Authors say measurement of serum homocysteine may be important for patient management
THURSDAY, Dec. 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Acne patients have higher levels of serum homocysteine (HCY), according to a study published online Nov. 21 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Hao Jiang, M.D., from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine in Nanning, China, and colleagues assessed serum HCY levels in 124 acne patients (moderate and severe) and 70 healthy volunteers, matched for both age and sex.
The researchers found that in both male and female patients, serum HCY levels were significantly higher compared to the healthy control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared to the healthy controls, the ratio of male and female acne patients with HCY above the normal range (10 mmol/L) was significantly higher. There was a positive correlation between severity of acne patients and serum homocysteine concentration (P < 0.01).
“In summary, our results showed that serum HCY levels in acne patients were higher than in healthy volunteers, suggesting that dermatologists need to be aware of possible hyperhomocysteinemia in acne patients,” the authors write. “Serum HCY detection for acne patients is important.”
Homocysteine – Homocyteine is an amino acid that functions as an intermediate in methionine metabolism. It can rise in response to nutritional deficiencies of B12, folate, B6 or betaine. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to damages endothelium, increased platelet aggregation, and the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Genetic factors such as MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) polymorphisms may have a significant influence on elevated homocysteine levels.
Summary of the Causes of Elevated Homocyteine
– Deficiency of folic acid, B6 and/or B12
– Kidney disease
– Low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism)
– MTHFR genetic mutations
– Psoriasis
– Systemic lupus erythematosus