[HTML][HTML] Hyperhomocysteinemia enhances vascular inflammation and accelerates atherosclerosis in a murine model

MA Hofmann, E Lalla, Y Lu… - The Journal of …, 2001 - Am Soc Clin Investig
MA Hofmann, E Lalla, Y Lu, MR Gleason, BM Wolf, N Tanji, LJ Ferran, B Kohl, V Rao…
The Journal of clinical investigation, 2001Am Soc Clin Investig
Although hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a well-known risk factor for the development of
cardiovascular disease, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Here
we show that induction of HHcy in apoE-null mice by a diet enriched in methionine but
depleted in folate and vitamins B6 and B12 increased atherosclerotic lesion area and
complexity, and enhanced expression of receptor for advanced glycation end products
(RAGE), VCAM-1, tissue factor, and MMP-9 in the vasculature. These homocysteine …
Although hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a well-known risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Here we show that induction of HHcy in apoE-null mice by a diet enriched in methionine but depleted in folate and vitamins B6 and B12 increased atherosclerotic lesion area and complexity, and enhanced expression of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), VCAM-1, tissue factor, and MMP-9 in the vasculature. These homocysteine-mediated (HC-mediated) effects were significantly suppressed, in parallel with decreased levels of plasma HC, upon dietary supplementation with folate and vitamins B6/B12. These findings implicate HHcy in atherosclerotic plaque progression and stability, and they suggest that dietary enrichment in vitamins essential for the metabolism of HC may impart protective effects in the vasculature.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation