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Plasma homocysteine concentration related to diet, endothelial function and mononuclear cell gene expression among male hyperlipidaemic smokers
Author(s) -
Brude I. R.,
Finstad H. S.,
Seljeflot I.,
Drevon C. A.,
Solvoll K.,
Sandstad B.,
Hjermann I.,
Arnesen H.,
Nenseter M. S.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2362.1999.00419.x
Subject(s) - homocysteine , medicine , endocrinology , peripheral blood mononuclear cell , chemistry , hyperhomocysteinemia , biochemistry , biology , in vitro
Background Elevated plasma concentration of homocysteine is an independent risk factor for development of cardiovascular diseases. Materials and methods We evaluated potential links between homocysteine and atherothrombogenesis by relating the plasma concentration of homocysteine to (i) dietary antioxidants and omega‐3 fatty acids (and determined influence of intervention with antioxidants or omega‐3 fatty acids); (ii) markers of endothelial cell function; and (iii) peripheral blood mononuclear cell mRNA levels. Results We observed an inverse relationship between the plasma homocysteine concentration and dietary intake of vegetables, vitamin C and β‐carotene and between homocysteine and the serum concentration of folate, vitamin B 12 and omega‐3 fatty acids. Intervention with antioxidants or omega‐3 fatty acids did not affect plasma homocysteine concentration. The plasma levels of cysteinylglycine and vitamin B 12 correlated positively with circulating E‐selectin and VCAM‐1, respectively, whereas folate in serum and blood correlated negatively with P‐selectin. A negative correlation was found between the concentrations of homocysteine and von Willebrand factor. Negative and positive correlations were found between plasma homocysteine and the mononuclear cell mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor δ (PPARδ) and c‐ myc respectively. A negative correlation was also found between plasma homocysteine and mononuclear cell mRNA levels of the proteoglycan serglycin. Homocysteine was not correlated with serum activity of glutathione peroxidase or with the mRNA level of glutathione peroxidase in mononuclear cells. Conclusion The plasma homocysteine level was negatively correlated with dietary intake of vegetables, including vitamins C and E, and serum omega‐3 fatty acids, whereas supplementation with antioxidants or omega‐3 fatty acids did not affect plasma homocysteine concentration. Homocysteine was not associated with circulating adhesion molecules or increased procoagulant activity, but homocysteine may alter mononuclear cell gene expression. Cysteine showed no significant correlation with these parameters.