Plasma homocysteine levels in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: There is evidence that homocysteine contributes to various neurodegenerative disorders, and elevated plasma homocysteine levels have been observed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To investigate if and why plasma homocysteine levels are increased in MS, and whether they play a role in the disease course. Methods: We compared plasma levels of homocysteine in 88 patients with MS and 57 healthy controls. In the MS group, 28 had a benign course, 37 were secondary progressive, and 23 primary progressive. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we measured serum levels of vitamins B 6 and B 12 , folate, interleukin (IL)-12, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-a, leukocyte nitric oxide production, and plasma diene conjugate levels (measure of oxidative stress). Results: Mean (SD) plasma homocysteine concentration was higher in patients (13.8 (4.9) mmol/l) than in controls (10.1 (2.5) mmol/l; p,0.0001). However, there were no significant differences in homocysteine levels between the three clinical subgroups of MS. Serum concentrations of vitamin B 6 , vitamin B 12 , and folate were not different between patients with MS and controls. In the MS group, there were no correlations between plasma homocysteine levels and the serum concentrations of IL-12 or TNF-a, leukocyte nitric oxide production, or plasma diene conjugate levels. Conclusions: Elevated plasma homocysteine occurs in both benign and progressive disease courses of MS, and seems unrelated to immune activation, oxidative stress, or a deficiency in vitamin B 6 , vitamin B 12 , or folate.

No association between MTHFR A1298C and MTRR A66G polymorphisms, and MS in an Australian cohort

“…Lindenbaum and colleagues have suggested that measurement of pHcy levels before and after treatment can be valuable for confirmation of a differential diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorder in patients presenting with paresthesia, sensory loss, ataxia, and dementia [18]. A recent study that confirmed elevated pHcy levels in MS patients concluded that the finding is unlikely to be related to immune activation, oxidative stress, or deficiencies in vitamin B6, B12, or folate [19]. Other investigations also support the finding of elevated homocysteine levels in MS patients compared with healthy controls [20], [21] and [22].…”

Risk of Arterial Cardiovascular Diseases in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Population-Based Cohort Study

“…Immobilization and lack of physical activity among patients with MS may also increase the risk of CVD. There is evidence that homocysteine plasma levels, a risk factor for CVD, may be higher in patients with MS [42][43][44] . Thrombogenic factors [26,42,45] and endothelial function [47] may also be altered in patients with MS. As mentioned, MS patients may have a healthier lifestyle after MS diagnosis, and cardiovascular risk factors may be identified and treated during frequent health care contacts, which may explain the attenuated cardiovascular risk during follow-up.…”

Is there a Link between Vitamin B and Multiple Sclerosis?

“…Serum and cerebrospinal fluid folate levels in 293 patients (with MS, Alzheimer's type dementia, non-Alzheimer's type dementia or myelopathy) and 157 control subjects, did not show significant differences between the various groups [53,54]. However, it has been suggested that low or reduced levels of folate found in MS patients may be related to previous corticosteroid treatments [55].…”