Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Gülhane Askeri Tıp Akademisi İç Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı-Ankara Homocysteine is an intermediate formed during the metabolism of the essential sulfur-containing amino acid metionine. Homocysteine concentration rises progressively with age in men and women, making it an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High plasma homocystein levels are also risk factor for deep vein thrombosis in the general population. The effect of hyperhomocysteinemia was independent of other well-established risk factors for thrombosis, including protein C, protein S, and antithrombin II deficiencies and activated protein C resistance. In the investigations, the association between elevated homocystein levels and venous thrombosis was stronger among women than among men. The causes are still under study, but likely culprits include clinical or subclinical folate and 8 vitamin deficiencies and possibly renal dysfunction. There are also association between adverse cardiovascular events and plasma homocysteine levels in older populations. In women, homocysteine levels increase after menopause and may be related to decreased estrogen concentrations. Folic acid supplementation decreases homocysteine concentration, but coadministration of vitamin 8'2 may be needed to prevent irreversible neurologic damage. Keywords : Elderly, Homocysteine, Cardiovascular risk