"Increased total homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk factor for stroke. This study examines whether the efficacy of B-vitamins in reducing tHcy is modified by ethnicity in a Singaporean ischemic stroke population," scientists in Singapore, Singapore report (see also Stroke Research).
"505 patients (419 Chinese, 41 Malays and 45 Indians) with ischemic stroke were randomized to receive placebo or B-vitamins. Fasting blood samples collected at baseline and 1 year were assayed for tHcy. MTHFR polymorphisms were genotyped. Ethnicity did not independently determine tHcy at baseline. The magnitude of tHcy reduction by B-vitamin treatment was consistent across ethnic groups (Chinese -3.8 +/- 4.5, Malay -4.9 +/- 4.2, and Indian -3.3 +/- 3.6 mu mol/L) despite ethnic differences in MTHFR genotype and baseline folic acid (FA) and vitamin B-12 (vitB(12)) concentrations. Ethnicity does not appear to affect the tHcy-lowering effect of B-vitamins, despite differences in dietary intake and prevalence of MTHFR polymorphisms. This suggests that the effect of B-vitamins in lowering tHcy is generalizable across Asian populations," wrote K. Kasiman and colleagues, National University, Medical Department.
The researchers concluded: "However, due to relatively small numbers of non-Chinese studied, confirmation in other populations is required. (Stroke. 2009; 40:2209-2211.)."
Kasiman and colleagues published their study in Stroke (Ethnicity Does Not Affect the Homocysteine-Lowering Effect of B-Vitamin Therapy in Singaporean Stroke Patients. Stroke, 2009;40(6):2209-2211).
For more information, contact C.P.L.H. Chen, Singapore National University, Yong Loo Lin School Medical, Dept. of Pharmacology, Clinic Research Center, MD11 Level 5 05-09, 10 Med Dr., Singapore 117597, Singapore.
Publisher contact information for the journal Stroke is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.
Keywords: Singapore, Singapore, Life Sciences, Alternative Medicine, Therapy, Treatment, Stroke, National University, Medical Department.
This article was prepared by Preventive Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Preventive Medicine Week via NewsRx.com.
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