Abstract
Two-thirds of stroke deaths worldwide occur in developing countries. The higher prevalence of undernutritional states and parasitic infestations in many of these countries could lead to vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. Hyperhomocysteinemia, a proxy measure for the nutritional status of B vitamins, has been reported in many developing countries and is found to be associated with nutritionrelated low plasma folate and vitamin B12. Several epidemiological observations have linked hyperhomocysteinemia to increased risk for stroke. The exact molecular mechanism by which homocysteine promotes atherothrombosis is not clear, although several possible roles have been suggested. Homocysteine is believed to cause atherogenesis and thrombogenesis via endothelial damage, focal vascular smooth muscle proliferation probably causing irregular vascular contraction, and coagulation abnormalities. Supplementation with the nutrient cofactors required for optimal functioning of the homocysteine metabolic pathways significantly impacts plasma homocysteine levels, and offers a new integrated possibility for prevention of stroke in the underdeveloped and rapidly developing countries.
Keywords: Developing countries, stroke, homocysteine, nutritional deficiencies
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Homocysteine and Cerebral Stroke in Developing Countries
Volume: 14 Issue: 22
Author(s): Rita Christopher, D. Nagaraja and S. K. Shankar
Affiliation:
Keywords: Developing countries, stroke, homocysteine, nutritional deficiencies
Abstract: Two-thirds of stroke deaths worldwide occur in developing countries. The higher prevalence of undernutritional states and parasitic infestations in many of these countries could lead to vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. Hyperhomocysteinemia, a proxy measure for the nutritional status of B vitamins, has been reported in many developing countries and is found to be associated with nutritionrelated low plasma folate and vitamin B12. Several epidemiological observations have linked hyperhomocysteinemia to increased risk for stroke. The exact molecular mechanism by which homocysteine promotes atherothrombosis is not clear, although several possible roles have been suggested. Homocysteine is believed to cause atherogenesis and thrombogenesis via endothelial damage, focal vascular smooth muscle proliferation probably causing irregular vascular contraction, and coagulation abnormalities. Supplementation with the nutrient cofactors required for optimal functioning of the homocysteine metabolic pathways significantly impacts plasma homocysteine levels, and offers a new integrated possibility for prevention of stroke in the underdeveloped and rapidly developing countries.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Christopher Rita, Nagaraja D. and Shankar K. S., Homocysteine and Cerebral Stroke in Developing Countries, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2007; 14 (22) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986707781745613
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986707781745613 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Approaches to the treatment of chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous diseases, significantly impacting global health. Although chronic inflammation is a hot topic, not much has been written about approaches to its treatment. This thematic issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in chronic inflammation treatment and foster discussion on future directions in this ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Metabolomics
Current Drug Metabolism Diabetes-Induced Alterations in Renal Medullary Microcirculation and Metabolism
Current Diabetes Reviews Trans-Resveratrol: A Magical Elixir of Eternal Youth?
Current Medicinal Chemistry Crosstalk between Behavior and Immune System During the Prodromal Stages of Alzheimer`s Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design Lone Atrial Fibrillation: Electrophysiology, Risk Factors, Catheter Ablation and Other Non-pharmacologic Treatments
Current Pharmaceutical Design Therapeutic Approach on AGE-RAGE Interaction and Its Function in Diabetic Inflammation Process
Recent Patents on Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Drug Discovery Selenium and Selenoproteins: An Overview on Different Biological Systems
Current Protein & Peptide Science The Contribution of Transcriptomics to Biomarker Development in Systemic Vasculitis and SLE
Current Pharmaceutical Design Clinical Implications of CYP2D6 Genetic Polymorphism During Treatment with Antipsychotic Drugs
Current Drug Targets Small Molecules in Stem Cell Research
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Metabolic Effects of Bile Acids in the Gut in Health and Disease
Current Medicinal Chemistry Pharmacogenetics in Psychiatry - A Useful Clinical Tool or Wishful Thinking for the Future?
Current Pharmaceutical Design Oral IIa and Xa Inhibitors for Prevention of Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation: Clinical Studies and Regulatory Considerations
Current Clinical Pharmacology The Vectorcardiogram and the Main Dromotropic Disturbances
Current Cardiology Reviews From Diabetes to Metabolic Syndrome: A View Point on An Evolving Concept
Current Pharmaceutical Design Gender as a Regulator of Atherosclerosis in Murine Models
Current Drug Targets Lipid Matrix Nanoparticles: Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics
Current Nanoscience Cardiovascular Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Role of Traditional and Lupus Related Risk Factors
Current Cardiology Reviews Adenosine A<sub>3</sub> Receptor: A promising therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease
Current Cardiology Reviews Diet, Cardiometabolic Factors and Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Role of Genetics
Current Diabetes Reviews