The role of hyperhomocysteinemia in the development of postoperative vascular complications

Abstract

© 2016, Serbian Medical Society. All rights reserved. Hyperhomocysteinemia is one of the unconventional risk factors of cardiovascular morbidity – it is causally associated in both directions with oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, mechanisms of cell signaling and apoptosis. Numerous clinical and experimental studies have explained the mechanisms and clinical expression of atherosclerotic and prothrombotic effects of homocysteine. The main pathological substrate, previous therapy, and surgical procedure-intervention itself are associated with the state of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, which is one of important factors for elevated plasma homocysteine levels. Recent studies point to the possibility of a successful correction of hyperhomocysteinemia, especially secondary one.