Homocysteine metabolism as the target for predictive medical approach, disease prevention, prognosis, and treatments tailored to the person. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism is crucial for regulating methionine availability, protein homeostasis, and DNA-methylation presenting, therefore, key pathways in post-genomic and epigenetic regulation mechanisms. Consequently, impaired Hcy metabolism leading to elevated concentrations of Hcy in the blood plasma (hyperhomocysteinemia) is linked to the overproduction of free radicals, induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairments, systemic inflammation and increased risks of eye disorders, coronary artery diseases, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, thrombotic events, cancer development and progression, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative disorders, pregnancy complications, delayed healing processes, and poor COVID-19 outcomes, among others. This review focuses on the homocysteine metabolism impairments relevant for various pathological conditions. Innovative strategies in the framework of 3P medicine consider Hcy metabolic pathways as the specific target for in vitro diagnostics, predictive medical approaches, cost-effective preventive measures, and optimized treatments tailored to the individualized patient profiles in primary, secondary, and tertiary care.

publication date

  • November 11, 2021

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC8581606

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85107315654

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1002/jcla.23798

PubMed ID

  • 34786033

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 12

issue

  • 4