Pathological conditions associated with hyperhomocysteinemia

Abstract

The effect of excessive homocysteine concentration in human blood, on the cells and tissues of the body is very complex. The effect associated with the induction of oxidative stress and disruption of the biochemical balance of the intracellular space has a negative impact on the physiology of cells and the regularity of their functioning by changing their metabolism. This may result in the formation and development of atherosclerotic lesions, disorders in the coagulation system leading to thrombosis and, consequently, embolism, pathological changes in the central nervous system, which may translate into the formation of mental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, depression and dementia. In addition, hyperhomocysteinemia affects the possible pathologies and complications of pregnancy associated with them, as well as the implications for fetal development if its aforementioned condition. The work presented here outlines the mechanisms that determine the formation of the aforementioned disease entities as a result of too much homocysteine and the clinical significance of these relationships. With the development of science and the increasing number of publications related to the impact of hyperhomocysteinemia on diverse disease entities, there are voices suggesting the inclusion of studies on homocysteine concentrations in body fluids in screening as risk factors for the development of these diseases or using them for their control and treatment.

Keywords

• homocysteine
• hyperhomocysteinemia
• pathogenesis
• diseases
• thrombosis