HOMOCYSTEINE LINKED TO HIP FRACTURES IN OLDER PEOPLE

摘要

High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood, appears to be a risk factor for hip fractures in older people. Experts aren't sure yet, however, if homocysteine is the actual cause of the fractures or if it is associated in a more "innocent" way. If it were a cause, this finding could have a major public health impact because homocysteine levels can be manipulated through dietary changes. "Homocysteine can be easily lowered and that would potentially reduce the risk," said Dr. DouglasP. Kiel, co-author of one of two articles on the subject appearing in the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Kiel is also director of medical research at the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston. At present, however, "we aren't sure how important itis," said Dr. Lawrence G. Raisz, author of an accompanying editorial in the journal and a Professor of Medicine at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington. Elevated homocysteine levels are already recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, as well as cognitive impairment. It's also known that people with homocystinuria, a genetic disease marked by high levels of homocysteine in the urine, have an increased prevalence of osteoporosis.