Increased levels of homocysteine in patients with ulcerative colitis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate serum levels of homocysteine (Hcys) and the risk that altered levels carry for thrombosis development in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.


METHODS
55 UC patients and 45 healthy adults were included. Hcys, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels were measured in both groups. Clinical history and thromboembolic events were investigated.


RESULTS
The average Hcys level in the UC patients was 13.3 +/- 1.93 micromol/L (range 4.60-87) and was higher than the average Hcys level of the control group which was 11.2 +/- 3.58 micromol/L (range 4.00-20.8) (P < 0.001). Vitamin B12 and folic acid average values were also lower in the UC group (P < 0.001). When multivariate regression analysis was performed, it was seen that folic acid deficiency was the only risk factor for hyperhomocysteinemia. Frequencies of thromboembolic complications were not statistically significantly different in UC and control groups. When those with and without a thrombosis history in the UC group were compared according to Hcys levels, it was seen that there were no statistically significant differences. A negative linear relationship was found between folic acid levels and Hcys.


CONCLUSIONS
We could not find any correlations between Hcys levels and history of prior thromboembolic events.
Akbulut
Sabiye
S
Department of Gastroenterology, Kartal Kosuyolu High Specialty Education and Research Hospital, 34846 Istanbul, Turkey.
Altiparmak
Emin
E
Topal
Firdevs
F
Ozaslan
Ersan
E
Kucukazman
Metin
M
Yonem
Ozlem
O
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood; D005494:Folic Acid Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D015854:Up-Regulation; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D006710:Homocysteine; D005492:Folic Acid; D014805:Vitamin B 12