Premium
Homocysteine levels are inversely associated with capillary density in men, not in premenopausal women
Author(s) -
Hornstra Jacqueline M.,
Hoekstra Trynke,
Serné Erik H.,
Eringa Ed C.,
Wijnstok Nienke J.,
Blom Henk J.,
Twisk Jos W. R.,
Smulders Yvo M.
Publication year - 2014
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 - 10.1111/eci.12240
Subject(s) - homocysteine , medicine , cardiology , microcirculation , hyperaemia , plasma homocysteine , endocrinology , population , blood flow , environmental health
Background Homocysteine is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. The mechanisms underlying this link are not fully elucidated. Whereas the role of vascular dysfunction in conduit arteries is extensively studied, the role of the microcirculation in this relationship is largely unexplored. We assessed the relationship between homocysteine levels and microvascular structure and function in a healthy, population‐based cohort. Materials and methods We cross‐sectionally studied 260 participants (aged 42 years, 47% men) of the A msterdam G rowth and H ealth L ongitudinal S tudy. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy was used to assess capillary density at baseline, during venous occlusion and during peak reactive hyperaemia. The relationship between tertiles of homocysteine and microvascular outcomes was evaluated using linear regression analyses, with adjustment for BMI and blood pressure. Stratified analyses were performed for men and women. Results In men, we observed a negative, nonlinear relationship between homocysteine and baseline capillary density, showing a lower capillary density in the highest tertile of homocysteine [adjusted B −8·65 capillaries/mm 2 (95%‐ CI : −16·05 to −1·25); P = 0·02]. In women, no significant associations were found between homocysteine and microvascular outcomes. Conclusions In men, higher homocysteine levels are associated with a reduction in basal perfusion of skin capillaries. This finding provides a novel potential explanation for how homocysteine influences cardiovascular disease risk.