Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate plasma levels of folate, vitamin B(12) and tHcy in patients with AD. These values were also related to the severity and the duration of the disease and to the possible role of the MTHFR genotype (C677T). METHOD: Plasma tHcy levels, homozygosity for the C677T mutation of the MTHFR gene, and folate and vitamin B(12) plasma levels were evaluated in 74 patients with AD (45 men, 29 women, mean age 68 years) and in 74 healthy matched controls (42 men, 32 women, mean age 68 years). RESULTS: AD patients had higher mean (+/- SD) plasma levels of tHcy (20.9 +/- 15 micromol/l compared to 11.8 +/- 5 micromol/l, p < 0.001) and lower mean plasma folate (5.7 +/- 2.1 ng/ml compared to 8.5 +/- 3.2 ng/ml, p < 0.001) and vitamin B(12) (491 +/- 144 pmol/l compared to 780 +/- 211 pmol/l, p < 0.001) concentrations. Homozygosity for the C677T mutation of the MTHFR gene had a similar prevalence among controls (18%) and AD patients (20%). Homozygous AD patients (n = 15) had higher plasma tHcy values than nonhomozygotes, in spite of similar mean plasma folate and vitamin B(12) levels. This difference in plasma tHcy levels was not observed in controls. Patients with levels of plasma tHcy above and of plasma folate below the normal limits were more frequent in the homozygous AD group. The duration of the disease correlated with plasma levels of tHcy (r = +0.832, p < 0.001), plasma folate (r = -0.580, p < 0.05), and vitamin B(12) (r = -0.460, p < 0.05). However, when all the data were corrected for age, serum creatinine levels, and duration of the disease, mean plasma tHcy, folate, and vitamin B(12) levels were not statistically different between controls and AD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that rather than a risk factor for AD, hyperhomocysteinemia is related to its progression and increasing severity. This might be particularly relevant in homozygotes for the C677T mutation of the MTHFR gene and supports the possible need for continuous supplements in this setting.
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Authors | A Postiglione, G Milan, A Ruocco, G Gallotta, G Guiotto, G Di Minno |
Journal | Gerontology
(Gerontology)
2001 Nov-Dec
Vol. 47
Issue 6
Pg. 324-9
ISSN: 0304-324X [Print] Switzerland |
PMID | 11721146
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Copyright | Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel |
Chemical References |
- Biomarkers
- Genetic Markers
- Homocysteine
- Folic Acid
- Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors
- Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
- Vitamin B 12
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Topics |
- Age Factors
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Alzheimer Disease
(diagnosis, epidemiology, genetics)
- Analysis of Variance
- Biomarkers
- Case-Control Studies
- Cohort Studies
- Female
- Folic Acid
(blood)
- Genetic Markers
(genetics)
- Homocysteine
(blood)
- Humans
- Logistic Models
- Male
- Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
- Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors
(genetics)
- Point Mutation
- Probability
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Severity of Illness Index
- Sex Factors
- Vitamin B 12
(blood)
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