Abstract | PURPOSE OF REVIEW: RECENT FINDINGS: The current review briefly summarizes observational studies with emphasis on new meta-analyses linking homocysteine to ischemic heart disease, stroke, and venous thromboembolism. These data support weak associations between homocysteine and vascular risk. A number of recent large randomized controlled trials failed to demonstrate benefit for homocysteine lowering with B vitamin supplements in the prevention of cardiovascular events and venous thrombosis. These studies, however, may have been insufficiently powered to detect modest but clinically important treatment benefits. Therefore, completion of ongoing large randomized trials is essential. SUMMARY: At present, the status of homocysteine as a target for intervention in the prevention of atherothrombotic arterial and venous disease is uncertain. Current evidence does not support the use of B vitamin supplements to reduce vascular risk. Ongoing large randomized trials will provide further clarity on this subject.
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Authors | Eva Lonn |
Journal | Current opinion in hematology
(Curr Opin Hematol)
Vol. 14
Issue 5
Pg. 481-7
(Sep 2007)
ISSN: 1065-6251 [Print] United States |
PMID | 17934354
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Atherosclerosis
(chemically induced, metabolism, pathology)
- Homocysteine
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Meta-Analysis as Topic
- Metabolism, Inborn Errors
(drug therapy, metabolism, pathology)
- Myocardial Ischemia
(metabolism, pathology, prevention & control)
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Stroke
(metabolism, pathology, prevention & control)
- Thromboembolism
(chemically induced, prevention & control)
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