THE ROLE OF HOMOCYSTEIN METABOLIC DISORDERS IN PATHOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Abstract

To date, there is a large number of publications on hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and the role of elevated homocysteine concentrations (Hcy) in pathology. Increased level of Hcy in blood plasma is a risk factor for the development of a number of pathological disorders. This review focuses on the role of Hcy in various population groups, especially in risk conditions (pregnancy, infancy, old age), as well as its significance as a marker and etiological factor of diseases in these age groups. During pregnancy, Hcy levels have been investigated in connection with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as small size for gestational age at birth, preeclampsia, repeated abortions, low birth weight or restriction of intrauterine growth. In pediatric populations, Hcy levels are important not only for cardiovascular diseases, obesity and kidney diseases, but the most interesting data relate to the study of elevated Hcy levels in autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Finally, the main attention is paid to the main pathologies of the elderly (cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, osteoporosis). The metabolism of Hcy is influenced by B vitamins, and have been proposed as correction methods to reduce the level of Hcy. However, clinical studies have not come to a consensus on the effectiveness of vitamin supplements in reducing the level of Hcy and improving the pathological condition, especially in elderly patients with obvious pathologies. It should be emphasized the importance of new experimental projects focused on intra -individual variability as a supplement to typical experimental projects and the study of interactions between various factors in the pathogenesis of Hcy.