Hyperhomocysteinemia and distribution features of allelic polymorphism of folate group genes in patients with malignant neoplasms

INTRODUCTION: Malignant neoplasms (MNs) are currently widespread in the population. The study of the etiology of various tumor diseases is an important field of medical science. In recent years, elevated level of homocysteine (HC) in blood has been shown to be closely associated with cancer, as well as with unfavorable course after surgical interventions and during chemotherapy. AIM: To assess the role of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHC) and polymorphism of folate cycle genes in the development of tumor processes and venous thromboembolic complications (VTEC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed and eLibrary.ru databases were searched for publications for the period from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2024, including abstracts and articles with the results of original studies (primary sources), meta-analyses and reviews (secondary sources), foreign and Russian clinical guidelines (tertiary sources) using the keywords ‘malignant neoplasms’, ‘hyperhomocysteinemia’, ‘folate cycle gene polymorphism’, ‘folic acid’, ‘venous thromboembolic complications’. The role of HHC, folate cycle gene polymorphism in the development of tumor processes and venous thrombosis was analyzed and assessed. RESULTS: This review analyzes the relationship between elevated plasma HC levels and the risk of developing malignant neoplasms of various locations and discusses clinical prospects. The article presents evidence of interaction between allelic polymorphism of folate cycle genes involved in HC metabolism, and the risk of development and course of cancer in humans. The article systematizes data on the role of HHC in the development of VTEC in patients with cancer. CONCLUSION: The content of HC in blood plasma can be used as a potential tumor biomarker for various types of MNs, and HHC can be an important prognostic marker for the course of tumor processes and a risk factor for the development of VTEC. Understanding the effect of HC levels on the growth and proliferation of tumor cells will allow the creation of new promising strategies to combat MNs. Further clinical studies are needed for a more accurate assessment of these positions.