Open AccessThe influence of homocysteine on osteoporosis
Author(s) -
Elena Rusu
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
romanian journal of military medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2501-2312
pISSN - 1222-5126
DOI - 10.55453/rjmm.2017.120.2.3
Subject(s) - homocysteine , osteoporosis , medicine , risk factor , methionine , endocrinology , vitamin b12 , life expectancy , disease , physiology , biology , biochemistry , amino acid , environmental health , population
Osteoporosis is a major health problem, and the economic costs are expected to rise due to an increase in life expectancy throughout the world. Its major consequence is fractures, and especially hip fractures are associated with institutionalization and increased mortality. Homocysteine is an amino acid intermediate formed during the metabolism of methionine. Homocysteinuria is a rare autosomal recessive biochemical abnormality which causes elevated plasma concentrations of homocysteine and severe occlusive vascular disease. In patients with homocysteinuria, there is an increased prevalence of skeletal deformities, including osteoporosis, which is a primary risk factor for hip fracture. The high prevalence of osteoporosis among patients with homocysteinuria suggests that high levels of plasmatic homocysteine may also increase the risk of fractures. Nutritional factors such as vitamins B12, B6, and folate are cofactors in homocysteine metabolism, and vitamin intakes may inversely affect plasma homocysteine levels.