Scientific Study from the Faculty of Pharmacy Reveals Homocysteine as an Independent Risk Factor for Thrombotic Diseases
As part of its ongoing efforts to advance scientific knowledge in the field of cardiovascular and thrombotic disorders, a research team from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the International University for Science and Technology (IUST) conducted a scientific study entitled:
“The Relationship Between Plasma Homocysteine, Vitamin B9, and Vitamin B12 Levels and Thrombotic Diseases in Syrian Patients.”
The study aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma homocysteine levels and vitamin B9 (folate) and vitamin B12 levels on one hand, and arterial and venous thrombotic diseases on the other, among Syrian patients. It also sought to evaluate the role of homocysteine as an independent risk factor for thrombosis.
The study included 133 patients with thrombotic diseases (84 males and 49 females), in addition to 39 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12, and vitamin B9 levels were measured in all participants.
The results demonstrated significantly elevated homocysteine levels in patients with thrombosis compared with the control group (38.93 ± 19.91 μmol/L versus 8.13 ± 2.42 μmol/L, P < 0.001).
The study also revealed significantly lower vitamin B12 levels in patients compared with controls (159.19 ± 57.66 pg/mL versus 521.26 ± 58.08 pg/mL, P < 0.001), as well as lower vitamin B9 levels (5.14 ± 4.07 ng/mL versus 11.33 ± 2.17 ng/mL, P < 0.001).
Among the key findings, patients with arterial thrombosis exhibited higher homocysteine levels than those with venous thrombosis (42.41 ± 19.62 μmol/L versus 31.38 ± 18.59 μmol/L, respectively; P = 0.003).
Furthermore, the study found that elevated plasma homocysteine was the sole identified risk factor in 21.1% of patients, in the absence of any other known cardiovascular or thrombotic risk factors, highlighting its independent role in the development of thrombotic diseases.
The study concluded that hyperhomocysteinemia is a strong and independent risk factor for thrombotic diseases and is closely associated with deficiencies in vitamins B12 and B9. These findings emphasize the importance of early detection and monitoring of these biomarkers as part of thrombosis prevention and diagnostic strategies.
The results reflect the advanced level of scientific research conducted at the Faculty of Pharmacy at the International University for Science and Technology and underscore the faculty’s commitment to supporting research that contributes to improving medical and pharmaceutical practice and serving the community