Relation of serum levels of homocysteine,vitamin B12 and folate to cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis patients

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency have been linked to cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relation of serum homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12 and folate to cognitive functions in MS patients.

Subjects and Methods: Forty-five MS patients and twenty matched healthy controls were included. Subjects were submitted to cognitive assessment using a selected psychometric battery and measurement of serum levels of homocysteine, B12 and folic acid.

Results: MS patients showed significant worse performance in cognitive scales compared to controls (P ≤ 0.05). Serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate showed no significant difference between patients and controls (P > 0.05). Serum homocysteine was negatively correlated with total score of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE), paced auditory serial addition test and controlled oral word association test scores. Serum vitamin B12 was positively correlated with ACE language, visuospatial and total scores and negatively correlated with trail making B score. Serum folate was significantly positively correlated with ACE language and total scores. Homocysteine was the only significant predictor for cognitive impairment in MS patients.

Conclusion: Serum homocysteine may play a role in cognitive dysfunction in MS patients.     

丙戊酸钠和卡马西平对癫痫患者血同型半胱氨酸、叶酸、维生素B12水平的影响

目的探讨丙戊酸钠(VPA)和卡马西平(CBZ)对癫痫患者血同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)、叶酸、维生素(Vit)B12水平的影响。方法检测VPA组、CBZ组、未服药组患者和正常对照组血Hcy、叶酸、VitB12浓度,并对结果进行比较。结果与未服药组及正常对照组比较,VPA组和CBZ组的血浆Hcy水平显著升高(均P<0.01),血清叶酸水平显著降低(均P<0.05);且VPA组血清VitB12水平有升高趋势,CBZ组血清VitB12水平有降低趋势,但差异均无统计学意义。结论 VPA和CBZ可引起癫痫患者的血浆Hcy水平升高和血清叶酸水平降低,对血清VitB12水平无显著影响。     

Catatonia and other psychiatric symptoms with vitamin B12 deficiency

OBJECTIVE: To study unusual psychiatric manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency and related issues. METHOD: A case study of 52-year-old female and review of relevant literature. RESULTS: Complete remission of psychiatric symptoms without recurrence for the next 4 years with vitamin B12 as the only specific therapy instituted. CONCLUSION: Importance of B12 estimation and replacement in patients with varied psychiatric manifestations.     

Orthostatic tolerance in older patients with vitamin B12 deficiency before and after vitamin B12 replacement

Abstract. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and vitamin B12 deficiency are common disorders in older people. Several case series have reported an association between vitamin B12 deficiency and OH. The effect of vitamin B12 replacement on this dysfunction has not been studied. We prospectively studied responses to head up tilt in patients over 70 years with vitamin B12 deficiency (intervention group) and compared their responses after replacement to those of matched patients with idiopathic OH and normal serum vitamin B12 concentrations (control group). Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) changes during orthostatic stress were evaluated using digital artery photoplethysmography. Eight patients and eight controls were studied. Initial head up tilt produced a mean BP decrease of 44/29 mmHg (s. e. m. 4/4 mmHg) in the intervention group and 33/12 mmHg (s. e. m. 3/2 mmHg) in the control group. Repeat head up tilt 6 months after vitamin B12 replacement produced a mean BP decrease of 15/9 mmHg (s. e. m. 5/2 mmHg) in the intervention group. The mean decrease in the control group was 30/12 mmHg (s. e. m. 2/2 mmHg). The difference in BP decreases between groups was statistically significant for both systolic and diastolic BP (p < 0.001 for both systolic BP and diastolic BP). Mean SVR in the intervention group decreased by 658 dynes/cm⁵/ sec (s. e. m. 74 dynes/cm⁵/sec) during initial head up tilt. Mean SVR during repeat head up tilt decreased by 79 dynes/cm⁵/sec (s. e. m. 12 dynes/cm⁵/sec). Mean SVR in the control group decreased by 158 dynes/cm⁵/sec (s. e. m. 10 dynes/cm⁵/sec) during initial head up tilt and by 258 dynes/cm⁵/sec (s. e. m. 31 dynes/cm⁵/sec). The difference in SVR changes between groups was statistically significant (p = 0.02). We conclude that replacing vitamin B12 in older patients with vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with improved orthostatic tolerance to head up tilt.     

Vitamin B complex and vitamin B12 levels after peripheral nerve injury

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether tissue levels of vitamin B complex and vitamin B12 were altered after crush-induced peripheral nerve injury in an experimental rat model. A total of 80 male Wistar rats were randomized into one control (n = 8) and six study groups (1, 6, 12, 24 hours, 3, and 7 days after experimental nerve injury;n = 12 for each group). Crush-induced peripheral nerve injury was per-formed on the sciatic nerves of rats in six study groups. Tissue samples from the sites of peripheral nerve injury were obtained at 1, 6, 12, 24 hours, 3 and 7 days after experimental nerve injury. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that tissue levels of vitamin B complex and vitamin B12 in the injured sciatic nerve were signiifcantly greater at 1 and 12 hours after experimental nerve injury, while they were signiifcantly lower at 7 days than in control group. Tissue level of vitamin B12 in the injured sciatic nerve was signiifcantly lower at 1, 6, 12 and 24 hours than in the control group. These results suggest that tissue levels of vitamin B complex and vitamin B12 vary with progression of crush-induced peripheral nerve injury, and supplementation of these vitamins in the acute period may be beneficial for acceleration of nerve regeneration.     

血清同型半胱氨酸水平与帕金森病的关系

目的探讨帕金森病(PD)患者伴发高同型半胱氨酸血症(HHcy)情况及美多巴对其血清同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)水平的影响。方法选择2006-06-01-2009-12-31入住作者医院的PD患者53例,按入院前是否服用美多巴治疗分为非美多巴组和美多巴组,两组患者入院后均予美多巴口服治疗;另选择31名同期健康体检者为对照。采用荧光偏振免疫分析法(FPIA)检测血清Hcy水平,微粒子酶免分析法(MEIA)检测血清叶酸(FA)及维生素B12(VitB12)水平。收集患者初次就诊及初次复诊时的血清Hcy、FA、VitB12水平资料至2010-01-30,并进行分析比较。结果 (1)初次就诊时非美多巴组和美多巴组PD患者血清Hcy水平〔分别(17.28±6.79)、(18.50±6.56)μmol/L〕均高于健康对照组〔(13.49±3.21)μmol/L〕(均P<0.01),HHcy的比例〔分别为50%(14/28)和76%(19/25)〕亦高于健康对照组〔29%(9/31)〕(均P<0.01),而血清FA、VitB12的水平无统计学差异(均P>0.05)。HHcy患者的血清Hcy水平与FA、VitB12水平无相关性(分别r=0.118,P=0.455;r=0.001,P=0.995)。(2)非美多巴组患者复诊时血清Hcy水平〔(15.84±3.33)μmol/L〕较治疗前〔(12.92±3.15)μmol/L〕升高(P<0.05),血清FA、VitB12水平同治疗前比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。美多巴组患者服用美多巴治疗后血清Hcy、FA、VitB12水平同初次就诊时比较均无统计学差异(均P>0.05)。结论服用美多巴可能使PD患者血清Hcy水平升高,但可能不是PD患者伴有HHcy的惟一原因。     

抑郁症患者血浆同型半胱氨酸水平的测定

目的:测定抑郁症患者及正常人血浆同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)水平,评价其意义. 方法:收集46例抑郁症(抑郁症组)及38名健康者(对照组)血液标本,采用高效液相色谱法测定血浆Hcy水平,放射免疫法测定血浆维生素B12和叶酸水平,比较两组间差异. 结果:抑郁症组血浆Hcy水平(13.2±6.2)μmol/L,显著高于对照组(7.6±2.4)μmol/L.抑郁症组平均血浆维生素B12水平为(334.0±5.7)ng/L,血浆叶酸水平为(5.9±4.0)μg/L;而对照组分别为(344.0±7.5)ng/L和(7.8±3.0)μg/L,均以抑郁症组显著较低(P<0.05). 结论:血浆Hcy水平升高可能与抑郁症有关.     

维生素B12辅助治疗抑郁症对照研究

目的:探讨维生素B12辅助治疗抑郁症的疗效和安全性.方法:采用双盲对照方法,对60例抑郁症患者随机分为两组,服用盐酸帕罗西汀和胶囊(内容物分别为维生素B12和中性淀粉),疗程6周.采用汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD)、汉密尔顿焦虑量表(HAMA)及治疗中出现的症状量表(TESS)评定疗效和不良反应.结果:治疗6周末时两组的有效率相仿,但研究组HAMD评分值显著低于对照组(P＜0.05);两组间TESS评分差异均无显著性(P均＞0.05).结论:维生素B12辅助治疗抑郁症起效快、疗效好、安全性高,值得临床应用.     

Role of vitamin B12 deficiency in ischemic stroke risk and outcome

Currently,ischemic stroke is the most prevalent form of stroke compared to hemorrhagic and there is a high incidence in older adults.Nutrition is a modifiable risk factor for stroke.B-vitamins are part of a metabolic network that integrates nutritional signals with biosynthesis,redox homeostasis,and epigenetics.These vitamins play an essential role in the regulation of cell proliferation,stress resistance,and embryo development.A deficiency in vitamin B12 is common in older adults and has been reported to be implicated in ischemic stroke.The aim of this review was to investigate whether vitamin B12 deficiencies impact the risk and outcome of ischemic stroke.Clinical data from our literature review strongly suggest that a deficiency in vitamin B12 is a risk factor for ischemic stroke and possible outcome.Our survey of the literature has identified that there is a gap in the understanding of the mechanisms through which a vitamin B12 deficiency leads to an increased risk of stroke and outcome.A vitamin B12 deficiency can increase homocysteine levels,which are a well-established risk factor for ischemic stroke.Another potential mechanism through which vitamin B12 deficient may impact neurological function and increase risk of stroke,is changes in myelination,however this link requires further investigation.Further studies are required in model systems to understand how a vitamin B12 deficiency changes the brain.     

维生素B12缺乏引起小脑病变1例及机制探讨

目的 观察1例维生素B12缺乏引起小脑病变患者的临床表现、影像学特点,探讨其发病机制.方法 收集该患者的病史及住院治疗期间体格检查、影像学检查和实验室检测资料.结果 患者维生素B12严重缺乏、巨幼红细胞性贫血.头颅核磁共振检查提示双侧小脑半球对称性大片状长T1、长T2信号,双侧放射冠、双侧基底节及脑桥腔梗灶.予大剂量维生素Bn治疗3周后复查头颅核磁共振示小脑病变基本消失.结论 维生素B12缺乏可引起小脑病变,感染可能为诱因;小脑双侧对称性病变应考虑有无维生素B12缺乏可能.     

血浆同型半胱氨酸与迟发性运动障碍的关系

目的:探讨血浆同型半胱氨酸(Hey)与迟发性运动障碍(TD)的关系.方法:对33例伴TD的精神分裂症患者(TD组)与33例不伴,TD的精神分裂症患者(非TD组)进行血浆Hey与血清维生素B12、叶酸水平检测.结果:TD组血浆Hey水平显著高于非TD组,而血清叶酸水平显著低于非TD组.两组血浆Hey水平均与血清维生素B1...     

轻度认知障碍患者血浆同型半胱氨酸和血清维生素B12及叶酸水平变化研究

目的 探讨轻度认知障碍(MCI)患者血浆同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)、血清维生素B12及叶酸水平的变化及相互关系.方法 MCI组80例,正常对照组80例,检测所有观察对象的血浆同型半胱氨酸、血清VitB12及叶酸水平并分析相互关系.结果 MCI组血浆Hey水平较正常组显著增高为(18.9±8.8)μmol/L vs(14.35±5.7)μmol/L,而血清叶酸和VitB12水平在正常组和MCI组之间并没有显著差异;相对于血浆Hey正常组,MCI比值比(0R)在轻、中度高同型半胱氨酸血症组中增高(OR=1.85,95%CI=1.56～2.95;OR=3.32,95%CI=1.61～6.48;P=0.001);无论在MCI组还是在正常组中,血浆Hey与血清叶酸及Vit B12的水平均呈负相关.结论 血浆Hey水平升高与MCI相关,叶酸和VitB122缺乏可能导致血浆Hcy水平升高.     

Plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate in Alzheimer's patients and healthy Arabs in Israel

High plasma homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke and Alzheimer's disease (AD). An inverse relationship has been reported between tHcy and plasma B12 and folate levels. Seventy-nine AD patients and 156 controls from three Arab villages in northern Israel participated. Plasma tHcy, B12 and folate levels were determined. Data were analyzed using univariate statistical tests and logistical regression with confounders. tHcy was significantly higher in AD patients (20.6+/-8.7 micromol/l) than in controls (16.4+/-6.5 micromol/l) (p=0.03) after correction for year of birth, gender and smoking status. Plasma B12 (322.9+/-136.0/350.5+/-175.3 pmol/l) and plasma folate (4.5+/-3.8/4.9+/-2.6 nmol/l) levels did not differ significantly between AD patients and controls. Subjects in the highest tHcy tertile or in the lowest B12 and folate tertiles did not have greater risk to develop AD. In this population residing in Arab villages in northern Israel, tHcy levels were significantly higher among AD patients than in controls. Plasma B12 and folate levels were lower among cases but were not significant. There was not a significant association between plasma tHcy, B12 and folate levels in controls or AD patients. High levels of tHcy may suggest the need for folate and vitamin B12 supplementation in this population.     

抑郁症患者血清叶酸和维生素B12浓度研究

目的：探讨抑郁症患者血清叶酸和维生素B12浓度改变。方法：收集门诊患者76例,均符合国际疾病分类第10版抑郁症诊断标准,病程至少半年;健康对照组67名。测定血清叶酸和维生素B12浓度。结果：两组之间叶酸平均浓度和叶酸缺乏的发生差异均无显著性（P〉0．05）。抑郁症组维生素B12平均浓度显著较低（P〈0．05）,维生素B12缺乏的发生率显著较高（P〈0．01）。结论：抑郁症与维生素B12缺乏有关,与叶酸无关。     

Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid Vitamin B12 Levels in Demented Patients with CH3—B12 Treatment—Preliminary Study—

Abstract: The vitamin B12 (VB12) parameter was studied in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 14 demented patients. Eleven of these patients were in a state of dementia of the degenerative type such as Alzheimer's disease, senile dementia and Pick's disease. The serum VB12 concentration in all the patients was within normal limits, I.e. 500–1,300 pg/ml. There was no significant difference between the CSF-VBl2 levels and the severity of dementia. The serum and CSF-VB12 levels of the demented patients did not show any significant elevation after the oral administration of CH3–Bl2, 2 mg per day. On the other hand, there was a marked elevation of both the serum and CSF-VB12 after an oral medication (2 mg per day) plus intramuscular administrations (500 μg per day). These results confirm that the intramuscular administration of CH3–B12 is an effective way to get a higher value of the serum and CSF-VB12 levels.