Hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for the neuronal system disorders.

We present here an overview of recent data on the homocysteine metabolism and on the genetic and the metabolic causes of hyperhomocysteinemia-related pathologies in humans. In context of our results which detected an increased oxidative stress in hyperhomocysteinemic rats we discuss here the role of free radicals in this disorder. Imbalance between homocysteine auto-oxidation, production of reactive metabolites and cellular antioxidant defence induced by hyperhomocysteinemia results to cytotoxicity by oxidizing membrane lipids and proteins. Consequently, protein thiolation and homocysteinylation results in the structural and functional modifications of cells, including neuronal ones. It is our hope that identification of prophylacting factors effective in the prevention of toxic effect of Hcy would lead to improved therapeutics, especially the brain tissue. PMID: 24622826 [PubMed - in process]
Source: J Physiol Pharmacol - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: J Physiol Pharmacol Source Type: research