THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HOMOCYSTEINE LEVELS IN WOMEN'S HEALTH
Abstract
This study examines the importance of homocysteine levels in the context of female health. Homocysteine, a constituent of every cell, is produced from the breakdown of the essential sulfur-containing amino acid methionine. In blood plasma, free (reduced) homocysteine is present in small amounts (1–2%), with approximately 80% of this amino acid binding to blood plasma proteins, primarily albumin, forming a disulfide bond with cysteine-34.
References
Lentz S.R., Haynes W.G. Homocysteine: Is it a clinically important cardiovascular risk factor? Clev. Clin. J. Med., 2004, v. 71, p. 729–734.
Daly S., Cotter A., Molloy A.E., Scott J. Homocysteine and folic acid: implications for pregnancy. Semin. Vasc. Med., 2005,v. 5, p. 190–200.
Ciaccio M., Bivona G., Bellia C. Therapeutical approach to plasma homocysteine and cardiovascular risk reduction Therap. and Clin. Risk Manag., 2008, v. 4, p. 219–224.