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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2010; 118(7): 453-458
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1248290
Article

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Acute Hyperhomocysteinemia Impairs Endothelium Function in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

J. Doupis1 , I. Eleftheriadou1 , A. Kokkinos1 , D. Perrea2 , S. Pavlatos1 , A. Gonis1 , N. Katsilambros1 , N. Tentolouris1
  • 1First Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
  • 2Laboratory for Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Publication History

received 27.12.2009 first decision 26.01.2010

accepted 28.01.2010

Publication Date:
03 March 2010 (online)

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Abstract

The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of acute, methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) on endothelial function and indices of arterial stiffness in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 30 subjects with T2DM, free of macrovascular disease were examined in a crossover study. L-methionine (M) (0.1 g/kg) and water (W) load were given in random order with an interval of about 1 week in between. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). Arterial stiffness was assessed by determination of augmentation index (AI). Measurements were performed in the fasting state, 1, 2 and 3 h after the M or the W load. Total plasma homocysteine (HCY) levels did not change after W administration, while M administration resulted in a significant increase in HCY concentrations at 3 h. FMD throughout the experiment expressed as area under the curve (AUC) was significantly lower after the M than after the W load. Consistent with impairment in endothelial function, the AUC of AI was significantly higher after the M than after the W administration. Acute HHCY impairs endothelial function and increases arterial stiffness in patients with T2DM. This effect is probably mediated by a reduction of nitric oxide bioavailability in endothelium.

Key words

homocysteine - type 2 diabetes mellitus - flow-mediated vasodilation - augmentation index - arterial stiffness

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