EFFECT OF FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION ON HOMOCYSTEINE LEVEL IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atheroscleroticdiseases including Ischaemic heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Homocysteine(Hcy) is an intermediate formed during the catabolism of essential sulphur containing amino acidmethionine, increased Hcy is associated with endothelial dysfunctions in healthy human. PlasmaHcy is significantly lower in premenopausal women than young men but after menopause basalhomocysteinemia increases significantly in women approaching those in men. Several studiesshowed that hyperhomocysteinemia to be stronger risk factor for CHD (Coronary Heart Disease)in women than men. It seems likely that altered hormonal status and age related low folate intakeare responsible for this. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of folic acidsupplements for six months, on Hcy level in postmenopausal women. Methods: Hcy wasestimated by Flourescence Polarization Immunoassay (FPIA). Results: There was a significant(p<0.001) decrease in Hcy level after six months of folic acid supplements. Conclusion: Hcy is anindependent risk factor for atherosclerotic disease, this study favours the view that aftermenopause Hcy level increases significantly and a simple non Toxic and relatively inexpensivevitamin (folic acid) intervention might be useful in primary cardiovascular prevention in this highrisk group because Hcy is a stronger risk factor for CHD in postmenopausal women than men.Keywords: Menopause, Homocysteine, Folic acid.References
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