Correlation between plasma homocysteine levels and craving in alcohol dependent stabilized patients

Prevalence and risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia: a population-based cross-sectional study from Hunan, China

OBJECTIVES

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia, especially modifiable lifestyle factors, such as smoking behaviour and dietary factors.

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Hunan Province, China PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4012 participants completed the study, between July 2013 and March 2014. The median age is 55 (interquartile range: 45-63) years, with 1644 males (41%) and 2368 females (59%).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Homocysteine level were measured by the microplate enzyme immunoassay method. Hyperthomocysteinemia was defined as ≥15 µmol/L. Questionnaire was used to investigate potential risk factors of hyperhomocysteinemia. Crude odd ratio (OR) or adjusted OR with 95% CI were determined by using univariable or multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia is 35.4% (45.4% vs 28.5% for men, women, respectively). One-year increase in age is significantly associated with 2% higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.03). One unit increase of BMI is associated with 5% higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.07). Compared with the non-smoker, smoking participants have a 24% higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.006 to 1.53), while the risk for those quitting smoking are not significantly different (OR=1.14, 95% CI: 0.85 to 1.54). compared with those consuming fruit and vegetable at least once every day, those consuming less than once every day had a significantly higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.29, 95% CI:1.11 to 1.50). In addition, we found there were significant sex interaction with education level or alcohol drinking on the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (p_interaction <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher BMI and older age are potential risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia. Current smoking but not quitting smoking is associated with higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia. Fruit and vegetable consumption may have protective effect against hyperhomocysteinemia. Alcohol consumption or education level might interact to influence the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia.

Hyperhomocysteinemia accompany with metabolic syndrome increase the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy in rural Chinese

Background

To investigate the influence of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in residents in rural Northeast China.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional baseline data analysis of 6837 subjects (mean age: 54 ± 10 years) recruited from a rural area of China. Anthropometric indicators were measured according to standard methods. MetS was defined by the modified ATP III criteria. HHcy was defined according to the WHO standard: an Hcy level > 15 μmol/L representing HHcy. Four groups were defined: non-HHcy & non-MetS, HHcy & non-MetS, MetS & non-HHcy and HHcy & MetS.

Results

The left ventricular mass index for height^2.7 (LVMH^2.7) in both sexes was significantly higher in the HHcy & MetS group than in the non-HHcy & non-MetS group (females: 51.23 ± 16.34 vs. 40.09 ± 10.55 g^-2.7, P < 0.001; males: 48.67 ± 12.24 g^-2.7 vs. 42.42 ± 11.38 g^-2.7, P < 0.001). A similar result was observed in those groups when using the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) for body surface area to define LVH (females: 103.58 ± 31.92 g^− 2 vs. 86.63 ± 20.47 g^− 2, P < 0.001; males: 106.10 ± 24.69 g^− 2 vs. 98.16 ± 23.29 g^− 2, P < 0.001). The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that the HHcy & MetS group had a higher risk of LVH than the other three groups (OR: 1.628 for LVMI, P < 0.001, OR: 2.433 for LVMH^2.7, P < 0.001). Moreover, subjects in the HHcy & non-MetS group [OR (95% CI): 1.297 (1.058, 1.591) for LVMI, P < 0.05; OR (95% CI): 1.248 (1.044, 1.492) for LVMH^2.7, P < 0.05] also had a statistically greater risk of LVH than subjects in the non-HHcy & non-MetS group. The HHcy & non-MetS group was also found to be significantly and independently associated with LVH.

Conclusion

Hyperhomocysteinemia has an independent effect on LVH. The combined effect of MetS and hyperhomocysteinemia might increase the strength of the abovementioned effects.