Homocysteine and leptin in relation to subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in African-American women.

摘要

Background and purpose. African-American women are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease occurring before age 60. Homocysteine and leptin recently have been identified as possible cardiovascular risk factors. This study was designed to examine homocysteine and leptin as risk factors for subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in a sample of African-American women (N = 142). The effects of hysterectomy and menopausal status also were evaluated.;Methods. Women ages 34-58 were recruited from the Pittsburgh, PA area. Leptin and homocysteine were determined from frozen serum. Carotid duplex scans were performed to assess the degree of intima-medial thickening and focal plaque.;Results. Women with hysterectomy only were at increased risk for carotid plaque compared to women with bilateral oophorectomy-hysterectomy or no hysterectomy (OR = 4.5. 95% CI = 1.6, 12.2). Neither leptin nor homocysteine were associated with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis. Additionally, leptin and homocysteine did not differ by hysterectomy or menopausal status.;Conclusions. These data suggest that African-American women undergoing hysterectomy without oophorectomy may be at increased risk for subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Homocysteine and leptin may not be associated with subclinical disease in African-American women under age 60.