How Does an Elevated Homocysteine Level Lead to Blood Vessel Damage and Thrombosis?
Although we know that elevated homocysteine levels are observed more often in people with thrombosis and atherosclerosis, it is unclear whether it is the homocysteine itself that leads to the damage or whether the elevation of homocysteine is a result of the damage. Recent studies show that lowering homocysteine levels does not decrease the risk for atherosclerosis or thrombosis; this supports the theory that homocysteine may just be an “innocent bystander” and not the cause of these conditions.3,4 Furthermore, it is poorly understood how homocysteine might exert damaging effects. A hypothesis is that homocysteine has a toxic effect on the cells that make up the innermost layer of blood vessels. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of homocysteine in atherosclerosis and thrombosis and to determine whether lowering the homocysteine level is effective in decreasing the risk for blood clots.
