Homocysteine and vitamin therapy in stroke prevention and treatment: a review.

Homocysteine (Hcy), a sulfur amino acid, is the only direct precursor for L-methionine synthesis through a reaction that requires vitamin B₁₂, representing a connection with "one-carbon" units metabolism. Hcy catabolism requires vitamin B₆ and as a consequence, alteration in folic acid and B vitamins status impairs Hcy biotransformation. Numerous studies have indicated that Hcy is an independent risk factor for cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. In the last decade, several clinical trials have investigated the possible correlation between the use of folic acid and vitamins B₆ and B₁₂ for lowering Hcy plasma concentration and the reduced risk of stroke or its recurrence. This review is aimed to present some aspects of Hcy biochemistry, as well as the mechanisms through which it exerts the toxic effects on the vascular endothelium. We also discuss the results of some of the clinical trials developed to investigate the beneficial effects of vitamin therapy in the prevention and management of stroke.