Hyeperhomocysteinemia

Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine (HC), known as Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), appear to be associated with higher risks of occlusive vascular disease and various clinical conditions ranging from the foetus to the elderly and from cardiovascular and neuro-degenerative diseases to psychological states of hostility and anger. In adults, elevated HC has been linked to coronary disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, venous thrombosis, renal disease, diabetes mellilitus, cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer`s disease, depression, and organ transplant. Disturbance of maternal and fetal homocysteine (HC) metabolism can lead to fetal abnormalities and serious pregnancy complications including congenital defects of the heart and neural tube, spontaneous abortion, placental abruption, osteoporosis, and intrauterine growth retardation. Although there is a substantial evidence for an oxidiative mechanism involving free-radical(s) generation. The exact mechanism for HC induced injury is not well understood, A review on hyperhomocysteinemia, its impact on health, and protective interventions aimed at reducing the elevated HC and its injury is the focus of this artricle.