Genetics of homocysteine metabolism and associated disorders

Braz J Med Biol Res. 2010 Jan;43(1):1-7. doi: 10.1590/s0100-879x2009007500021. Epub 2009 Dec 4.

Abstract

Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid derived from the metabolism of methionine, an essential amino acid, and is metabolized by one of two pathways: remethylation or transsulfuration. Abnormalities of these pathways lead to hyperhomocysteinemia. Hyperhomocysteinemia is observed in approximately 5% of the general population and is associated with an increased risk for many disorders, including vascular and neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, birth defects, diabetes, renal disease, osteoporosis, neuropsychiatric disorders, and cancer. We review here the correlation between homocysteine metabolism and the disorders described above with genetic variants on genes coding for enzymes of homocysteine metabolism relevant to clinical practice, especially common variants of the MTHFR gene, 677C>T and 1298A>C. We also discuss the management of hyperhomocysteinemia with folic acid supplementation and fortification of folic acid and the impact of a decrease in the prevalence of congenital anomalies and a decline in the incidence of stroke mortality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dietary Supplements
  • Folic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Homocysteine / genetics
  • Homocysteine / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / complications
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / drug therapy*
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / genetics*
  • Methylation
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase (NAD+) / genetics*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Vitamin B 12 / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin B 6 / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Homocysteine
  • Vitamin B 6
  • Folic Acid
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase (NAD+)
  • Vitamin B 12