Homocysteine (IDK® Homocysteine DBS) (dried blood samples) LC-MS/MS

Homocysteine occurs in blood as well as free molecule as bound to albumin. Following
a distinct metabolic pathway, methionin is changed to homocystein, which then
is further metabolized by cystathionine beta synthase (cofactor vitamin B6) resulting
in cystein which is then degraded. A deficiency of the enzyme results in rising
concentrations of methionin and homocysteine and a decreasing concentration of
cystine. This leads to homocystinuria which causes psychomotor disabilities if untreated.
It has been shown that homocysteine is an important risk factor for coronary heart
disease. High values can be found in samples of patients with a genetic defect which
results in a failure in homocysteine metabolism. It has been published that this is the
cause of 40% of all heart attacks in the USA. Furthermore, the risk of stroke increases
proportionally to the concentration of homocystein in blood.
Vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid can be used for reducing high plasma levels of homcystein
effectively and without known side-effects.