Effects of folic acid and vitamin B12 on homocysteine and nitric oxice (NO) levels in CHD patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.

Objective:To study the effects of folic acid and vitamin B12 on serum homocysteine(Hcy)and nitric oxide(NO)levels in CHD patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.Methods:Serum Hcy levels were determined by ELISA,and appllication of Nitrite reductase determination of the concentration NO in CHD patients and controls.The patients whose serum Hcy levels were higher than 15 μmol/L were divided into therapy group and control group.The patients in therapy group were given folic acid 5 mg,vitamin B12 0.5 mg per day,while the patients in control group were not given.Hcy and NO levels were all examined four weeks later again.Results:Mean serum Hcy level was significantly higher in coronary patients than in controls,while the content of NO was lower in observed group than in control group and the difference were significant in contrast(P0.01).There was negative correlation between the decreasing extent of Hcy levels and NO concentrations(r=-0.72,P0.05).Hcy levels of the patients in therapy group were decreased by 36.4% four weeks later.There was significant difference between the levels before and after therapy(P0.01).Conclusions:Hcy levels in CHD patients were markedly higher than those in control group.Supplement of folic acid,vitamin B12 can decrease serum Hcy levels in CHD patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.The mechanism could be improved endothelial function in CHD patients.