The Possible Relationship Between Plasma Homocysteine, Folate and Vitamin B12 Levels and Limbus Vertebra

Aim: In spite of the fact that a few mechanisms have been proposed to take part in the development of the limbus vertebra, the mechanism of LV is still vague. The aim of this study was to determine the plasma levels of Hcy, folate and vitamin B12 in a group of women with LV and to compare with those of age-and body mass index-matched women in order to explore their possible contribution to the pathophysiology of LV. Material and Methods: The current study was based on a consecutive series of 171 premenopausal women who were diagnosed with LV and 190 age- and body mass index-matched premenopausal women without LV. Demographics, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry results, and plasma homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels were assessed. Results: The anthropometric, clinical, densitometric and biochemical features were not statistically different between two groups, except for Hcy levels (p < 0.001). While Hcy levels were significantly negatively correlated with age (r = -0.162, p = 0.034) in the LV group; there was no such relation in the control group (r = 0.026, p = 0.721). Discussion: Premenopausal young women with LV have higher Hcy levels compared to age- and body mass index-matched premenopausal women. High Hcy levels may play role in the pathogenesis of LV formation