Volumen: 6 # Number : 1
Publication Date : Enero - Abril Year: 2002
Authors: Irene L. Quintana, María M. Castañon, Alicia Murúa, Lucía C. Kordich
Abstract: Several evidences suggest that high concentrations of plasmatic homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia) are an independient risk factor for occlusive vascular diseases, as much as cholesterol, smoking or hypertension. It is, therefore, vital to determine normal homocysteine levels. In our study, samples of 151 apparently healthy individuals (3 - 59 years old) were analyzed, showing a total homocysteine value of 12.1 ± 3.6 umol/l (mean ± SD). Results obtained from two end-age groups were 6.4 ± 2.6 umol/l (newborns) and 13.6 ± 5.9 umol/l (> 60 yearso old). Moreover, it was found that homocysteinemia increases with age, even in the 3 to 59 years old group, and that mean value is signiflicantly higher in men that in women. Total homocysteine concentration in 95% general populations ranges from 5.0 to 19.2 umol/l. This increased upper limit of the range suggest that the study probably included individuals with low vitamins status, which are consistent with our eating habits. Additionally international epydemiological studies propose cut-off values (≤12 umol/l) significantly lower than the one obtained in our study (19.2 umol/l). Thus, plasmatic homocysteine levels determined in the population of Buenos Aires could not be considered normal or references values. On the contrary, they alert on the existence of a possible vascular risk.
Key words: Homocysteinemia, reference values, atherothombotic rik factor
Pages : 2-7
|
