Homocysteine and Folic Acid Prescription Effects on Cardiovascular Diseases

Introduction: Homocysteine, is a sulfhydryl-containing amino acid that is typically present in verysmall amounts in all cells of the body. Many investigations have indicated hyperhomocystenemiaas a risk factor, which is correlated with complications such as atherosclerosis, cardiovasculardisease (CVD), and stroke. The aim of the present work was to review different studies for thelowering effect/s of folic acid supplementation on plasma homocysteine levels.Methods: An academic search was conducted in number of electronic databases such as EMBASE,PubMed, and etc. for the key words; homocysteine , vitamin B12 , vitamin B6 , folic acid (vitaminB9) and cardiovascular diseases during years 2004 to 2018.Findings: Review of the selected papers indicated that increased homocysteine levels as a riskmarker for cardiovascular diseases, is associated with atheriosclerotic outcomes. In addition, it isconsidered a higher risk of coronary artery disease in patients with chronic renal dysfunction. Inapparent contrast, however, another study indicated no risk reduction in homocysteine-loweringtrials based on prescription of folic acid and concluded that intake of high amounts of folic acid maybe beneficial via the homocysteine lowering, but may also be harmful via destabilization theatherosclerotic plaque.Conclusion: The authors conclude uncertainty of whether or not folic acid means of homocysteinelowering forms of therapy will reduce the risk of CVD remains a main focus of future researchworks.

Keywords:

Homocysteine , Methionine , Cysteine , Atheriosclerosis , Cardiovascular Disease