Plasma Homocysteine Level and Its Genotypes as a Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography

Aims Hyperhomocysteinemia has recently been identified as a risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Some genetic variants such as C677T polymorphism are postulated in this regard. We studied the relation between hyperhomocysteinemia and the above genetic variant and the risk of CAD and also the number of involved vessels. Methods In total, there were 90 patients: 45 with angiographically documented CAD and 45 with the clinical manifestations of CAD but negative angiography. The blood homocystein level was measured using the ELISA and C677T polymorphism using the PCR method. Results The homocystein level was significantly higher in the case group (p value=0.00), but it did not show any correlation between its level and the extent of CAD. The case group was more homozygote in C677T allele but again it had no relation to the extent of CAD. Conclusions Hyperhomocysteinemia acts as a CAD risk factor and whilst its presence increases the risk, it does not predict the extent of it.