What is it?
Homocysteine is an amino acid that, when accumulated, can cause complications in the human body. It was discovered in 1932 by American biochemist and Nobel Prize winner Vincent de Vigneault, who described the compound as "toxic". It is important for the transformation of sulfur-containing amino acids.
Why is homocysteine toxic?
The level of homocysteine in the blood is maintained in a low range. If the body is exposed to oxidative stress caused by poor nutrition, smoking, unhealthy lifestyle, homocysteic acid (oxidized form of homocysteine) is formed, leading to degeneration and death of nerve cells. Free oxygen radicals in the blood also increase, leading to blood vessel damage. In this case, it is necessary to use glutathione as a natural way to clear away the free oxygen radicals.
It is important to note that the deficiency of B vitamins - folic acid (vit. B9), pyridoxine (vit. B6) and cobalamin (vit. B12) are important for the homocysteine cycle and their lack leads to the occurrence of diseases caused by homocysteine accumulation.
Elevated levels of the amino acid are a marker for:
- risk of myocardial ischemia;
- heart attack;
- atherosclerosis;
Homocysteine and the homocysteine cycle have been studied by many research teams. The common feature for diseases caused by high levels of the amino acid is chronic inflammation. These diseases include:
- Joint inflammation;
- Ulcerative colitis;
- Crohn's disease;
- Frequent influenza infections;
- Chronic fatigue syndrome;
- Multiple sclerosis;
- Alzheimer's disease;
- And others
How is the homocysteine level determined?
It is necessary to take a fasting blood sample, depending on the laboratory in which it is carried out, the result is ready the next day.
In which cases is it recommended to do a blood test for homocysteine?
- The test is suitable in the following cases:
- Overweight
- Arterial hypertension
- Diabetes
- Family history of grandparents who died of heart attack or stroke
- Chronic fatigue
- When Alzheimer's disease is suspected
The team of ZIC "Medical Karaj" can help you with the examination as well as the subsequent therapy. A treatment plan for high homocysteine levels is available at the Celtera Clinic.
