Measurement of total homocysteine concentrations in acidic citrate using an enzymatic cycling method.

摘要

The sulphur-containing amino acid homocysteine (Hcy) has been long associated with diseases of the vascular system. Elevated plasma levels have been found in coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and many other conditions. The amino acid links the methionine cycle between S-adenosylmethionine, vitamin B_(12) and folic acid. Reducing blood levels of Hcy by providing nutritional co-factors for its metabolism has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiac events.