Y. Chowers et al., Increased levels of homocysteine in patients with Crohn's disease are related to folate levels, AM J GASTRO, 95(12), 2000, pp. 3498-3502
OBJECTIVES: The risk for thrombotic events is increased in inflammatory bow
el disease. The factors responsible for such a risk are poorly defined. Rec
ently, an elevated homocysteine level is emerging as a risk factor for thro
mbosis. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of homocysteine i
n a well-characterized population of patients with Crohn's disease and to c
ompare it to controls.
METHODS: The levels of homocysteine were determined in 105 well-characteriz
ed patients with Crohn's disease and 106 controls. The levels of folate and
B12, which are involved in the metabolism of homocysteine were determined
as well. Patients were treated with steroid preparations only.
RESULTS: Homocysteine levels were significantly elevated in the patient pop
ulation. Elevated levels were correlated with both low B12 and folate level
s, but folate deficiency turned out to be a more important factor. Low B12
levels were in correlation with the involvement of the terminal ileum. No c
orrelation was found between homocysteine levels and either disease activit
y or involvement of the terminal ileum.
CONCLUSIONS: Homocysteine levels are increased in patients with Crohn's dis
ease and this finding is inversely correlated with folate levels. Supplemen
tation of folate to patients with Crohn's disease may be warranted. (C) 200
0 by Am. Cell. of Gastroenterology.