Updated: May 25, 2009
Homocystinuria is a disorder of methionine metabolism, leading to an abnormal accumulation of homocysteine and its metabolites (homocystine, homocysteine-cysteine complex, and others) in blood and urine. Normally, these metabolites are not found in appreciable quantities in blood or urine. Homocysteinemia, a separate but related entity, is defined as elevation of homocysteine level in blood. This condition has also been referred to as homocyst(e)inemia to reflect metabolites that may accumulate. A mild elevation of plasma homocysteine may exist without homocystinuria.
The accumulation of homocysteine and its metabolites is caused by disruption of any of the 3 interrelated pathways of methionine metabolism—deficiency in the cystathionine B-synthase (CBS) enzyme, defective methylcobalamin synthesis, or abnormality in methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR).
Clinical syndromes resulting from each of these metabolic abnormalities have been termed homocystinuria I, II, and III. Three different cofactors/vitamins—pyridoxal 5-phosphate, methylcobalamin, and folate—are necessary for the 3 different metabolic paths.
The pathway, starting at methionine, progressing through homocysteine, and onwards to cysteine, is termed the transsulfuration pathway. Conversion of homocysteine back to methionine, catalyzed by MTHFR and methylcobalamin, is termed as the remethylation pathway. A minor amount of remethylation takes place via an alternate route using betaine as the methyl donor.
Homocysteinemia theoretically could be a result of defects at any of these 3 locations. These abnormalities could arise from a genetic predisposition or from genetic predisposition worsened by comorbid conditions and/or nutritional and environmental factors. These conditions and factors may be related to abnormal MTHFR, chronic renal failure, hypothyroidism, malignancies, methotrexate treatment, oral contraceptive use, consumption of animal proteins, and smoking.
An abnormal gene on chromosome 1 has been proposed as the cause of reduction in MTHFR; however, whether this mutation alone can lead to cerebrovascular events or whether it requires additional environmental or nutritional lack of folic acid to cause symptomatic homocysteinemia is unclear.1
Increased homocysteine level is associated with a higher risk of strokes. Carotid stenosis appears to have a graded response to increased levels of homocysteine. Increased carotid plaque thickness has been associated with high homocysteine and low B-12 levels. Yoo et al studied both intracranial and extracranial vessels by MR angiography and reported that homocysteine levels were higher in patients with 2- or 3-vessel stenoses than in those with 1-vessel stenosis.2 In patients with baseline homocysteine level exceeding 9.1 umol/L, supplementation with B vitamins resulted in slowed progression of carotid intimal medial thickness (CIMT).
Several mechanisms have been suggested as the possible cause of accelerated vascular disease. These include (1) endothelial cell damage, (2) smooth muscle cell proliferation, (3) lipid peroxidation, (4) up-regulation of prothrombotic factors (XII and V), and (5) down-regulation of antithrombotic factors or endothelial-derived nitric oxide.
Incidence of homocystinuria is approximately 1 per 100,000.
Reported incidence of homocystinuria varies between 1 in 50,000 and 1 in 200,000.
Homocystinuria is associated with the following physical findings:
Blood Dyscrasias and Stroke
Metabolic Disease & Stroke: Fabry
Disease
Metabolic Disease & Stroke: Methylmalonic
Acidemia
Metabolic Disease & Stroke: Propionic
Acidemia
Carotid disease and stroke
Acute stroke diagnosis and treatment requires that certain laboratory studies such as complete blood count, chemistries, prothrombin/activated partial thromboplastin times (PT/aPTT), brain imaging, echocardiography, and vascular studies be done to exclude the usual causes, some of which may be treatable or preventable.
A methionine-restricted diet is sometimes necessary if homocysteine is not controlled adequately by medications.
Homocystinuria: Patients may be divided into pyridoxine-sensitive and pyridoxine-insensitive groups. In the first group, pyridoxine, folic acid, and vitamin B-12 are prescribed. These 3 vitamins, in combination, reduce the homocysteine levels as well as provide clinical benefit. Secondary stroke prevention rests on risk factor reduction. Aspirin, clopidogrel, and aspirin-dipyridamole have been suggested for secondary stroke prophylaxis, but whether other antiplatelet agents or anticoagulation are equally or more effective is not known.
Homocysteinemia: No consensus exists on optimal approaches to the treatment of homocysteinemia.
These agents are essential for normal metabolic processes and DNA synthesis.
Cofactor for cystathionine B-synthase in transsulfuration pathway of methionine metabolism.
100-500 mg/d PO
Administer as in adults
May decrease levodopa, phenytoin, and phenobarbital serum levels
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Extremely high doses may cause neuropathy; >200 mg/d may precipitate withdrawal effects when medication discontinued
Cofactor/precursor for methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme.
0.45-10 mg/d PO/IM/SC
0.1-0.4 mg/d PO/IM/SC
May cause levels of phenytoin to be subtherapeutic and thus increase in seizure frequency
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Some authors do not recommend treating with folic acid unless B-12 given concomitantly, as resolution of anemia may mask consequences of undiagnosed B-12 deficiency; resistance to treatment may occur in patients with alcoholism and deficiencies of other vitamins
Deoxyadenosyl-cobalamin and hydroxocobalamin are active forms of vitamin B-12.
200-1000 mcg/d IM
Administer as in adults
None reported
Documented hypersensitivity; hereditary optic nerve atrophy
A - Fetal risk not revealed in controlled studies in humans
Severe hypokalemia may result in patients with vitamin B-12–deficient megaloblastic anemia; this complication may be fatal and is thought to be due to increased cellular potassium requirements when anemia is corrected
For pyridoxine-insensitive patients, betaine supplementation is an option.
Promotes conversion of homocysteine to methionine via a minor pathway.
250 mg/kg/d PO tid
Administer as in adults
None reported
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Prescriber should be knowledgeable in management of homocystinuria
Early diagnosis of homocystinuria along with prophylactic medical and dietary care is a key to better long-term prognosis; it can halt or even reverse some of the complications.
For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Stroke Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education article Stroke.
Rozen R. Molecular genetic aspects of hyperhomocysteinemia and its relation to folic acid. Clin Invest Med. Jun 1996;19(3):171-8. [Medline].
Yoo JH, Chung CS, Kang SS. Relation of plasma homocyst(e)ine to cerebral infarction and cerebral atherosclerosis. Stroke. Dec 1998;29(12):2478-83. [Medline].
Mudd SH, Skovby F, Levy HL. The natural history of homocystinuria due to cystathionine beta- synthase deficiency. Am J Hum Genet. Jan 1985;37(1):1-31. [Medline].
Kaur M, Kabra M, Das GP. Clinical and biochemical studies in homocystinuria. Indian Pediatr. Oct 1995;32(10):1067-75. [Medline].
van den Berg M, van der Knaap MS, Boers GH. Hyperhomocysteinaemia; with reference to its neuroradiological aspects. Neuroradiology. Jul 1995;37(5):403-11. [Medline].
Toole JF, Malinow MR, Chambless LE, et al. Lowering homocysteine in patients with ischemic stroke to prevent recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, and death: the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention (VISP) randomized controlled trial. JAMA. Feb 4 2004;291(5):565-75. [Medline].
Saposnik G, Ray JG, Sheridan P, McQueen M, Lonn E,. Homocysteine-lowering therapy and stroke risk, severity, and disability: additional findings from the HOPE 2 trial. Stroke. Apr 2009;40(4):1365-72. [Medline].
Cruysberg JR, Boers GH, Trijbels JM. Delay in diagnosis of homocystinuria: retrospective study of consecutive patients. BMJ. Oct 26 1996;313(7064):1037-40. [Medline].
Bots ML, Launer LJ, Lindemans J. Homocysteine and short-term risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in the elderly: the Rotterdam Study. Arch Intern Med. Jan 11 1999;159(1):38-44. [Medline].
[Best Evidence] Casas JP, Bautista LE, Smeeth L, et al. Homocysteine and stroke: evidence on a causal link from mendelian randomisation. Lancet. Jan 15-21 2005;365(9455):224-32. [Medline].
Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Weekly clinicopathological exercises. Case 39-1998. A 13-year-old girl with a relapsing-remitting neurologic disorder [clinical conference]. N Engl J Med. Dec 24 1998;339(26):1914-23. [Medline].
Champion MP, Turner C, Bird S. Delay in diagnosis of homocystinuria. Neonatal screening avoids complications of delayed treatment. BMJ. Feb 1 1997;314(7077):369-70. [Medline].
Evans OB, Parker C, Haas R. Inborn errors of metabolism. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, eds. Neurology in Clinical Practice. Vol. 2. 3rd ed. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2000:1500-2.
Giles WH, Croft JB, Greenlund KJ. Total homocyst(e)ine concentration and the likelihood of nonfatal stroke: results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994. Stroke. Dec 1998;29(12):2473-7. [Medline].
Graham IM, Daly LE, Refsum HM. Plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for vascular disease. The European Concerted Action Project. JAMA. Jun 11 1997;277(22):1775-81. [Medline].
Gustafsson D, Elg M. The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the oral direct thrombin inhibitor ximelagatran and its active metabolite melagatran: a mini-review. Thromb Res. Jul 15 2003;109 Suppl 1:S9-15. [Medline].
Hankey GJ, Eikelboom JW. Homocysteine and stroke. Lancet. Jan 15-21 2005;365(9455):194-6. [Medline].
Hodis HN, Mack WJ, Dustin L, Mahrer PR, Azen SP, Detrano R. High-dose B vitamin supplementation and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis: a randomized controlled trial. Stroke. Mar 2009;40(3):730-6. [Medline].
Isherwood DM. Homocystinuria. BMJ. Oct 26 1996;313(7064):1025-6. [Medline].
Lobo A, Naso A, Arheart K. Reduction of homocysteine levels in coronary artery disease by low-dose folic acid combined with vitamins B6 and B12. Am J Cardiol. Mar 15 1999;83(6):821-5. [Medline].
Major Ongoing Stroke Trials. Vitamin intervention for stroke prevention (VISP). Stroke. 2000;31:561.
Major Ongoing Stroke Trials. Vitamins to prevent stroke (VITATOPS). Stroke. 2000;31:561-2.
Markus HS, Ali N, Swaminathan R. A common polymorphism in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, homocysteine, and ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Stroke. Sep 1997;28(9):1739-43. [Medline].
McCully KS. Chemical pathology of homocysteine. I. Atherogenesis. Ann Clin Lab Sci. Nov-Dec 1993;23(6):477-93. [Medline].
McDowell I, Bradley D. Delay in diagnosis of homocystinuria. Total rather than free homocysteine is better for screening [letter; comment]. BMJ. Feb 1 1997;314(7077):370. [Medline].
Nappo F, De Rosa N, Marfella R. Impairment of endothelial functions by acute hyperhomocysteinemia and reversal by antioxidant vitamins. JAMA. Jun 9 1999;281(22):2113-8. [Medline].
Nyhan WL, Sakati NA. Homocystinuria. In: Diagnostic Recognition of Genetic Disease. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1987:140-149.
Omenn GS, Beresford SA, Motulsky AG. Preventing coronary heart disease: B vitamins and homocysteine [editorial; comment]. Circulation. Feb 10 1998;97(5):421-4. [Medline].
Peterschmitt MJ, Simmons JR, Levy HL. Reduction of false negative results in screening of newborns for homocystinuria. N Engl J Med. Nov 18 1999;341(21):1572-6. [Medline].
Robinson K, Arheart K, Refsum H. Low circulating folate and vitamin B6 concentrations: risk factors for stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and coronary artery disease. European COMAC Group [published erratum appears in Circulation 1999 Feb 23;99(7):983]. Circulation. Feb 10 1998;97(5):437-43. [Medline].
Soriente L, Coppola A, Madonna P. Homozygous C677T mutation of the 5,10 methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene and hyperhomocysteinemia in Italian patients with a history of early-onset ischemic stroke [letter; comment]. Stroke. Apr 1998;29(4):869-71. [Medline].
Spence JD. Homocysteine: call off the funeral. Stroke. Feb 2006;37(2):282-3. [Medline].
Walter JH, Wraith JE, White FJ. Strategies for the treatment of cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency: the experience of the Willink Biochemical Genetics Unit over the past 30 years. Eur J Pediatr. Apr 1998;157 Suppl 2:S71-6. [Medline].
Welch GN, Loscalzo J. Homocysteine and atherothrombosis. N Engl J Med. Apr 9 1998;338(15):1042-50. [Medline].
Zweifler RM. Management of acute stroke. South Med J. Apr 2003;96(4):380-5. [Medline].
homocysteinuria, homocystinemia, metabolic disease, stroke, disorder of methionine metabolism, stroke treatment, stroke symptoms, abnormal accumulation of homocysteine in blood and urine
Pitchaiah Mandava, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Department of Neurology, Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Pitchaiah Mandava, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, Sigma Xi, and Stroke Council of the American Heart Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Thomas A Kent, MD, Professor, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine; Neurology Care Line Executive, Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Thomas A Kent, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Neurological Association, New York Academy of Sciences, Royal Society of Medicine, Sigma Xi, and Stroke Council of the American Heart Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Richard M Zweifler, MD, Chief of Neurology, Sentara Healthcare, Norfolk, VA; Professor of Neurology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
Richard M Zweifler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, American Stroke Association, Royal Society of Medicine, and Stroke Council of the American Heart Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Howard S Kirshner, MD, Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry and Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vice Chairman, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Director, Vanderbilt Stroke Center; Program Director, Stroke Service, Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital; Consulting Staff, Department of Neurology, Nashville Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Howard S Kirshner, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Neurology, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, American Neurological Association, American Society of Neurorehabilitation, National Stroke Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Tennessee Medical Association
Disclosure: Boehringer Ingelheim Honoraria Speaking and teaching; BMS/Sanofi Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Novartis Honoraria Speaking and teaching
Matthew J Baker, MD, Consulting Staff, Collier Neurologic Specialists, Naples Community Hospital
Matthew J Baker, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Helmi L Lutsep, MD, Professor, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University; Associate Director, Oregon Stroke Center
Helmi L Lutsep, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology and American Stroke Association
Disclosure: Co-Axia Consulting fee Review panel membership; Talecris Consulting fee Review panel membership; AGA Medical Consulting fee Review panel membership; Boehringer Ingelheim Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Concentric Medical Consulting fee Review panel membership; Abbott Consulting fee Consulting; Sanofi Consulting
© 1994-
by Medscape.
All Rights Reserved
(http://www.medscape.com/public/copyright)