Abstract

PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE: A DIAGNOSTIC MARKER IN VARIOUS DISORDERS

Md Shamshir Alam*, Md Jamir Anwar, Mohammad Yaseen Abbasi

ABSTRACT

Hyperhomocysteinemia is highly prevalent in world population both in developing and developed countries. Elevated plasma homocysteine level has been associated with an increased risk for numerous pathological conditions that is not related to conventional risk factors. Various nutritional, hormonal, and genetic factors that are associated with elevations in circulating homocysteine levels are also linked with particular disease conditions including cardiovascular disorders, cancer development, endocrine disorders, renal disorders, autoimmune diseases, bone metabolism and neurodegenerative diseases. Recently numerous other pathological conditions are reported to be linked with elevated serum homocysteine indicating further findings remains to be explored. The knowledge of the connection between disease, methyl imbalance and epigenetic control of gene expression has steadily progressed. However, homocysteine imbalance and its role in healthiness and diseased conditions are not clearly understood. Therefore, the current review highlights the understanding of elevated serum homocysteine level and its impact on particular disease manifestations.

Keywords: homocysteine, hyperhomocysteinemia, diagnostic marker, cardiac marker, homocysteine metabolism