The relationship between homocysteine and carotid intima-media thickness in acute cerebral infarction

Objective To investigate the relationship between the different levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in acute cerebral infarction patients. Methods 140 patients with acute cerebral infarction in our hospital were included. The patients were divided into H1 group (Hcy≤10 μmol/L) and H2 group (Hcy>10 μmol/L) dependent on the level of plasma Hcy. Meanwhile, 70 healthy people were included in the study as the control group. The clinical biochemical indicators and the values of IMT were detected in the three groups. Results Compared with the control group, the level of plasma Hcy in the H1 and H2 group were increased [(8.73±1.63), (23.71±3.27) μmol/L], and there was more significant in H2 group (P<0.05). There was significant difference in IMT in three groups (P<0.05). The value of IMT increased in H2 group was much more significant compared with H1 group (P<0.05). Based on the log-transformed values of IMT as the dependent variable, multiple stepwise linear regression showed significant associations of Hcy levels variables with increased IMT (B=0.004, P<0.01). Conclusion The increased IMT level was associated with the level of plasma Hcy in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Key words: Acute cerebral infarction; Homocysteine; Carotid intima-media thickness