Rheological blood behavior is not only influenced by cardiovascular risk factors but also by aging itself. Research into 927 healthy Spanish Mediterranean subjects.

It is not well-established whether the alterations that the hemorheological profile undergoes with aging are an effect of concomitant cardiovascular risk factors or are due to age itself. To clarify this issue, we investigated the effect of age on blood rheology in a population of 927 healthy subjects from eastern Spain aged between 16-85 years, divided into four age groups (<30, 30-44, 45-50, ≥60 years) with and without cardiovascular risk factors. We determined blood viscosity, corrected blood viscosity (BVc), plasma viscosity (PV), erythrocyte aggregation (EA), erythrocyte deformability (EEI60) and fibrinogen, along with glucose and plasma lipids. We found that corrected blood viscosity …

Topical application of the Wnt/β-catenin activator methyl vanillate increases hair count and hair mass index in women with androgenetic alopecia

Activation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methyl vanillate (MV) - a safe plant-derived ingredient - has been recently shown to activate the WNT/β-catenin signaling. Objectives Two distinct substudies were conducted. First, we designed a 6-month, uncontrolled, open-label clinical study to investigate whether topically applied MV may increase hair count and hair mass index (HMI) in female AGA. Second, we conducted a molecular study on the effect of MV on WNT10B mRNA expression in scalp biopsies of women with AGA. A total of 20 Caucasian women (age range: 25-57 years) with AGA (Sinclair grade 1-2) were included. The re…

Trace elements levels in centenarian ‘dodgers’

Trace element bioavailability can play a role in several metabolic and physiological pathways known to be altered during the aging process. We aimed to explore the association of trace elements with increased lifespan by analyzing the circulating levels of seven trace elements (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn) in a cohort of healthy centenarians or ‘dodgers’ (≥100 years, free of major age-related diseases) in comparison with sex-matched younger elderly controls. Centenarians showed significant lower Cu (783.7 (76.7, 1608.9) vs 962.5 (676.3, 2064.4) μg/mL, P < 0.001), but higher Fe (1.3 (0.4, 4.7) vs 1.1 (0.5, 8.4) μg/mL, P = 0.003) and Se (85.7 (43.0, 256.7) vs 77.8 (24.3, 143.8) ng/mL, P = 0…

Blood rheology effect of submaximal exercise on young subjects

Nowadays cardiac and metabolic diseases are a matter of concern. Exercise is a valid treatment and method of prevention for not only adults, but also young subjects. Physical activity causes transient blood rheology impairment in adults. However little is known about the effects of exercise on blood flow characteristics in young subjects. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of a light aerobic exercise session on blood rheology in young subjects. Ten young subjects (aged 12-16 years) performed 1 hour of submaximal aerobic exercise (70% HRmax). Blood samples were drawn just before and after exercise. We determined blood and plasma viscosity, fibrinogen, erythrocyte deformability an…

Inhibition of xanthine oxidase to prevent statin-induced myalgia and rhabdomiolysis

Although statins remain the cornerstone of lipid-lowering therapy for reducing the burden of atherosclerotic vascular disease, their administration has been associated with muscle-related adverse effects, including myalgia and rhabdomyolysis. Such adverse events are probably due to reduced antioxidant defenses associated with fewer intermediate metabolites in the cholesterol synthesis pathway. We hypothesize that the concomitant inhibition of xanthine oxidase via coadministration of allopurinol with statins could diminish reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related muscle damage, which would have in turn have positive effects on both the incidence of muscle-related adverse events and cardiovascul…

Association between irisin and homocysteine in euglycemic and diabetic subjects

Abstract Objectives The aim of study was to explore whether a relationship exists between homocysteine and irisin in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients—a population with a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease—and euglycemic controls. Design and methods 69 T2D patients and 75 control subjects (adjusted by body mass index (BMI)) were included in the study. Irisin and homocysteine concentrations and anthropometric and biochemical variables were determined. Results Levels of homocysteine were significantly higher (11.0 ± 3.0 vs 12.4 ± 4.2 μmol/l) and levels of irisin were lower (279 ± 58 vs 263 ± 38 ng/ml) in T2D patients. When both T2D and controls were considered, irisin was found to co…

α-Thalassemia Does Not Seem to Influence Erythrocyte Deformability in Sickle Cell Trait Carriers

Studies dealing with rheological red blood cell (RBC) behavior in sickle cell trait carriers are scarce. Moreover, the association with α-thalassemia (α-thal), which also modifies erythrocyte behavior, has not always been taken into account. We analyzed erythrocyte deformability by means of a shear stress diffractometer, along with hematological and biochemical parameters (glucose and plasma lipids), given their possible influence on erythrocyte deformability, in 14 sickle cell trait carriers and 23 healthy controls. Nine patients were also α-thal carriers and five were not. Among the thalassemia carriers, eight were heterozygous and one was homozygous. When compared with controls, sickle c…

Association of erythrocyte deformability with red blood cell distribution width in metabolic diseases and thalassemia trait.

Abstract Increased red blood distribution width (RDW) in anemia is related to disturbances in the cellular surface/volume ratio, usually accompanied by morphological alterations, while it has been shown in inflammatory diseases that the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines disturbing erythropoiesis increases RDW. Recently it has been reported that higher RDW is related with decreased erythrocyte deformability, and that it could be related with the association of RDW and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In order to analyze the influence of morphological alterations and proinflammatory status on the relationship between RDW and erythrocyte deformability, we analyzed erythrocyte de…

Influence of training and a maximal exercise test in analytical variability of muscular, hepatic, and cardiovascular biochemical variables.

Short, middle, and long-term exercise, as well as the relative intensity of the physical effort, may influence a broad array of laboratory results, and it is thereby of pivotal importance to appropriately differentiate the 'physiologic' from the 'pathological' effects of exercise. Therefore, the values of some biomarkers in physically active subjects may be cautiously interpreted since the results may fall outside the conventional reference ranges. It has been demonstrated that middle and long-term endurance and/or strenuous exercise triggers transient elevations of muscular and cardiac biomarkers. However, no data have been published about the effect of short-term maximal exercise test on …

No evidence of adverse cardiac remodeling in former elite endurance athletes

Background: The impact of high exercise loads on a previously healthy heart remains controversial. We examined the consequences of decades of strenuous endurance exercise at the highest competition level on heart dimensions and volumes as well as on serum biomarkers of cardiac fibrosis/remodeling. Methods and results: We compared echocardiographic measurements and serum biomarkers of cardiac fibrosis/remodeling [troponin I, galectin-3, matrix metallopeptidase-2 and -9, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, and soluble suppressor of tumorigenicity-2 (sST-2)/interleukin(IL)-1R4] in 53 male athletes [11 former professional ('elite') and 42…

Association of metabolic syndrome and its components with hyperuricemia in a Mediterranean population.

Several studies have found an association between hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome (MS), although there are discrepancies as to which MS components play a pivotal role in this association. We aimed to investigate the association between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and MS in a Mediterranean population (eastern Spain). We performed a case-control study of 71 patients with MS and 122 healthy controls. MS was defined according to the revised National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III modified criteria. Hyperuricemia was defined as SUA levels >6.55 mg/dL. We determined biochemical, lipidic and inflammatory parameters along with uric acid. Patients with MS showed a high…

The role of mitochondrial derived peptides (MDPs) in metabolism

Hs-cTnT levels in professional soccer players throughout a season: No evidence of sustained cardiac damage

a Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre (“i + 12”), Madrid, Spain b Research Institute “Dr. Vina Giner”, Molecular and Mitochondrial Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Martir, Valencia, Spain c School of Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Martir, Valencia, Spain d Human Performance Laboratory, MAPEI Sport Research Center, Italy e Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain f Laboratory of Experimental Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy g Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Academic Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy

Association between physical fitness and mean platelet volume in professional soccer players.

The mitochondrial‐derived peptide MOTS ‐c: a player in exceptional longevity?

Mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDP) are encoded by functional short open reading frames in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). These include humanin, and the recently discovered mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-c). Although more research is needed, we suggest that the m.1382A>C polymorphism located in the MOTS-c encoding mtDNA, which is specific for the Northeast Asian population, may be among the putative biological mechanisms explaining the high longevity of Japanese people. 5.760 JCR (2015) Q1, 36/187 Cell biology, 3/49 Geriatrics & gerontology UEM

Methodological considerations to determine the effect of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels.

Objectives: Physical exercise up-regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain and blood. However, there is yet no consensus about the adequate blood processing conditions to standardize its assessment. We aimed to find a reliable blood sample processing method to determine changes in BDNF due to exercise. Design and methods: Twelve healthy university students performed an incremental cycling test to exhaustion. At baseline, immediately after exercise, and 30 and 60 min of recovery, venous blood was drawn and processed under different conditions, i.e. whole blood, serum coagulated for 10 min and 24 h, total plasma, and platelet-free plasma. BDNF concentration was measured …

Adropin and apelin fluctuations throughout a season in professional soccer players: Are they related with performance?

Myokines are likely to be involved in the whole-body metabolic adaptive changes that occur in response to regular exercise. We aimed to investigate the association of the two myokines (adropin and apelin) with physical performance in professional soccer players. To this purpose, we analyzed the fluctuations of circulating levels of both adropin and apelin in professional soccer players during a season and evaluated the possible association of these myokines with the performance level. Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity as well as iron, transferrin and high-sensitivity C-Reactive protein (hsCRP), ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), free testosterone/cort…

Influence of lipids on blood and plasma viscosity.

Amparo Vayaa,∗, Cristina Gimeneza, Rafael Alisb,c, Julian Muradoa and Oscar Fustera aHemorheology and Haemostasis Unit, Service of Clinical Pathology, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain bResearch Universitary Institute “Dr. Vina Giner”, Molecular and Mitochondrial Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia “San Vicente Martir”, Valencia, Spain cFaculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia “San Vicente Martir”, Valencia, Spain

Red blood cell distribution width is not related with inflammatory parameters in morbidly obese patients

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a hematological parameter that has been studied in several clinical settings and has been found to be related to both anemia and inflammatory status. As obesity is related to increased inflammatory pattern, we aimed to analyze the RDW in this setting.We determined hematological and inflammatory parameters in morbidly obese patients before bariatric surgery (n=142) and normo-weight controls (n=144).RDW was higher in patients than in controls (p0.001), along with C-reactive protein (p0.001) and fibrinogen, (p0.001) while hemoglobin (p=0.026), serum iron (p0.001), MCH (p=0.002) and MCHC (p0.001) were lower in morbidly obese patients. The logistic corr…

Circulating irisin detection: Does it really work?

The recent discovery of irisin has generated considerable interest in the scientific community. However, many studies on the biochemistry and biology of this intriguing hormone yielded controversial results in humans, which were mostly attributable to a number of drawbacks in the methods used for its detection and measurement.

Influence of inflammatory and lipidic parameters on red blood cell distribution width in a healthy population

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a routine red blood cell count parameter which has been shown to be associated with inflammatory parameters. Recently, some authors proposed that RDW seems to be a marker of an adverse lipidic profile. In order to clarify whether RDW is related to inflammation, plasma lipids, or both, we determined anthropometric, hematimetric, inflammatory and lipidic parameters in 1111 healthy subjects. RDW correlated directly with age, body mass index (BMI), inflammatory parameters (plasma viscosity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen, leukocyte and neutrophil count), and inversely with iron and hematimetric parameters (P  0.05). When subjects were…

Homocysteine levels in morbidly obese patients: its association with waist circumference and insulin resistance.

The association between morbid obesity and hyperhomocysteinemia (HH) remains controversial and the nature of this relationship needs to be clarified as several metabolic, lipidic, inflammatory and anthropometric alterations that accompany morbid obesity may be involved. In 66 morbidly obese patients, 47 women and 19 men aged 41 ± 12 years and 66 normo-weight subjects, 43 women and 23 men, aged 45 ± 11 years, we determined homocysteine (Hcy) levels along with lipidic, anthropometric, inflammatory and insulin resistance markers. In addition, we investigated the effect of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and its components on Hcy levels. Obese patients had statistically higher Hcy levels than controls:…

Effect of training status on the changes in platelet parameters induced by short–duration exhaustive exercise

It is now well known that hemostasis is directly involved in the benefits induced by physical activity. It has recently been shown that the baseline mean platelet volume (MPV) may be a predictor of endurance performance. We aimed to explore whether platelet parameters are associated with VO2max as well as running duration and speed in a short-duration exhaustive exercise test. Thirty healthy male subjects (10 sedentary and 20 trained) performed an incremental running test until exhaustion. MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet (Plt) count, and plateletcrit (Pct) were determined before exercise, immediately after exercise and after 30′ recovery. Training status did not produce any…

Erythrocyte aggregation in homozygous sickle cell disease

Amparo Vayaa,∗, Susana Colladoa, Rafael Alisb,c and Maria-Angeles Dasid aHemorheology and Haemostasis Unit, Service of Clinical Pathology, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain bResearch Universitary Institute “Dr. Vina Giner”, Molecular and Mitochondrial Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia, “San Vicente Martir”, Valencia, Spain cFaculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia “San Vicente Martir”, Valencia, Spain dPediatry Service, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain

The MDS and EVI1 complex locus (MECOM) isoforms regulate their own transcription and have different roles in the transformation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

Transcriptional activation of the EVI1 oncogene (3q26) leads to aggressive forms of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the mechanism of EVI1-mediated leukemogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Previously, by characterizing the EVI1 promoter, we have shown that RUNX1 and ELK1 directly regulate EVI1 transcription. Intriguingly, bioinformatic analysis of the EVI1 promoter region identified the presence of several EVI1 potential binding sites. Thus, we hypothesized that EVI1 could bind to these sites regulating its own transcription. In this study, we show that there is a functional interaction between EVI1 and its promoter, and that the different EVI1 isoforms (EVI1-145kDa, EVI1-Δ…

Inconsistency in circulating irisin levels: what is really happening?

The discovery of irisin as a novel and promising peptidic hormone for the treatment of obesity and diabetes has recently been reported. As a result, great hopes have been raised based on this finding, hypothesizing that irisin might provide additional benefits, not only for obesity and diabetes, but also for a wide range of pathological conditions requiring therapeutical and clinical attention. However, controversial results and conclusions on circulating irisin concentrations and correlations with other variables, including its role in metabolism, have recently been reported. Although laboratory assessment of irisin by ELISA is easily available and may provide interesting information for t…

Alpha-amylase serum levels in professional soccer players are not related with physical fitness.

Backgorund Recent evidence has showed that serum or salivary values of α-amylase predict endurance running performance. In this study we investigate whether serum α-amylase concentration may be associated with training status during a competitive season and after a detraining period in professional soccer players. Methods The study population consisted in 15 male professional soccer players from an Italian major league team (age [mean±SD] 27±5 years, weight 76.9±4.1 kg, height 1.82±0.05 m). Serum α-amylase levels were measured 3 times during the last part of a competitive season (January, March and May) and just before preseason training (July). Results Metabolic and cardiovascular fitness …

Microcentrifuge or Automated Hematological Analyzer to Assess Hematocrit in Exercise? Effect on Plasma Volume Loss Calculations

The assessment of plasma volume loss (∆PV) induced by exercise can be estimated from changes in hematocrit (Htc) and hemoglobin (Hb), and it is essential when investigating the metabolic or biologic response to exercise of circulating biomarkers. We aimed to ascertain whether the estimation of ∆PV may differ when Hb and Htc are determined by automated hematological analyzer (AHA) versus manual methods. Twenty-five healthy male subjects performed a maximal running incremental exercise. Blood samples were taken before exercise, immediately after exercise, and after a 30-min recovery. Hb and Htc (Htc-AHA) were determined by an AHA. Htc was also determined by microcentrifugation (Htc-M). The ∆P…

Hemorheological profile in primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Influence of microangiopathy.

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is an episodic peripheral circulatory disorder characterized by local artery spams in subjects exposed to cold or emotional stress. It is not well-established whether RP patients show an altered rheological profile, mostly due to patient classification and clinical severity. We aimed to compare the hemorheological profile in patients with primary and secondary RP with a healthy control group. Eighteen primary RP, 22 secondary RP and 22 healthy controls, were included in the study. RP patients were also divided according to the presence of digital ulcers (7 with, 33 without). Biochemical and hemorheological variables were analyzed, including glucose, triglycerides, …

Does midlife obesity really lower dementia risk?

Letter about: Qizilbash, N., Gregson, J., & Pocock, S. (2015). Does midlife obesity really lower dementia risk? The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 3(7), 501-502. 16.320 JCR (2015) Q1, 2/131 Endocrinology & metabolism UEM

Reply to "The association of red blood cell distribution width and morbid obesity" by Aydin et al.

We thank Aydin & cols. for their comments about our recently published paper “Red blood cell distribution width is not related with inflammatory parameters in morbidly obese patients” in Clinical Biochemistry Journal [1]. The authors show their concern about the clinical interpretation of our findings since we did not report folate and B12 vitamin levels. Moreover, they state that we should demonstrate the elimination of thrombocytopenic diseases by showing platelet count data. Aswe state in the paper, exclusion criteria for obese patients included “organic, malignant, hematological, infectious or inflammatory disease”. Therefore, any case of thrombocytopenic disease was not included. Moreo…

RDW in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Influence of anaemia and inflammatory markers

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a routine parameter that reflects size variations in erythrocytes. High RDW has been associated with cardiovascular events and inflammatory diseases. However, no studies evaluating the association of RDW with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been published. We aimed to explore the association of RDW with inflammatory markers in SLE. As SLE is often associated with anaemia, we considered this factor in order to know whether RDW is related with inflammation, anaemia or both in SLE. The study included 105 SLE patients (7 men, 98 women; aged 15-73 years) and 105 controls (9 men, 96 women; aged 18-71 years). Patients were divided according to ana…

Are abdominal obesity and body mass index independent predictors of hemorheological parameters?

There is an association between obesity and rheological blood behavior [2, 4–7]. In this sense we have read with interest the recently published article by Brun et al. [1] in this journal. The authors evaluate, in a population of 430 subjects, the relationship between abdominal obesity and body mass index (BMI) with blood viscosity, and conclude that both anthropometric parameters are associated with increased blood viscosity but by different mechanisms, where the waist to hip ratio is a better predictor for blood viscosity than BMI. It is striking that in this study the authors do not indicate the variables included in the stepwise multivariate regression model, where plasma lipids, glucos…

Vitamin D, precocious acute myocardial infarction, and exceptional longevity

Recent studies have reported low circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), the biologically active form of vitamin D, in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1], hypertension [2], carotid atherosclerosis [3], atrial fibrillation [4], and heart failure [5]. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with all-cause mortality [6,7] and predicts adverse cardiac events in patients with established CVD [8] or after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) [9]. In turn, vitamin D supplementation improves the modulation of autonomic tone [10]. 4.638 JCR (2015) Q1, 24/124 Cardiac and cardiovascular systems UEM

Exercise Effects on Erythrocyte Deformability in Exercise-induced Arterial Hypoxemia

Exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia (EIAH) is often found in endurance-trained subjects at high exercise intensity. The role of erythrocyte deformability (ED) in EIAH has been scarcely explored. We aimed to explore the role of erythrocyte properties and lactate accumulation in the response of ED in EIAH. ED was determined in 10 sedentary and in 16 trained subjects, both before and after a maximal incremental test, and after recovery, along with mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red blood cell lactate concentrations. EIAH was found in 6 trained subjects (∆SaO2=-8.25±4.03%). Sedentary and non-EIAH trained subjects showed reduced ED after exercise, while no effect on ED was found in EIAH train…

Blood and urinary abnormalities induced during and after 24-hour continuous running: A case report

In this reported clinical case, a healthy and well-trained male subject [aged 37 years, maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) 64 mL·kg·min] ran for 23 hours and 35 minutes covering 160 km (6.7 km/h average running speed). The analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters 3 days before the event, just after termination of exercise, and after 24 and 48 hours of recovery revealed important changes on muscle and liver function, and hemolysis. The analysis of urine sediments showed an increment of red and white blood cells filtrations, compatible with transient nephritis. After 48 hours, most of these alterations were recovered. Physicians and health professionals who monito…

An Eighteen-Minute Submaximal Exercise Test to Assess Cardiac Fitness in Response to Aerobic Training

Romagnoli, M, Alis, R, Sanchis-Gomar, F, Lippi, G, and Arduini, A. An 18-minute submaximal exercise test to assess cardiac fitness in response to aerobic training. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2846-2852, 2018-We aimed to evaluate the utility of a submaximal heart rate recovery (HRR) test to monitor changes in cardiac fitness after aerobic training. Twenty healthy subjects were assigned to a control (n = 10) or a training (n = 10) group. Subjects in the training group performed 8 weeks of bicycle training, followed by 8 weeks of detraining. Heart rate recovery was assessed after exercises at 65% and 80% HRmax. The HRR test was performed at weeks 0 (W0), 4 (W4), 8 (W8), and 16 (W16) in the tra…

Muscle-Related Polymorphisms (MSTN rs1805086 and ACTN3 rs1815739) Are Not Associated with Exceptional Longevity in Japanese Centenarians

Myostatin (MSTN) and α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) genes are potentially associated with preservation of muscle mass and oxidative capacity, respectively. To explore the possible role of these genes in exceptional longevity (EL), the allele/genotype frequency distribution of two polymorphisms in MSTN (rs1805086, K153R) and ACTN3 (rs1815739, R577X) was studied in Japanese centenarians of both sexes (n = 742) and healthy controls (n = 814). The rs1805086 R-allele (theoretically associated with muscle mass preservation at the expense of oxidative capacity) was virtually absent in the two groups, where genotype distributions were virtually identical. Likewise, no differences in allele (p = 0.838 (women);…

Hemoconcentration induced by exercise: Revisiting the Dill and Costill equation

The Dill and Costill equation is used to estimate the exercise-induced hemoconcentration. However, this cal- culation requires drawing an extra whole-blood sample, which cannot be frozen and has to be analyzed with dedi- cate instrumentation in a relative short time. The aim of the present study was to explore the usefulness of some serum biochemical parameters to estimate hemoconcen- tration induced by exhaustive exercise. Fourteen healthy male subjects (19-34 years) performed a15-min running test at 110% of anaerobic threshold speed. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), creatinine, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total-proteins, albu- min, total calcium (Ca), K + ,N a…

Homocysteine levels in patients with primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Its association with microangiopathy severity

The association between hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) remains a matter of debate. In 18 primary RP, 23 secondary RP and 41 controls, we investigated homocysteine (Hcy) levels along with biochemical and inflammatory parameters. The Hcy levels in both primary and secondary RP were elevated when compared with controls (p0.05 and p0.01, respectively). As age was higher in secondary RP as compared with controls (p0.01), both primary and secondary RP were age-matched with a corresponding control group, and with Hcy maintaining its statistical significance (p0.05). No differences in creatinine, B12 vitamin or folic acid were observed between groups (p0.05), or in the pr…