INTRODUCTION. Hyperhomocysteinaemia exerts cytotoxic effects on endothelial cells, activates proliferation of myocytes and increases degradation of elastin in the intima, which leads to vasomotor dysfunction of blood vessels. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia in patients with primary hypertension. The relationship between homocysteine level and population factors and between folic acid level and cystatin C in patients with primary hypertension was also assessed.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study included 50 patients with primary hypertension aged 19–65 years without co-morbidities or complications. The control group consisted of 42 healthy volunteers aged 24–59 years. The levels of homocysteine were determined by fluorescence polarisation immunoassay (FPIA), those of folic acid by microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) and those of cystatin C by nephelometry (Nephelometer Analyzer II). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica v. 9.0.
RESULTS. The study showed a higher prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia in patients with primary hypertension than in healthy individuals and higher homocysteine levels in men than in women. Hyperhomocysteinaemia was also shown to occur more commonly in patients with primary hypertension aged 50 years of more. Increased serum homocysteine was accompanied by higher levels of cystatin C. There was a positive correlation between homocysteine levels and age and cystatin C levels in patients with primary hypertension.
CONCLUSIONS. Based on our study it may be concluded that the elevation in homocysteine level in patients with primary hypertension is not only caused by folic acid deficiency but is also associated with reduced glomerular filtration.
Endocrinology, Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 2011, vol. 7, No 1, 1–10