Mean serum homocysteine levels were significantly higher in adults with subclinical atherosclerosis compared to healthy controls (18.6 vs 10.9 µmol/L) and positively correlated with carotid intima-media thickness.
Cross-Sectional (n=120)
Single-blind (outcome assessor)
No
Do serum homocysteine levels correlate with carotid intima-media thickness in adults with subclinical atherosclerosis?
Elevated serum homocysteine levels strongly correlate with increased carotid intima-media thickness, suggesting its potential utility as a biomarker for early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Tasa de eventos absoluta: 18.6% vs 10.9%
valor p: p=<0.001
Background: Early atherosclerosis may remain clinically silent until significant vascular disease develops. Carotid intima-media thickness is a useful non-invasive measure for detecting subclinical vascular wall changes. Serum homocysteine has been linked to endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and vascular inflammation. The present study was conducted with the following objectives: (1) to compare serum homocysteine levels between adults with subclinical atherosclerosis and controls; (2) to assess the correlation between serum homocysteine levels and carotid intima-media thickness; and (3) to evaluate the diagnostic performance of serum homocysteine in identifying subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 120 adults aged 30-60 years. Participants were divided into two groups: individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis (n=60), identified by increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT >0.8 mm), and age- and sex-matched controls (n=60). Fasting serum homocysteine levels were measured using an immunoassay. CIMT was assessed by high-resolution ultrasonography. Statistical analysis included independent t-test, Pearson correlation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: Mean serum homocysteine levels were significantly higher in the subclinical atherosclerosis group compared to controls (18.6 ± 5.2 µmol/L vs 10.9 ± 3.7 µmol/L, p<0.001). CIMT values were also elevated in cases (0.92 ± 0.08 mm) compared to controls (0.64 ± 0.07 mm, p<0.001). A moderate positive correlation was observed between homocysteine levels and CIMT (r=0.62, p<0.001). ROC analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84 for homocysteine, with a cut-off value of 14.5 µmol/L yielding 78% sensitivity and 82% specificity for detecting early atherosclerosis. Conclusion: Elevated serum homocysteine is strongly associated with early vascular changes and correlates with CIMT. It may serve as a useful, accessible biomarker for early detection of atherosclerosis in clinical settings.
Kothakapa et al. (Sat,) conducted a cross-sectional in Subclinical Atherosclerosis (n=120). Subclinical atherosclerosis (CIMT >0.8 mm) vs. Healthy controls (CIMT ≤0.8 mm) was evaluated on Mean serum homocysteine levels (µmol/L) (p=<0.001). Mean serum homocysteine levels were significantly higher in adults with subclinical atherosclerosis compared to healthy controls (18.6 vs 10.9 µmol/L) and positively correlated with carotid intima-media thickness.