The homocysteine hypothesis of depression.
High levels of homocysteine are associated with cerebrovascular disease, monoamine neurotransmitters, and depression of mood. A plausible hypothesis for these associations is that high homocysteine levels cause cerebral vascular disease and neurotransmitter deficiency, which cause depression of mood. The homocysteine depression hypothesis, if true, would mandate inclusions of imaging studies for cerebrovascular disease and measures of homocysteine, folate, and B12 and B6 vitamins in the clinical evaluation of older depressed patients. Longitudinal studies and clinical trials should be designed to challenge the hypothesis.
Folstein
Marshal
M
FRiedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA. mfolstein@rcn.com
Liu
Timothy
T
Peter
Inga
I
Buell
Jennifer
J
Buel
Jennifer
J
Arsenault
Lisa
L
Scott
Tammy
T
Qiu
Wendy W
WW
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D020521:Stroke; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D025101:Vitamin B 6 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D006710:Homocysteine; D025101:Vitamin B 6; D005492:Folic Acid; D014805:Vitamin B 12