Hiperhomocisteinemia/homocisteinuria como factor de riesgo cardiovascular en niños y adolescentes

Abstract

Currently, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Although, this type of disease affects a greater proportion to older adults, the process starts since childhood. Today, hyperhomocysteinemia has been considered an independent cardiovascular risk factor, as important or more than other classic factors. There is increasing evidence that time is necessary to identify the disorder and provide treatment for prevention. Some of the reasons for developing this disease at an early age: the insufficient intake of folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, which are a set of important vitamins that act as cofactors 5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), cystathionine β synthase (CBS) and methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT), three major enzymes of homocysteine metabolism. However, still not fully known consequences of homocysteine increase in children and youth.