Homocysteine, a marker of cardiovascular disease risk, is markedly elevated in patients with gout

摘要

Homocysteine (Hey) is an amino acid formed by demethyla-tion of methionine. Impaired renal function, enzymatic polymorphisms, and low levels of B-group vitamins dispose to hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy). HHcy as well as hyperure-caemia induce reactive oxygen species and impair endothelial function1 and are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hey and urate possibly have additive effects on the endothelial function.Studies in normal populations have shown positive correlations between p-Hcy and p-urate, but reports on the prevalence of HHcy in gout patients have shown conflicting results.