Diet and Lifestyle Role in Homocysteine Metabolism in Turner Syndrome

Linking homocysteine and ferroptosis in cardiovascular disease: insights and implications

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a metabolic intermediate product derived from methionine. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a condition associated with various diseases. Hcy is recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Ferroptosis, a novel form of cell death, is primarily characterized by substantial iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Recent research indicates a close association between ferroptosis and the pathophysiological processes of tumors, neurological diseases, CVD, and other ailments. However, limited research has been conducted on the impact of Hcy on ferroptosis. Therefore, this paper aimed to investigate the potential roles and mechanisms of homocysteine and ferroptosis in the context of cardiovascular disease. By conducting comprehensive literature research and analysis, we aimed to summarize recent advancements in understanding the effects of homocysteine on ferroptosis in cardiovascular diseases. This research contributes to a profound understanding of this critical domain.

The role of the deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid on homocysteinemia in children with Turner syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Premature atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease represent a major cause of comorbidities among children with Turner syndrome. The identification of non-traditional risk aspects is crucial for the early identification and management of such comorbidities through establishing effective preventive measures. The aim of the study is to explore the role of the deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid and homocysteine in children with Turner syndrome.

METHODS

The study included 78 children with Turner syndrome and 67 healthy age and sex matched children. Karyotype was implemented for all patients. The serum levels of vitamin B12, folic acid and serum homocysteine were assessed. The prevalence of the deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid was estimated to study its correlation to hyperhomocysteinemia in Turner syndrome children.

RESULTS

The karyotype analysis showed 45,X (monosomy X) in the 78 patients. Vitamin B12 and folic acid were significantly decreased in children with Turner syndrome in 65-73% of the patients, respectively, while the serum level of homocysteine significantly increased to 48.7% compared to healthy controls. Homocysteine level negatively correlated with vitamin B12 and folic acid. The deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid increased the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia in children with Turner syndrome (OR 2.49 and 2.36, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This report highlights that hyperhomocyste-inemia in children with Turner syndrome may be related to the deficiency vitamin B12 and folic acid.

Mechanism of homocysteine-mediated endothelial injury and its consequences for atherosclerosis

Homocysteine (Hcy) is an intermediate amino acid formed during the conversion from methionine to cysteine. When the fasting plasma Hcy level is higher than 15 μmol/L, it is considered as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). The vascular endothelium is an important barrier to vascular homeostasis, and its impairment is the initiation of atherosclerosis (AS). HHcy is an important risk factor for AS, which can promote the development of AS and the occurrence of cardiovascular events, and Hcy damage to the endothelium is considered to play a very important role. However, the mechanism by which Hcy damages the endothelium is still not fully understood. This review summarizes the mechanism of Hcy-induced endothelial injury and the treatment methods to alleviate the Hcy induced endothelial dysfunction, in order to provide new thoughts for the diagnosis and treatment of Hcy-induced endothelial injury and subsequent AS-related diseases.

Correlations between Coffee Consumption and Metabolic Phenotypes, Plasma Folate, and Vitamin B12: NHANES 2003 to 2006

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is prevalent not only among the overweight and obese but also normal weight individuals, and the phenotype is referred to as a metabolically unhealthy phenotype (MUHP). Besides normal weight individuals, overweight/obese individuals are also protected from MetS, and the phenotype is known as a metabolically healthy phenotype (MHP). Epidemiological studies indicate that coffee and micronutrients such as plasma folate or vitamin B12 (vit. B12) are inversely associated with MetS. However, correlations among coffee consumption metabolic phenotypes, plasma folate, and vit. B12 remain unknown. Our objective was to investigate the correlation between coffee consumption, metabolic phenotypes, plasma folate, and vit. B12 as well as to understand associations between plasma folate, vit. B12, and metabolic phenotypes. Associations among coffee consumption metabolic phenotypes, plasma folate, and vit. B12 were assessed in a cross-sectional study of 2201 participants, 18 years or older, from 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). MUHP was classified as having > three metabolic abnormalities. Coffee consumption was not associated with metabolic phenotypes, but negatively correlated with several metabolic variables, including BMI (p < 0.001). Plasma folate was positively associated with MUHP (p < 0.004), while vit. B12 was inversely associated with MUHP (p < 0.035). Our results suggest the potential protective impact of coffee on individual components of MetS and indicate a positive correlation between coffee consumption and MUHP among overweight individuals. Identifying possible dietary factors may provide practical and low-cost dietary intervention targets, specifically for early intervention. Larger and randomized intervention studies and prospective longitudinal studies are required to further evaluate these associations.

Distribution characteristics of circulating homocysteine and folate and related factors in agriculture, stock-raising and urban populations: a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE

To investigate homocysteine (Hcy) and folate levels, prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy) and folate deficiency, which are affected by lifestyles in urban, agricultural and stock-raising populations.

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Urban, agricultural and stock-raising regions in Emin, China.

PARTICIPANTS

Totally 1926 subjects - 885 (45·9 %) from urban, 861 (44·7 %) from agricultural and 180 (9·4 %) from stock-raising regions - were obtained using multistage stratified random sampling. Inclusion criteria encompassed inhabitants aged ≥15 years who resided at the current address for ≥6 months and agreed to participate in the study. Surveys on health behaviour questionnaires and physical examinations were conducted and blood samples collected.

RESULTS

The folate level of subjects from the stock-raising region was the lowest, followed by those from the agricultural region, and the highest in those from the urban region (3·48 v. 6·50 v. 7·12 ng/ml, P < 0·001), whereas mean Hcy showed no significant difference across regions. The OR for HHcy in stock-raising regions was 1·90 (95 % CI 1·11, 3·27) compared with the urban region after adjusting for all possible covariates. The OR for folate deficiency in stock-raising and agriculture regions was 11·51 (95 % CI 7·09, 18·67) and 1·91 (95 % CI 1·30, 2·82), respectively, compared with the urban region after adjusting for all possible covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

HHcy and folate deficiency are highly prevalent in stock-raisers, which is of important reference for HHcy control in Xinjiang, with a possibility of extension to others with approximate lifestyles.