Objective To assess the effect of B vitamins supplementation on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and also to evaluate the relationship between homocysteine and risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Methods Using the words ‘homocysteine’, ‘cardiovascular disease’, ‘cerebrovascular disease’, ‘B vitamins’, and ‘randomized controlled trial’, we searched PubMed, Ovid, and Springer. We also hand searched relevant journals and conference proceedings. Randomized controlled trials published between 1998 and July 2008 which evaluated the effect of B vitamins supplementation on vascular diseases were collected. Two reviewers independently screened trials, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of included trials. The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2 software was used for statistical analysis. Results Sixteen trials involving 27,043 patients with vascular disease were included. Results of meta-analyses showed that no significant differences were identified between the B vitamins group and the control group for each of the four endpoints, including the risk of cardiovascular events (RR 0.98, 95%CI 0.94 to 1.03), the risk of coronary heart disease (RR 0.99, 95%CI 0.92 to 1.07), the risk of stroke (RR 0.90, 95%CI 0.80 to 1.02), and the total mortality (RR 0.98, 95%CI 0.92 to 1.05). Sensitivity analyses conducted by a random effect model or with the exclusion of low-quality trials did not change the overall results. Conclusion The trials currently available cannot confirm the causal relationship between homocysteine and risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. More evidence from large-scale randomized controlled trials is needed to confirm this. There is not sufficient evidence to show that B vitamins supplementation can lower the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. B vitamins supplementation should not be recommended for the secondary prevention of such diseases.
Objective To explore the correlation between homocysteine （Hcy） level and the risk of breast cancer，and try to find a new method to reduce the risk factors and benefit for treatment of breast cancer. Methods From January2010 to December 2012， 245 cases of breast cancer （breast cancer group）， 109 cases of benign breast tumor （benign breast tumor group）， and 78 cases of healthy women （healthy control group） in the Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital， who were in accordance with the inclusion criteria， were analyzed retrospectively. The difference of Hcy level was compared among three groups. Meanwhile the relation between Hcy level and patients’s age， blood glucose， serum creatinine， estrogen receptor （ER）， progesterone receptor （PR）， Ki-67 （%）， tumor diameter， or axillary lymph node status was analyzed.Results ① The Hcy level was significantly different among the breast cancer group， benign breast tumor group， and healthy control group （P＜0.001）. The Hcy level of the breast cancer group was significantly higher than those of the benignbreast tumor group （P＜0.001） or healthy control group （P＜0.001）， but the Hcy level was not significantly different bet-ween the benign breast tumor group and healthy control group （P=0.082） . ② The Hcy levels of different types of the breastcancer （type of Luminal A， Luminal B， Her-2， and triple negative） were significantly higher than those of the benign breast tumor group （except for Her-2 type， P＜0.05） or healthy control group （P＜0.05）. ③Plasma Hcy level of the patients with benign and malignant breast tumor was positively correlated with age （r=0.197， P=0.004） or serum creatinine level （r=0.381， P＜0.001）， but not correlated with blood glucose （r=0.023， P=0.668）. ④Plasma Hcy level of the patients with malignant breast tumor was positively correlated with age （r=0.267， P=0.007） or serum creatinine level （r=0.341， P＜0.001）， but not correlated with blood glucose （r=-0.005， P=0.935）， tumor diameter （r=-0.049， P=0.443）， axillary lymph node status （r=-0.006， P=0.921）， or Ki-67 （%） （rs=-0.029， P=0.650）. Conclusions Plasma Hcy level of breast cancer patient is abnormally elevated， and it may have some relation with the occurrence of breast cancer.
【Abstract】ObjectiveTo detect the levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and anti-phospholipid antibodies (APLA) in the hematoplasma of the patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT), discuss the reason of DVT recurrence and search for the predictors of it. MethodsSixty cases with DVT in our department from January 2001 to April 2003 were collected, which were divided equally into two groups as primary and recurrent, and first degree relative of the 30 DVT recurrent patients were also collected. The author established a control group using 30 cases of outpatient clinic without varicose veins of lower extremity or insufficient venae profundae. Hcy was detected with fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) and APLA 〔anticardiolipin antibody, ACLA (IgG, IgM); lupus antibody (LA)〕were detected with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Odds ratios (OR) were also calculated to assess the relative risk of each study group. ResultsThe values of Hcy and ACLA （IgG， IgM） in the primary group and recurrent group were both significantly higher than those of control group and first degree relative group of DVT recurrent patients (Plt;0.01). The values of Hcy in first degree relative group of DVT recurrent patients was were also much higher than that of control group (Plt;0.05). The 90% quantity of Hcy in control group was 13.1 μmol/L and if taking it as the normal value, the number of cases exceeded this value in primary group, recurrent group and first degree relative group of DVT recurrent patients were 14, 21 and 13 and the OR of them were 2.31, 2.20 and 1.90, respectively. The positive rates of LA were not statistically significant in each group. Conclusion The values of Hcy and APLA both rise in the hematoplasma of DVT patients. There are close relationship between the levels of Hcy and APLA and DVT. The recurrence of DVT is related to high level of Hcy and Hcy is possibly a predictor of DVT.
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between plasma homocysteine level and intracranial artery atherosclerosis in patients with cerebral infarction. MethodsA total of 120 patients with cerebral infarction diagnosed between January and December 2013 were selected.Plasma homocysteine level was analyzed and intracranial artery was detected by DSA. ResultsIntracranial artery atherosclerosis can be found in most of patients with cerebral infarction.Moreover,Plasma Hcy level of patients with large cerebral artery atherosclerosis was much higher than others (P<0.05).The much higher Plasma Hcy level,the severe intracranial artery atherosclerosis were found in internal carotid artery and cerebral middle artery (P<0.05). ConclusionIntracranial artery atherosclerosis is common in patients with cerebral infarction.Occurrence of intracranial artery atherosclerosis is positively correlated with plasma homocysteine level.Plasma homocysteine level may be a risk factor of intracranial artery atherosclerosis in patients with cerebral infarction.
ObjectiveTo observe the changes of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, and discuss the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and arterial stiffness. MethodSeventy-three patients with subclinical hypothyroidism who were not treated before were divided into two groups according to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level between January 2013 and June 2014. There were 35 patients in group A (4 mU/L < TSH < 10 mU/L) and 38 in group B (TSH ≥ 10 mU/L). Another 30 healthy individuals were selected as controls. Hcy and baPWV were determined in all subjects. ResultsCompared with the controls, patients had significantly higher level of TSH, Hcy and baPWV in group A, and had significantly higher TSH, triacylglycerol (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)-C, Hcy, and baPWV in group B (P<0.05). Compared with group A, TSH, TG, LDL-C, Hcy, and baPWV in group B patiens were significantly higher (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that Hcy was positively correlated with TSH (r=0.353, P<0.01) and baPWV was positively correlated with TSH (r=0.416, P<0.01). ConclusionsHcy level and peripheric arterial stiffness increase in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Both of them are correlated positively with TSH.
ObjectiveTo analyze insulin resistance in patients with cerebral infarction and its correlation with plasma homocysteine level. MethodsA total of 100 cerebral infarction patients diagnosed between July 2013 and August 2014 and 100 healthy physical examination subjects were included in our research. The plasma homocysteine level was detected; the levels of fasting plasma glucose and fasting insulin were detected at the same time. ResultsPlasma homocysteine level (34.95±14.55) μmol/L in patients with cerebral infarction was significantly higher than that of the control group (8.84±2.27) μmol/L (P<0.05). Insulin resistance index (6.24±3.15) in patients with cerebral infarction was significantly higher than that of the control group (2.19±0.63) (P<0.05). The plasma homocysteine level in the infarction group with insulin resistance was significantly higher than that in the infarction group without insulin resistance (P<0.05). The plasma homocysteine level in the infarction group without insulin resistance was significantly higher than that of the patients with insulin resistance in the control group (P<0.05). In the cerebral infarction group, insulin resistance index was positively correlated with plasma homocysteine level (r=0.600, P<0.01). ConclusionInsulin resistance and plasma homocysteine level play important roles in clinical cerebral infarction. Improving insulin resistance and decreasing plasma homocysteine level may be effective ways to reduce the incidence of cerebral infarction.
ObjectiveTo observe the alteration of serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients during gemcitabine with cis-platinum (GP) program of chemotherapy and to explore the clinical value of monitoring Hcy in evaluating chemotherapy curative effect. MethodsA total of 49 advanced NSCLC patients (including 28 squamous carcinoma and 21 adenocarcinoma) first treated between May 2012 and April 2015 were selected. The Hcy, cytokerantin-19-fragment (CYFRA21-1) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels of the morning fasting venous blood were measured before the first and after the second cycle of chemotherapy. Combined the pathological types of NSCLC, statistical analysis was carried out on the test results. ResultsAll of the 49 patients completed two cycles of GP chemotherapy, and the chemotherapy was effective on 31 and ineffective in 18. Before the chemotherapy, the differences in the positive rates of Hcy, CYFRA21-1, and CEA were statistically significant respectively between squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma patients (P < 0.05). But when combined the two types, the differences of three indicators's positive rates were not significant (P > 0.05). After two cycles of GP chemotherapy, in the patients with effective chemotherapy, the Hcy, CYFRA21-1 and CEA levels were lower in both squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma patients compared with that before the chemotherapy; the difference in the decrease of Hcy levels in both of the two pathological types was significant (P < 0.05), while CEA levels was significant only in adenocarcinoma patients (P < 0.05) and CYFRA21-1 levels was significant only in squamous carcinoma patients (P < 0.05). Among the patients with ineffective chemotherapy, the Hcy, CYFRA21-1 and CEA levels increased compared with those before the chemotherapy; the difference in the increase of Hcy levels were significant in both of the two pathological types (P < 0.05), while CYFRA21-1 levels was significant only in squamous carcinoma patients (P < 0.05) and CEA levels was not significant in both of the two pathological types (P > 0.05). ConclusionThe effect of chemotherapy and the pathogenetic condition can be assessed by monitoring serum Hcy levels of NSCLC patients during the chemotherapy.
ObjectiveTo study the correlation between neck artery vascular sclerosis and homocysteine levels in hypertensive patients. MethodsA total of 2 132 patients with hypertension participated in the program of "Stroke screening and prevention in Dongying city" were included from Sep. 2012 to Jan. 2013. Questionnaire, physical examination, biochemical blood tests and carotid artery ultrasound were conducted in all included patients. According to the level of homocysteine (Hcy), patients were divided into three groups:716 patients with Hcy level less than 12.3 mm/L were in Group 1, 703 patients with Hcy level 12.3 to 16.5 mm/L were in Group 2, and 713 patients with Hcy level more than 16.5 mm/L were in Group 3. The influence of Hcy levels on carotid atherosclerosis was analyzed. Results① The prevalence rate for carotid plaques in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 50.28%, 60.03% and 65.36%, respectively. The prevalence rate for carotid plaques in Group 2 was higher than that in Group 1 with a statistical difference (OR=1.485, 95% CI 1.203 to 1.833, P=0.000). The prevalence rate in Group 3 was also higher than that in Group 1 with a statistical difference (OR=1.866, 95% CI 1.508 to 2.308, P=0.000). ② The prevalence rate for carotid plaques was 62.24% in the rural population, and 52.39% in the urban population. The difference between urban and rural populations was statistically significant (OR=1.500, 95% CI 1.259 to 1.788, P=0.000). ③ Using the presence of carotid plaques as a dependent variable and Hcy level as a covariant, logistic regression analysis found that the plaque formation in Group 2 was 1.491 times than in Group 1 and the plaque formation in Group 3 was 1.752 times than in Group 1. After adjusting the risk factors (gender, age, BMI, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and blood sugar level), the results showed that the plaque formation in Group 2 was 1.388 times than in Group 1, and the plaque formation in Group 3 was 1.452 times than in Group 1. ConclusionThere is a correlation between the increased incidence of carotid plaque and homocysteine levels in patients with hypertension. The incidence of carotid plaque in the rural population with hypertension is higher than that in the urban population. In the population with hypertension, high homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for the formation of carotid plaques.
ObjectiveTo observe serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) patients with different ages and types. MethodsA total of 79 patients (79 eyes) diagnosed with RVO were enrolled. There were 33 females and 46 males, the mean age was (57.00±9.29) years. Eighty-two age-and sex-matched patients (82 eyes) without retinal vascular disease were included as controls. There were 32 females and 50 males, the mean age was (60.00±10.15) years. Among RVO patients, there were 24 patients younger than 50 years old (young patients) and 55 patients older than 50 years old (elderly patients); 35 patients with central RVO (CRVO) and 44 patients with branch RVO (BRVO). Fasting plasma Hcy, serum vitamin (Vit) B6, B12 and folate levels were measured in all patients. The relationship of high Hcy, low VitB6, low folate and RVO with different age were analyzed. ResultsHcy level was significantly higher in RVO patients than control subjects (t=2.946, P<0.01). Blood concentration of folate and VitB6 were significantly lower in RVO patients than control subjects (t=2.641, 2.889; P<0.01). Blood level of VitB12 was significantly different in RVO patients from control subjects (t=1.665, P>0.05). Concentrations of Hcy, folate, VitB12 and VitB6 were not different between patients with CRVO and BRVO (t=0.756,1.306,0.682,1.306;P>0.05). Hcy level was significantly higher in the young RVO patients than in the elderly RVO patients (t=2.394, P<0.05). Blood concentration of folate and VitB6 were lower in the young RVO patients than in the elderly RVO patients, but the difference were not significant(t=1.318, 1.694; P>0.05). The number of patients with high Hcy [χ2=13.67,odds ratio (OR)=3.327,95% confidence interval (CI)=1.742-6.354], low VitB6 (χ2=5.28,OR=2.068,95%CI=1.103-3.878) and low folate status (χ2=8.642,OR=2.546,95%CI=1.349-4.806) in RVO patients were more than control subjects (P=0.0001, 0.023, 0.004). ConclusionsHigh Hcy, low folate and low VitB6 were risk factors for the onset of RVO. Hcy may play more important role in young patients with RVO. Hcy, folate and VitB6 levels were similar in CRVO and BRVO patients.
Objective To explore the relevance of serum homocysteine (Hcy) level to erythrocyte and platelet parameters in patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP). Methods Sixty patients with UAP were collected in Tongling Municipal Hospital from August 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2015. Serum Hcy was measured by enzymatic cycling method. Erythrocyte parameters, such as red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), coefficient of variation of red blood cell volume distribution width (RDW-CV), and platelet parameters, such as platelet count (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), were measured with blood cell counter. All patients were classified into UAP with hyperhomocystinemia (HHcy) group and UAP with normal Hcy group according to the level of Hcy. The data in two groups were analyzed and the relevance of serum Hcy level to erythrocyte and platelet parameters was evaluated. Results The differences in the levels of RBC, hemoglobin, MCV, PLT, PDW, MPV, P-LCR between the two groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05); while the levels of RDW-CV and the proportion of RDW-CV above the upper reference limit of patients in the UAP with HHcy group (13.81%±1.13%, 39.4%) were higher than those in the UAP with normal Hcy group (13.06%±0.97%, 4.8%), and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that serum Hcy level of patients with UAP was significantly correlated with RDW-CV (r=0.380, P<0.01) and was not significantly correlated with other erythrocyte and platelet parameters (P>0.05). Conclusion The high level of Hcy affects red blood cell volume heterogeneity in patients with UAP, which may be one of the mechanisms of HHcy participating in the occurrence and development of UAP.