Lack of Association of Increased C-Reactive Protein and Total Plasma Homocysteine

To the Editor:We read with great interest the article on circulating vitamin B6 levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) by Friso et al1 showing that low plasma pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) is associated with higher CRP levels. Total plasma homocysteine (tHcy), a well-known risk factor for CVD,2 represents a major determinant of plasma PLP levels.3 The inverse correlation of CRP and PLP seems to be independent of tHcy levels.1We tested this hypothesis in 100 patients (59 men and 41 women with a mean age of 63.7 years; range, 31 to 82 years) with CVD and stable angina pectoris who were referred for coronary angiography. Subjects were divided into …