Blacher J, Demuth K, Guerin AP, Benoit MO, Moatti N, London G, Safar M
Plasma homocysteine, endothelin, and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with end-stage renal disease
12th Annual ASH Meeting
Am J Hypertens (Apr) 10:46A 1997

Cardiac disease, both ischemic and hypertensive, remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in ESRD. Several studies have reported elevations of endothelin and homocysteine in ESRD. Other studies have linked homocysteine levels with ASCVD in the population with normal renal function; e.g., (Mayer et al, J Am Coll Cardiol 27:517, Mar 96) . The interrelationships among homocysteine, endothelin, and LVH in ESRD had not yet been reported.

The study looked at homocysteine levels, LV mass index, and endothelin levels in 74 ESRD patients with appropriate exclusions. As expected, homocysteine and endothelin levels were elevated compared with normals, as was LV mass index. LV mass index was significantly correlated with both homocysteine and endothelin, and these correlations persisted even after adjustment for SBP, age, sex, and hematocrit.

Comment: This study is of particular interest inasmuch as it demonstrates a relationship between LVH and homocysteine and endothelin which appears to be independent of hypertension. As other studies have shown the relation of homocysteine to vitamin metabolism (esp. folate and pyridoxine), one would hope that prospective, therapeutic studies are in the making. (James A. Sondheimer MD, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI)

To go back use the BACK button on your browser.
Otherwise click on the desired link to this article below:
12th Annual ASH Meeting
CRF by organ system : Cardiovascular/Hypertension
CRF by organ system : Nutrition

---

---