Homocysteine may increase stroke risk

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A genetic study suggests there is a link between homocysteine and the risk of having a stroke.
Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the blood which has been linked to heart disease. Some research has also shown that there may be an association with stroke. However, it's not clear whether there are confounding factors, such as smoking, involved in these previous studies.

A team at University College, London, UK, has carried out a study on a gene called MTHFR which is known to be involved in homocysteine production. They found that stroke risk is dependent upon the variant of the gene which is inherited. This suggests that homocysteine is a genuine risk factor for stroke - but it still does not prove a cause and effect relationship. Levels of homocysteine can be influenced by folic acid intake - ongoing studies may reveal whether supplementation can reduce the risk of stroke.

Source
The Lancet 14th January 2005

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