[The mechanisms of hyperhomocysteinemia in coronary heart disease].
OBJECTIVE
To identify hyperhomocysteinemia (HHe) as a new and independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).


METHODS
The association of coronary heart disease (CHD) and lipid, homocysteine (HCY) and the factors related to its metabolisms were examined. The mutation of the 677C-->T transition of MTHFR was determined by PCR-based assay. Whole blood and plasma folate (FA) and plasma vitamin B12(B12), as cofactors of those enzymes, were determined by radioimmunologic assay. Plasma HCY was determined by HPLC.


RESULTS
Patients with CHD confirmed by coronary angiography had increased plasma HCY concentrations (17.1 +/- 3.6 mumol/L, 7.6 +/- 1.2 mumol/L). In patients with MI, HPT and family history (FH) of CHD, plasma HCY increased significantly. Plasma HCY concentrations had significant non-linear inverse relation with plasma FA and B12 concentrations. Homozygous mutants showed higher plasma HCY concentrations. Patients with CHD had increased serum CHOL and VLDL levels, but plasma HCY concentrations were not correlated with serum lipid levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease.
Gao
W
W
First Hospital of Beijing Medical University.
Jiang
N
N
Zhu
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors
D006710:Homocysteine