Impact of elevated homocysteine levels on vision u...(the result can be devastating neural tub...),Health

Date:10/15/2007

the result can be devastating neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in their babies. People with a genetic defect that results in a homocysteine level 40 times the norm are tall, thin, have osteoporosis and a markedly increased risk of clotting, Dr. Ganapathy says. Tiny clots cause small, frequent strokes, cumulative tissue damage and, eventually, mental retardation. If you are having thrombotic attacks in the retina like what happens in the brain, it will affect visual function, too he says. Excess homocysteine is even bad for the folate transporter protein, the researchers have shown.

They are studying a mouse model with a slightly elevated homocysteine level that simulates a low-folate diet in humans; a version of the mouse that also has diabetes, which goes hand-in-hand with cardiovascular disease and retinopathy; and a second model of the rare genetic defect that results in extraordinarily high homocysteine levels.

They will follow the mice over their lifetime, putting them on diets that elevate and lower folate levels, measuring resultant homocysteine levels and the impact on the retina. Next year, they will test the animals vision in conjunction with the Cleveland Clinic.

They hypothesize that sustained elevation will compromise retinal function and degrade the once well-stratified tissue. They have shown in pilot studies that adding diabetes to the mix makes bad matters worse.

At any point in your life, too much homocysteine can be problematic, whether you are talking about pregnant women, cardiovascular disease or dementia, says Dr. Smith. If homocysteine is not converted into methionine or cysteine (by vitamin B6) to aid protein synthesis, it can do something bad.

Dr. Ganapathy notes that people need only about 1 microgram per day of vitamin B12, which comes from microorganisms common in animals gastrointestinal tract. Strict vegetarians are typically the only Americans who have problems with B12 deficienc
'/>"/>

Contact: Toni Baker tbaker@mcg.edu 706-721-4421 Medical College of Georgia Source:Eurekalert

0 GOOD

Page: 1 2 3
Related medicine news :

1. Double impact vaccine
2. Breastfeeding not found to have an impact on weight of the child.
3. Environmental Factors Found To Have An Impact On The Sex of A Child
4. Sex timing has no impact on risk of Birth defects
5. Impact on Lung function based on exposure
6. Personality Impacts Arthritis
7. SARS impact could be devastating
8. Marriage does not have much impact on life satisfaction
9. Support Services found to Dramatically Impact Pediatric Health Care
10. The Impact of Stress Early In Life
11. Environmental Factors Found To Have An Impact On The Sex of A Child