Methylation & Homocysteine

Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and thrombosis. Evidence exists linking Elevated Hcy levels and Alzheimer’s disease. Elevated levels of Hcy have also been linked to increased fractures in elderly persons. Circulating total homocysteine (tHcy) may be used as a more accurate tumor marker for monitoring cancer patients during treatment, and hyperhomocysteinaemia as a risk factor for carcinogenesis.

If there is a shortage of methyl groups, or the methylation cycle is interrupted, any or all of these processes can become compromised and homocysteine levels rise.

Homocysteine is related to the methylation cycle. The level of homocysteine in the plasma is increasingly being recognized as a risk factor for disease and seen as a predictor of potential health problems.

Elevated homocysteine means that the body cannot break down an amino acid called methionine. The methionine biosynthesizes the homocysteine (also an amino acid), which then inflicts damage on the body when its amount increases to harmful levels.

High homocysteine can also cause migraines, macular degeneration, hearing loss, blood clots, a weakened immune system, inflammation, pregnancy complications and/or Alzheimer’s disease, among other serious problems.

MTHFR

Genetic variations (polymorphisms) can result in the production of proteins with altered biologic activity. Several such polymorphisms have been identified in the genes encoding proteins involved in folate metabolism.

The metabolic processes requiring methyl group donations are regulated by the enzyme MTHFR. In the United States, up to approximately 60% of the population are intermediate metabolisers of folate.

Levomefolic acid (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate)

Levomefolic acid (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) is involved in the synthesis of RNA and DNA, energy production and protein metabolism. Levomefolic acid (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) is also required for the production of S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), and for keeping homocysteine levels blood from rising. Treatment with 10 mg of Levomefolic acid (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) (along with 240 mg pyridoxine) has proven effective in controlling homocystinuria, reducing homocysteine levels by 39% following methionine loading in 20 patients with occlusive arterial diseases. Significant reductions of homocysteine (57%) were observed, and significant reductions in cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (79%) were also observed.

Levomefolic acid has been proposed for treatment of cardiovascular disease (Willems et al, 2004) and advanced cancers such as breast and colorectal cancers (Jones et al, 2003).

Trimethylglycine (TMG)

TMG known for its impact on mood and depression by breaking down homocysteine into methionine, and a by-product of this conversion is SAMe, which is known to be effective in the treatment of depression, schizophrenia, demyelination diseases, liver disease, dementia, arthritis, and other conditions.

Crataegus pinnatifida

Following Crataegus treatment, the concentration of homocysteine in patients with hypertension decreased significantly. These results suggest that plasma homocysteine in patients with hypertension was significantly higher than that in normal subjects, and Crataegus could decrease plasma homocysteine in patients with hypertension (Liu Guijing et al, 2002 & 2003).

The flavonoid fraction of this plant is vasodilatory as is the condensed tannin (phlobaphene) fraction; these not only dilate the peripheral circulation significantly, but they have a specific action on the coronary circulation (phlobaphene) potentiating the action of caffeine and adrenaline. It also increases the amplitude of the heartbeat. The cyanogenic glycosides are sedative and increase the parasympathetic (vagal) tone of the heart, slowing it down. In addition the trimethylamine stimulates the pulse rate slightly, and has a peripheral vasoconstrictor effect. The combination of these properties helps to account for the paradoxical and valuable effect of exerting a sympathetic action on the coronary circulation and a parasympathetic action on the myocardial muscle.

Crataegus has also been found to aid digestive function, as enzymes in the gastric juice increased after taking Crataegus. Lipase contained in Crataegus can promote the digestion of fat and other food.

B6 (Pyridoxine)

Methyl Reconstruct provides pyridoxal-5-phosphate, the active coenzyme form of vitamin B6 that does not require liver activation. Methylcobalamin, the most neurologically active and most bioavailable form of vitamin B12, has been included in this formulation to help maximize homocysteine control.

B12 (Methylcobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is a particularly important coenzyme that is required for the synthesis of DNA. B12 also supports the action of vitamin C, and is necessary for the digestion and absorption of foods, protein synthesis, and the normal metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Additionally, vitamin B12 prevents nerve damage by contributing to the formation of the myelin sheath that insulates nerve cells. B12 also works with Levomefolic acid (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) to control homocysteine levels.

References

Jones R, Adel-Alvarez LA, Alvarez OR, Broaddus R, Das S. Arachidonic acid and colorectal carcinogenesis. Mol Cell Biochem. 2003 Nov;253(1-2):141-9.

Liu Guijing, et al. Zhong Guo Bing Li Sheng Li Za Zhi. 2002; 18(11): 1332, 1348.

Liu Guijing, et al. Zhong Guo Quan Ke Yi Xue. 2003; 6(4): 295-296.

Willems FF, Boers GH, Blom HJ, Aengevaeren WR, Verheugt FW. (March 2004). Pharmacokinetic study on the utilisation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and folic acid in patients with coronary artery disease". Br J Pharmacol. 2004 Mar;141(5):825-30. DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705446