Homocysteine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in relation to inflammation and B-vitamin treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of treatment with B vitamins on homocysteine (Hcy) levels in patients with RA, and to analyse the relationship between Hcy levels and inflammatory variables, and/or MTX treatment.


METHODS
Sixty-two patients with RA and levels of Hcy > or = 12 mumol/L were randomized to receive placebo or a combination of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. The patients were treated and evaluated in a double-blind manner over 12 months.


RESULTS
The Hcy level decreased significantly in the B-vitamin treated patients compared with the placebo treated patients. In a simple regression model, the Hcy level at inclusion was associated with IL-2sR alpha. In a multiple regression model there was an association between the alteration in Hcy level over 0-12 months and MTX treatment, as well as the alteration in CRP, adjusted for B-vitamin treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with RA, Hcy levels can be reduced by treatment with B-vitamins. The Hcy levels were related to markers of inflammation and MTX treatment.
Yxfeldt
A
A
Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.
Wållberg-Jonsson
S
S
Hultdin
J
J
Rantapää-Dahlqvist
S
S
D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D006710:Homocysteine; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D008727:Methotrexate