of distribution by Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, Wilcoxon's un-paired test and multiple logistic regression (stepwise). Serum total Hcy levels were in significant positive associations with age in both sexes, with BMI in males only. Negative associations of Hcy were found with plasma folates and B12 concentrations in both sexes, with alcohol consumption again only in males. Smoking and physical activity and serum methionine concentration were not associated with Hcy levels. The established associations remained significant when adjusted by multiple logistic regression. About 40% of subjects with MHHcy had low folates and/or B12 levels and a deficiency in both vitamins was found in 17% of subjects. In contrast, MHHcy also was assessed in 14% of subjects with high folates and in 17% with high B12 concentration and in as few as in 3.7% of subjects with high concentrations of both vitamins as well.


CONCLUSIONS
Nutritional factors, i.e. folates and B12 intake, seem to be the most important ones responsible for Hcy levels. A predominating influence of genetic factors may be assumed in less than one fifth of subjects with MHHcy.
Simon
J
J
Centrum preventivní medicíny, II. interní klinika LF UK a FN, Plzen.
Mayer
O
O
Rosolová
H
H
D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000097:blood*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood*
D005492:Folic Acid; D014805:Vitamin B 12