title: Hyperhomocysteinaemia as a risk factor for venous thrombosis: an update of the current evidence.
abstract: Classical homocystinuria is associated with arterial vascular diseases and venous thrombosis. In the last decade, many studies, including some prospective studies, have been published indicating that moderate hyperhomocysteinaemia is also a risk factor for venous thrombosis. The 677C>T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is an important cause of mild hyperhomocysteinaemia. Recent metaanalyses show an elevated risk of venous thrombosis for subjects with the TT-genotype. Based on the concept of 'Mendelian randomisation', this observation supports the hypothesis that hyperhomocysteinaemia is a causal risk factor for venous thrombosis. The results of one homocysteine-lowering trial regarding venous thrombosis are awaited at the end of 2003. In this paper the current evidence for hyperhomocysteinaemia as a risk factor for venous thrombosis is being discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology (531), University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. m.denheijer@endo.umcn.nl
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: den Heijer
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000150:complications*; D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / Q000235:genetics; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012307:Risk Factors; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D042965:Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)