Diabetic retinopathy is a vascular complication of diabetes, and homocysteine is an intermediate product of methionine metabolism. Hyperhomocysteinemia can directly or indirectly damage vascular endothelial cells, causing vascular endothelial cells dysfunction and participating in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy. Uric acid is the final product of purine metabolism. Hyperuricemia can cause vascular endothelial dysfunction, oxidative metabolism, platelet adhesion and aggregation dysfunction, thus participating in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy. In recent years, there have been many studies on the correlation between diabetic retinopathy and levels of homocysteine and uric acid. This article reviews the relevant literature at home and abroad in order to provide new information for the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
【Abstract】ObjectiveTo detect the levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and anti-phospholipid antibodies (APLA) in the hematoplasma of the patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT), discuss the reason of DVT recurrence and search for the predictors of it. MethodsSixty cases with DVT in our department from January 2001 to April 2003 were collected, which were divided equally into two groups as primary and recurrent, and first degree relative of the 30 DVT recurrent patients were also collected. The author established a control group using 30 cases of outpatient clinic without varicose veins of lower extremity or insufficient venae profundae. Hcy was detected with fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) and APLA 〔anticardiolipin antibody, ACLA (IgG, IgM); lupus antibody (LA)〕were detected with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Odds ratios (OR) were also calculated to assess the relative risk of each study group. ResultsThe values of Hcy and ACLA （IgG， IgM） in the primary group and recurrent group were both significantly higher than those of control group and first degree relative group of DVT recurrent patients (Plt;0.01). The values of Hcy in first degree relative group of DVT recurrent patients was were also much higher than that of control group (Plt;0.05). The 90% quantity of Hcy in control group was 13.1 μmol/L and if taking it as the normal value, the number of cases exceeded this value in primary group, recurrent group and first degree relative group of DVT recurrent patients were 14, 21 and 13 and the OR of them were 2.31, 2.20 and 1.90, respectively. The positive rates of LA were not statistically significant in each group. Conclusion The values of Hcy and APLA both rise in the hematoplasma of DVT patients. There are close relationship between the levels of Hcy and APLA and DVT. The recurrence of DVT is related to high level of Hcy and Hcy is possibly a predictor of DVT.
ObjectiveTo observe the changes of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, and discuss the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and arterial stiffness. MethodSeventy-three patients with subclinical hypothyroidism who were not treated before were divided into two groups according to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level between January 2013 and June 2014. There were 35 patients in group A (4 mU/L < TSH < 10 mU/L) and 38 in group B (TSH ≥ 10 mU/L). Another 30 healthy individuals were selected as controls. Hcy and baPWV were determined in all subjects. ResultsCompared with the controls, patients had significantly higher level of TSH, Hcy and baPWV in group A, and had significantly higher TSH, triacylglycerol (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)-C, Hcy, and baPWV in group B (P<0.05). Compared with group A, TSH, TG, LDL-C, Hcy, and baPWV in group B patiens were significantly higher (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that Hcy was positively correlated with TSH (r=0.353, P<0.01) and baPWV was positively correlated with TSH (r=0.416, P<0.01). ConclusionsHcy level and peripheric arterial stiffness increase in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Both of them are correlated positively with TSH.
Objective To observe the relationship of serum levels of homocysteine (HCY) and chemokine C-C motifligand 2 (CCL2) with cognitive impairment in COPD patients with different degrees of emphysema. Methods Sixty-twoCOPD patients identified according to emphysema phenotype classification and admitted from January 2016 to March 2017 were recruited in the study. There were 37 cases in emphysema 1-2 grade and 25 cases in emphysema 3-4 grade. Simultaneous 30 healthy subjects undergoing physical examination were recruited as control. Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale investigation and serum HCY and CCL2 test were completed. Relationship analysis was conducted on serum HCY, CCL2 levels with cognitive impairment in the COPD patients with different degrees of emphysema. Results Compared with the 1-2 grade subgroup, the PaO2 was lower, PaCO2 was higher, the plasma HCY and CCL2 levels increased in the 3-4 grade subgroup with significant differences (all P<0.05). MoCA total score and subscores were relatively low in the COPD group with emphysema than the control group (except visuospatial ability scores in the 1-2 grade subgroup). MoCA scores were statistically lower in the 3-4 grade subgroup than those in the 1-2 grade subgroup (allP<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that HCY and CLL2 levels were negatively correlated with MoCA scores and subscores (P<0.01), and HCY and CLL2 were positively correlated (bothP<0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of HCY and CLL2 for evaluating cognitive impairment was 0.79 and 0.97, respectively. Conclusion In patients with different degrees of emphysema phenotype, serum HCY and CCL2 levels are increased in different degree, and the degree of emphysema is closely related with cognitive dysfunction.
ObjectiveTo observe serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) patients with different ages and types. MethodsA total of 79 patients (79 eyes) diagnosed with RVO were enrolled. There were 33 females and 46 males, the mean age was (57.00±9.29) years. Eighty-two age-and sex-matched patients (82 eyes) without retinal vascular disease were included as controls. There were 32 females and 50 males, the mean age was (60.00±10.15) years. Among RVO patients, there were 24 patients younger than 50 years old (young patients) and 55 patients older than 50 years old (elderly patients); 35 patients with central RVO (CRVO) and 44 patients with branch RVO (BRVO). Fasting plasma Hcy, serum vitamin (Vit) B6, B12 and folate levels were measured in all patients. The relationship of high Hcy, low VitB6, low folate and RVO with different age were analyzed. ResultsHcy level was significantly higher in RVO patients than control subjects (t=2.946, P<0.01). Blood concentration of folate and VitB6 were significantly lower in RVO patients than control subjects (t=2.641, 2.889; P<0.01). Blood level of VitB12 was significantly different in RVO patients from control subjects (t=1.665, P>0.05). Concentrations of Hcy, folate, VitB12 and VitB6 were not different between patients with CRVO and BRVO (t=0.756,1.306,0.682,1.306;P>0.05). Hcy level was significantly higher in the young RVO patients than in the elderly RVO patients (t=2.394, P<0.05). Blood concentration of folate and VitB6 were lower in the young RVO patients than in the elderly RVO patients, but the difference were not significant(t=1.318, 1.694; P>0.05). The number of patients with high Hcy [χ2=13.67,odds ratio (OR)=3.327,95% confidence interval (CI)=1.742-6.354], low VitB6 (χ2=5.28,OR=2.068,95%CI=1.103-3.878) and low folate status (χ2=8.642,OR=2.546,95%CI=1.349-4.806) in RVO patients were more than control subjects (P=0.0001, 0.023, 0.004). ConclusionsHigh Hcy, low folate and low VitB6 were risk factors for the onset of RVO. Hcy may play more important role in young patients with RVO. Hcy, folate and VitB6 levels were similar in CRVO and BRVO patients.
ObjectiveTo study the correlation between neck artery vascular sclerosis and homocysteine levels in hypertensive patients. MethodsA total of 2 132 patients with hypertension participated in the program of "Stroke screening and prevention in Dongying city" were included from Sep. 2012 to Jan. 2013. Questionnaire, physical examination, biochemical blood tests and carotid artery ultrasound were conducted in all included patients. According to the level of homocysteine (Hcy), patients were divided into three groups:716 patients with Hcy level less than 12.3 mm/L were in Group 1, 703 patients with Hcy level 12.3 to 16.5 mm/L were in Group 2, and 713 patients with Hcy level more than 16.5 mm/L were in Group 3. The influence of Hcy levels on carotid atherosclerosis was analyzed. Results① The prevalence rate for carotid plaques in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 50.28%, 60.03% and 65.36%, respectively. The prevalence rate for carotid plaques in Group 2 was higher than that in Group 1 with a statistical difference (OR=1.485, 95% CI 1.203 to 1.833, P=0.000). The prevalence rate in Group 3 was also higher than that in Group 1 with a statistical difference (OR=1.866, 95% CI 1.508 to 2.308, P=0.000). ② The prevalence rate for carotid plaques was 62.24% in the rural population, and 52.39% in the urban population. The difference between urban and rural populations was statistically significant (OR=1.500, 95% CI 1.259 to 1.788, P=0.000). ③ Using the presence of carotid plaques as a dependent variable and Hcy level as a covariant, logistic regression analysis found that the plaque formation in Group 2 was 1.491 times than in Group 1 and the plaque formation in Group 3 was 1.752 times than in Group 1. After adjusting the risk factors (gender, age, BMI, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and blood sugar level), the results showed that the plaque formation in Group 2 was 1.388 times than in Group 1, and the plaque formation in Group 3 was 1.452 times than in Group 1. ConclusionThere is a correlation between the increased incidence of carotid plaque and homocysteine levels in patients with hypertension. The incidence of carotid plaque in the rural population with hypertension is higher than that in the urban population. In the population with hypertension, high homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for the formation of carotid plaques.
ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between high homocysteine (Hcy) levels and risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).MethodsCNKI, VIP, WanFang Data, PubMed, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were electronically searched to collect the case-control studies on the association between Hcy and risk of CIN from inception to November 30th, 2017. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed by using Stata 12.0 software.ResultsTen case-control studies involving 6 124 subjects were included. Meta-analysis showed that the high Hcy level was associated with an increased risk of CIN (OR=1.59, 95%CI 1.33 to 1.89, P<0.001), and the homocysteine level in CIN group was higher than that in non-CIN group (WMD=8.74, 95%CI 6.18 to 11.31,P<0.001).ConclusionsAccording to the current evidence, the high Hcy level is a risk factor for CIN. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies are required to verify the above conclusion.
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the level of homocysteine (HCY) and the overall burden of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) in patients with ischemic stroke.MethodsA total of 322 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke admitted to the People’s Hospital of Deyang City between January 2016 and December 2017 were enrolled. The patients’ demographic information, clinical information, and serum HCY concentration were collected after admission. The presence or absence of a CSVD was assessed by MRI and the overall burden score for the CSVD was determined. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess whether serum HCY level was associated with the overall burden of CSVD.ResultsThe median level of HCY was 13.2 μmol/L (inter-quartile range: 4.3 to 22.6 μmol/L). Univariate analysis showed that the difference of HCY levels among patients with different total CSVD scores was statistically significant (F=6.874, P=0.001); Spearman correlation analyses showed that the HCY level grouped by quartiles was correlated to the number of lacunar infarctions (rs=0.267, P=0.001), Fazekas score of white matter lesions (rs=0.122, P=0.042), and enlarged perivascular space (EPV) score (rs=0.319, P=0.001), but was not correlated to cerebral microhemorrhage (rs=−0.010, P=0.869). After multivariate regression analysis to adjust the effects of other factors, compared with the patients with HCY levels in the lowest quartile group, the patients with HCY levels in the highest quartile group were more likely to develop lacunar infarction [odds ratio (OR)=1.892, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.012, 2.987)], white matter lesions [OR=1.548, 95%CI (1.018, 1.654)], severe EPV [OR=6.347, 95%CI (3.592, 13.978)], and the increase in the CSVD score [OR=2.981, 95%CI (1.974, 5.398)].ConclusionIn patients with ischemic stroke, elevated HCY levels may be associated with the overall burden of the CSVD.
Objective To assess the effect of B vitamins supplementation on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and also to evaluate the relationship between homocysteine and risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Methods Using the words ‘homocysteine’, ‘cardiovascular disease’, ‘cerebrovascular disease’, ‘B vitamins’, and ‘randomized controlled trial’, we searched PubMed, Ovid, and Springer. We also hand searched relevant journals and conference proceedings. Randomized controlled trials published between 1998 and July 2008 which evaluated the effect of B vitamins supplementation on vascular diseases were collected. Two reviewers independently screened trials, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of included trials. The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2 software was used for statistical analysis. Results Sixteen trials involving 27,043 patients with vascular disease were included. Results of meta-analyses showed that no significant differences were identified between the B vitamins group and the control group for each of the four endpoints, including the risk of cardiovascular events (RR 0.98, 95%CI 0.94 to 1.03), the risk of coronary heart disease (RR 0.99, 95%CI 0.92 to 1.07), the risk of stroke (RR 0.90, 95%CI 0.80 to 1.02), and the total mortality (RR 0.98, 95%CI 0.92 to 1.05). Sensitivity analyses conducted by a random effect model or with the exclusion of low-quality trials did not change the overall results. Conclusion The trials currently available cannot confirm the causal relationship between homocysteine and risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. More evidence from large-scale randomized controlled trials is needed to confirm this. There is not sufficient evidence to show that B vitamins supplementation can lower the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. B vitamins supplementation should not be recommended for the secondary prevention of such diseases.
ObjectiveTo analyze insulin resistance in patients with cerebral infarction and its correlation with plasma homocysteine level. MethodsA total of 100 cerebral infarction patients diagnosed between July 2013 and August 2014 and 100 healthy physical examination subjects were included in our research. The plasma homocysteine level was detected; the levels of fasting plasma glucose and fasting insulin were detected at the same time. ResultsPlasma homocysteine level (34.95±14.55) μmol/L in patients with cerebral infarction was significantly higher than that of the control group (8.84±2.27) μmol/L (P<0.05). Insulin resistance index (6.24±3.15) in patients with cerebral infarction was significantly higher than that of the control group (2.19±0.63) (P<0.05). The plasma homocysteine level in the infarction group with insulin resistance was significantly higher than that in the infarction group without insulin resistance (P<0.05). The plasma homocysteine level in the infarction group without insulin resistance was significantly higher than that of the patients with insulin resistance in the control group (P<0.05). In the cerebral infarction group, insulin resistance index was positively correlated with plasma homocysteine level (r=0.600, P<0.01). ConclusionInsulin resistance and plasma homocysteine level play important roles in clinical cerebral infarction. Improving insulin resistance and decreasing plasma homocysteine level may be effective ways to reduce the incidence of cerebral infarction.