RESUMEN
It was suggested that homocysteine oxidation products as hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion radical and other reactive oxygen species are injurious to vascular endothelium and so increased total homocysteine was considered as independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. To study homocysteine level in patients with AMI and those with DM and HTN - as established risk factors for coronary heart disease - in comparison to healthy controls this study was planned. This study included 11 patients with recent AMI, 14 with systemic HTN, 15 diabetics [type2] and 10 healthy controls .All of comparable age and sex. Homocysteine level was measured by ELISA in the blood of all groups. Simultaneous assay for serum B12 and folic acid was also done by radioimmunoassay technique. The study revealed a highly significant increase in the homocysteine level between each of the diseased groups [AMI 14.3 +/- 2. 7umol/L; HTN 14.7 +/- 3.3 umol/L and 16.5 +/- 1.7 umol/L for the diabetic group] versus 9.8 +/- 1.9 umol/ L for the control group [p < 0.05 between each of the diseased groups and the control]. No Significant decrease in the serum level of folic acid nor that of B12 in any of the diseased groups versus the control group was also noticed [p> 0.5]. Homocysteine is a clear risk factor for coronary heart disease. As no difference in homocysteine level between those with AMI and those at risk so homocysteine is only a risk factor not acute phase reactant in acute injury. High homocysteine level in the blood is highly suggested new member in the metabolic syndrome. Still folic acid as well as B12 supplements could be recommended in hyperhomocysteinemia whatever their serum level