Gender differences in homocysteine concentrations, a population-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background and aims: High concentrations of homocysteine are considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to assess whether or not there are gender differences in the plasma concentrations of homocysteine.

Methods and results: Data were collected from medical records of individuals examined at a screening center in Israel between the years 2000-2014. Cross sectional analysis was carried out on 9237 men and 4353 women. Mean (SD) age of the study sample was 48.4 (9.7) and 47.7 (9.7) years for men and women respectively. Average homocysteine concentrations were 12.6 (5.9) and 9.6 (3.2) μmol/L in men and women respectively (p < 0.001). Prevalence of homocysteine concentrations above 15 μmol/L was found to be significantly higher in men than in women; 15.5% vs 3.9% respectively (p < 0.001). Low concentrations of vitamin (B12 < 200 pmol/L) and low concentrations of folate (<12 nmol/L) were found to be significantly higher in men than in women 20.4% vs. 16.0% and 18.5% vs. 10.8% respectively. Compared to women, men had a significantly higher odds ratio (95% CI) of having homocysteine concentrations above 15 μmol/L: non adjusted model, 4.47 (3.80-5.26); adjusted model for age, smoking status, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, kidney function and low serum concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate, 3.44 (2.89-4.09).

Conclusion: Plasma homocysteine concentrations are higher in men than in women. This may be a contributing factor to gender differences for developing atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

Keywords: Coronary artery disease; Folate; Gender; Homocysteine; Vitamin B12.