Homocysteine: the norm for women, which means increased, decreased in the analysis, symptoms, causes and treatment

Homocysteine ​​in the body contained in insignificant quantities. If the concentration of a substance exceeds the norm, it begins to be deposited on the vascular walls, damaging them. At the same time, the likelihood of developing pathologies such as atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke increases.

Experts recommend monitoring the level of not only glucose and cholesterol, but also homocysteine, this is especially important for those at risk. The increased amount of the amino acid in pregnant women is of particular clinical importance, as this can cause problems with gestation.

What is homocysteine?

When protein foods are consumed, methionine, an essential amino acid, enters the body. When protein is processed from this compound, another amino acid is formed - homocysteine, which is its byproduct. Normally, it is quickly converted to other, non-hazardous substances.

In order for this transformation process to take place, you need a sufficient amount of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. Otherwise, the amount of homocysteine ​​in the body increases and leads to the development of various pathologies.

Functions in the body

Homocysteine ​​(the norm for women depends on age) gradually increases throughout life. This substance is necessary for the normal recovery of body cells and their development. All cytological structures contain this compound in small amounts.

At a normal concentration of homocysteine ​​in the blood, the vessels are protected from the formation of blood clots and the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques. Also, the substance indirectly normalizes blood flow, providing nutrition to organs and systems at the cellular level.

If the amount of the compound is increased, there is a narrowing of the lumen of the arteries, while nutrients and oxygen are supplied to the internal organs in insufficient quantities, disrupting their functions. Experts say that for an elderly person, excess homocysteine ​​may be more dangerous than high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

In addition, scientists have found that high levels of the amino acid can cause mental impairment due to the likelihood of damage to blood vessels in the brain.

Patients in whom the amount of amino acids is increased by 2-3 times are at risk for development senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by a gradual loss of mental abilities.

Homocysteine ​​(the norm for women changes during pregnancy) during the period of gestation should decrease, thereby contributing to normal placental circulation. But in some cases, a high level of the substance remains, while it freely penetrates the placenta and provokes damage to the fetus.

Normal indicators

Homocysteine ​​levels depend on the sex and age of the patient. Also, the values ​​change during the period of gestation.

With age, the concentration of a substance increases, but if its amount does not go beyond the upper limit of the norm, then there is no cause for concern.

For adult women

In women, the normal level of the substance in the blood should be 4.6-12.44 μmol / l. With age, its number increases, and in the fairer sex this process occurs faster than in men. The reason is decreased kidney function.

For pregnant

Homocysteine ​​(the norm for women depends on the gestation period) decreases during pregnancy. The lowest concentration of the amino acid is observed in the early stages of gestation, increasing towards the third trimester.

Homocysteine ​​levels depending on gestational age:

Trimester	The amount of substance in the blood, μmol / l
І	4-12
ІІ	5,7-12,4
ІІІ	6-12

After childbirth, the indicators return to normal within a few days. If the level of homocysteine ​​in a pregnant woman is high, it can cause the birth of an underweight baby.

These children have reduced immunity, so they often get sick. The reason is the ability of the fetus to absorb the amino acid while in the womb, which affects its development. More severe complications are also possible - stillbirth, fetal hypoxia or spontaneous abortion.

Reasons for the increase

Hyperhomocysteinemia (increased amino acid content) can be provoked by various reasons. The violation develops as a result of certain diseases, improper lifestyle. Also, pathology can be hereditary.

Lack of vitamins

The main reason for elevated homocysteine ​​levels is a lack of vitamins. This condition can occur with malabsorption syndrome, which is characterized by impaired absorption of nutrients, in this case, folic acid and B vitamins.

Also, the absorption of vitamins is impaired in patients suffering from:

• atrophic gastritis;
• chronic colitis;
• Crohn's disease;
• ulcerative colitis.

Pathology can occur after undergoing surgical interventions on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract or with the spread of a malignant tumor in the abdominal cavity.

Homocystinuria

A hereditary disease that causes an increase in homocysteine ​​is homocystinuria. The pathology is characterized by a violation of the assimilation of methionine. The result is an increase in the concentration of homocysteine, and the level of other components also increases.

At the same time, the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular system suffers, which is accompanied by:

• mental retardation and mental retardation;
• convulsive seizures;
• ophthalmic pathologies;
• bone system anomalies;
• thromboembolism, thrombosis;
• high blood pressure.

Vascular problems

In people who suffer from atherosclerosis, have suffered a stroke or heart attack, have ischemic pathologies of the vessels of the lower extremities, the level of the amino acid in the blood is increased. In addition, many studies have shown that after treatment that lowers the concentration of homocysteine, the risk of developing these pathologies also decreases.

Obesity

One of the factors contributing to an increase in the level of a substance in the blood is being overweight. Even in the initial stages of obesity, the indicators in the analyzes deviate from the norm.

Diabetes

In patients with type I diabetes mellitus, the amount of homocysteine ​​is within normal limits or even reduced. If the disease is complicated by nephropathy, the level of the substance rises.

Among the causes of the violation, an increased concentration of glucose is also noted, which leads to a deficiency of B vitamins, which are involved in the exchange of amino acids.

Taking medication

Certain medications can increase homocysteine ​​levels:

• Methotrexate;
• Metformin;
• H2 receptor antagonists;
• Euphyllina;
• hormonal contraceptives.

The drugs that are used in the treatment of psoriasis are able to neutralize the effect of folic acid, and when used anticonvulsant and immunosuppressive drugs break down the B vitamins, leading to increased levels amino acids.

Other factors

There are other factors that can cause the violation:

• imbalance of hormones;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• bad habits;
• abuse of coffee (more than 6 cups a day);
• kidney disease.

Possible symptoms of elevation

The increase in homocysteine ​​levels itself usually does not manifest itself in any way. The person has signs of pathology that caused the disorder.

Since most often deviations occur with a deficiency of B vitamins, the condition can manifest itself:

• blanching of the skin;
• tingling in the limbs;
• dizziness;
• unstable mood.

With folate deficiency, the patient will suffer from:

• tiredness;
• ulcers on the oral mucosa;
• swelling of the tongue.

If both elements are missing, then the state manifests itself:

• unstable movements;
• shortness of breath;
• arrhythmia;
• confusion of consciousness;
• memory problems;
• weight loss.

During the period of bearing a baby, there are clear signs of a violation. Amino acid deficiency is manifested:

• peripheral edema;
• decrease in daily urine output;
• overweight.

Reasons for the decline

Decreased homocysteine ​​levels are rare. This is usually not a sign of any pathology and is corrected by proper nutrition. However, sometimes this condition indicates problems in the body.

Genetic disorders

The lack of a substance is characteristic of genomic pathologies. For example, an amino acid deficiency occurs in children with Down syndrome.

Less commonly, the violation occurs in other pathologies, such as Fallot's tetrad (abnormal formation of cardiac structures) or other congenital heart defects. Conservative therapy in such cases is powerless, since the deviations are genetically inherent. The only treatment is surgery.

Pregnancy

Decreased homocysteine ​​levels in pregnant women are normal. After conception, the amount of the substance decreases, and then gradually begins to increase. Finally, the indicators return to normal some time after childbirth.

Hormonal problems

Amino acid deficiency is characteristic of a disease such as hyperthyroidism. Pathology has striking manifestations.

The patient has:

• headaches;
• nausea;
• weakness;
• disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system;
• jumps in temperature and pressure.

With such a disease, the substance is processed at an accelerated rate and does not have time to be synthesized, so its level decreases.

It is necessary to start treatment as soon as possible by contacting an endocrinologist. Usually, iodine preparations are used as therapy. In addition, a special diet may be recommended to the patient. In case of an endemic form of the disease, it is advisable to change the place of residence.

Oncology

The concentration of the amino acid begins to decrease with the development of the pathological process. With further progression of the disease, the level of homocysteine ​​falls even more, since the malignant neoplasm is able to take up most of the amino acids for growth and development.

Surgery is usually recommended as therapy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy as needed.

Other factors

Another reason for a decrease in the level of a substance in the blood is multiple sclerosis. Often, it is the deviation in the analyzes that is the first sign of the development of the pathological process. Additional studies are recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

Taking certain medications (Penicillamine, Acetylcysteine, Betaine) can provoke a violation. Also, the concentration of the substance may be reduced in a person who takes folic acid and B vitamins daily.

Possible symptoms of decline

As in the case of an increase in the level of an amino acid, with a decrease in its amount provoked by any disease, symptoms inherent in this pathology arise. In other cases, the signs do not appear. Weakness, increased fatigue, a violation of general well-being are rarely observed.

When an analysis is assigned, preparation for the study

It is recommended to check the level of homocysteine ​​without fail:

• pregnant women;
• patients who have high cholesterol levels;
• those who suffer from hypertensive and coronary heart disease;
• people prone to blood clots;
• patients over 40 years of age who have had a stroke or heart attack;
• diabetics in the presence of vascular complications;
• patients with endocrine and genetic pathologies;
• suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction.

Delivery of analysis in such cases is a mandatory requirement. This allows you to make or clarify the diagnosis and calculate all the risks.

Homocysteine ​​is an important indicator for women planning a pregnancy. An increased amount of amino acids is very dangerous for the fetus. Therefore, if a deviation from the norm is found, the doctor will recommend taking blood thinners even at the planning stage.

Before conducting a study, you need to prepare in order to get a reliable result:

• on the eve of the test, you should not eat foods with a high protein content. After 19.00, the consumption of fish, meat, eggs, dairy products is prohibited. Otherwise, you may get a false positive result;
• stop taking medication a few days before the study, if possible. If medications are vital, you should notify your doctor about taking them before taking the test;
• give up increased physical activity a day before the analysis.

Conducting research

The study is carried out on an empty stomach. In the morning before taking the test, you can only drink a small amount of water. The biomaterial is taken from a vein. To do this, the laboratory assistant puts a tourniquet on the forearm and fixes it, while the patient actively works with his fist to make it easier to find the vein. After taking 2 ml of blood, it is delivered to the laboratory for analysis.

If deviations are found, depending on the alleged diagnosis, it may additionally be necessary to conduct:

• ultrasound examination of the digestive tract;
• chest x-ray;
• puncture of the brain;
• CT, MRI with contrast.

How is homocysteine ​​reduced to normal?

Homocysteine ​​(the norm for women depends on many factors) with minor deviations in the analysis can be reduced by adjusting the menu and lifestyle.

This requires:

• to refuse from bad habits. Due to the influence of cyanides contained in cigarette smoke, the concentration of B vitamins in the blood decreases, which contributes to an increase in the level of the amino acid. This also applies to people with alcohol dependence, in whom the amount of B vitamins is also low;
• cut down on coffee consumption. Caffeine inhibits the enzyme methionine synthase, which causes the disorder;
• reduce the amount of protein foods. It is recommended to arrange vegetarian days from time to time. Meat and offal, especially fatty varieties, should be present in the diet in small quantities. Allowed to eat 120 g of meat per day. You should also increase the amount of foods containing B vitamins. This element is present in:

1. leafy greenery;
2. walnuts and almonds;
3. watermelon;
4. peaches;
5. citrus fruits;
6. buckwheat;
7. oatmeal;
8. tomatoes;
9. cod liver;

• women who are actively involved in sports, and especially if they are planning to conceive, it is recommended to reduce the load, switch to more gentle activities.

If general guidelines do not help lower amino acid levels, a healthcare professional may recommend medication. The basic medications that are prescribed for such a violation are B vitamins. They are injected. After the level of the substance is normalized, it is recommended to take multivitamins in courses.

To replenish the lack of folic acid, it is recommended to use the drug 5MTHF. The advantage of such a remedy is that its use does not mask the signs of the disease under the symptoms of deficiency of B vitamins. Another effective remedy for solving the problem is Methyl B-12.

Sometimes antiplatelet agents are also prescribed (Kleksan, Fragmin), which are necessary to improve the rheological (reflecting fluidity) properties of blood. It is impossible to prescribe such funds on your own, since various side effects may occur when they are taken.

If a certain pathology has become the cause of a violation of the level of a substance, the specialist recommends the use of means and methods to eliminate it.

How is homocysteine ​​raised to normal?

In most cases, a low level of amino acids found during testing is not a pathology and does not require correction. If the deviation has arisen due to the intake of medications, then after their cancellation, the condition will return to normal.

Treatment will only be needed if the disorder is caused by a specific medical condition. The indicators will return to normal after it is cured.

Homocysteine ​​is an amino acid that is essential for cell regeneration, synthesis and development. However, an increase in the level of this substance in the blood of women is a dangerous symptom that requires attention. With its excessive accumulation, the walls of blood vessels are damaged, their lumen narrows, and blood clots are formed.

The consequences of such processes can be very serious, even fatal. It is especially important to assess the amount of compound in the blood in pregnant women, as well as during the planning period of conception, in order to avoid problems with bearing a fetus.

Homocysteine ​​Videos

Lecture on homocysteine: