Homocysteine and occlusive arterial disease.
BACKGROUND
An increased plasma level of homocysteine has been proposed as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis; this review examines the evidence.


METHODS
A Medline search was undertaken for English language articles on homocysteine and vascular disease. Further papers were identified by cross-referencing from the reference lists of relevant major articles.


RESULTS
Although much interest has been generated about homocysteine and atherosclerotic disease, contradictory data exist regarding its role in disease progression. There is insufficient current evidence to regard increased homocysteine level as a causative factor in atherosclerotic disease.


CONCLUSIONS
It is not known whether lowering plasma homocysteine concentration will reduce cardiovascular risk in the long term. Until such data become available, there is no evidence for the widespread use of folic acid therapy to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
O'Grady
H
H
Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland. ogradyh@yahoo.co.nz
Kelly
C
C
Bouchier-Hayes
D
D
Leahy
A
A
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D004032:Diet; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); D000587:Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism
D006710:Homocysteine; D005492:Folic Acid; D000587:Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors; D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); D014805:Vitamin B 12