Adolescent Afghan Refugees Display a High Prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia and Associated Micronutrients Deficiencies Indicating an Enhanced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Later Life

Confined active area and aggregation kinetic-based AuNPs@PVP nanosensors for simultaneous colorimetric detection of cysteine and homocysteine as homologues in human urine and serum

The detection of cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy) in biological fluids has great significance for early diagnosis, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The simultaneous determination of Cys and Hcy with a single probe is still a huge challenge. To enlarge the differences in space structure (line and ring) and energy (-721.78 and -761.08 Hartree) between Cys and Hcy, and to cause a difference of aggregation kinetics, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are capped with hydrophilic and low-toxic polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (named AuNPs@PVP) and some surface-active sites of AuNPs are masked, the active area for the binding between AuNPs and the detection object is confined, meanwhile, the stability of AuNPs is improved. A novel nanosensor based on confined active area and aggregation kinetics of AuNPs@PVP, is designed for the identification and determination of Cys and Hcy in 1 and 3 min, respectively, with sufficiently low detection limit (4.12 and 4.35 μM) and linear range (4.12-100 μM) for health evaluation. This single colorimetric sensor was applied successfully to the determination of urine and serum, evidencing high anti-interference ability.

Prevalence and clinical correlates of hyperhomocysteinemia in Chinese urban population with hypertension

Context

The coexistence of hypertension and elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels has a mutually reinforcing impact on the susceptibility to cardio-cerebrovascular disease.

Objective

The aim was to assess the prevalence, clinical correlation, and demographic characteristics of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) within the Chinese urban population with hypertension.

Methods

A cohort of 473 individuals with hypertension were selected from four communities in Shenzhen, China. Demographic attributes, clinical profiles, and lifestyle behaviors were gathered and compared between individuals with and without HHcy. A logistic regression model was employed to examine potential factors associated with the prevalence of HHcy. Correlation between Hcy levels and clinical characteristics was assessed through multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of HHcy in the population with hypertension was 31.3%. In comparison to individuals without HHcy, those with HHcy exhibited a higher proportion of males, a higher prevalence of smoking and alcohol consumption, and a higher proportion of cases with the homozygous (TT) genotype at the MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Moreover, individuals with HHcy had lower levels of folic acid (FA), and lower fruit and vitamin B12 intake. Furthermore, the risk factors for HHcy were male (B = 1.430, OR = 4.179) and MTHFR (TT) (B = 1.086, OR = 2.961). In addition, the multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between Hcy levels and gender (B = -2.784, P = 0.004), MTHFR genotypes (B = 1.410, P = 0.005), and FA levels (B = -0.136, P = 0.030).

Conclusion

The high prevalence of HHcy among hypertensive patients in this Chinese urban population underscores the necessity for interventions targeting modifiable risk factors such as dietary choices and lifestyle practices.

The Ketogenic Diet and Cardiovascular Diseases

The most common and increasing causes of death worldwide are cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Taking into account the fact that diet is a key factor, it is worth exploring this aspect of CVD prevention and therapy. The aim of this article is to assess the potential of the ketogenic diet in the prevention and treatment of CVD. The article is a comprehensive, meticulous analysis of the literature in this area, taking into account the most recent studies currently available. The ketogenic diet has been shown to have a multifaceted effect on the prevention and treatment of CVD. Among other aspects, it has a beneficial effect on the blood lipid profile, even compared to other diets. It shows strong anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective potential, which is due, among other factors, to the anti-inflammatory properties of the state of ketosis, the elimination of simple sugars, the restriction of total carbohydrates and the supply of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, ketone bodies provide "rescue fuel" for the diseased heart by affecting its metabolism. They also have a beneficial effect on the function of the vascular endothelium, including improving its function and inhibiting premature ageing. The ketogenic diet has a beneficial effect on blood pressure and other CVD risk factors through, among other aspects, weight loss. The evidence cited is often superior to that for standard diets, making it likely that the ketogenic diet shows advantages over other dietary models in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. There is a legitimate need for further research in this area.

Homocysteine, Vitamin B12 and Folate Level: Possible Risk Factors in the Progression of Chronic Heart and Kidney Disorders

Cobalamin is an essential molecule for humans; it is exceptionally important for various body functions, including deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and cellular energy production. Vegans are more vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency than natives with moderate consumption of animal dietary supplements or people with inadequate nutritional patterns. However, the long-term effects of sub-medical deficiency have not been thoroughly studied, but they may have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system, pregnancy outcomes, and vascular, renal, cognitive, bone, and eye health. Alongside the statin remedy, that is a powerful approach for CVD prevention. Another approach is related to the B nutrition substitution remedy with folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12 are extensively practised nowadays. There is a tremendous interest in plasma homocysteine (tHcy) as a cardiovascular hazard factor. However, current research in the field of its prevention is more inclined toward confirming the benefit of tHcy-reducing remedy with vitamin B12. Thus, while folic acid fortification is primarily aimed at reducing neural-tube defects, it may also play a significant role in the primary prevention of CVD by lowering tHcy. Folate and B-vitamins play important roles in CVD prevention and nutrition policy implementation. Patients affected with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or end-stage Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) experience a tremendous cardiovascular threat that may also further lead to death. As a result, routine monitoring of vitamin B12 levels is likely to be beneficial for the early detection and treatment of metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as the prevention of heart-related diseases.