Homocysteine as a risk factor for restenosis after coronary angioplasty.

We examined the relationship between plasma homocysteine levels and restenosis after PTCA (Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) to investigate whether plasma homocysteine levels can be a predictor of restenosis after PTCA. One hundred and twelve male patients who have undergone a successful elective PTCA were consecutively enrolled and plasma homocysteine levels were measured at the time of follow-up angiography. Plasma homocysteine levels in patients with restenosis were significantly higher than those in patients without restenosis (15.0 +/- 3.9 vs. 13 +/- 2.9 micromol/L; P = 0.011). The difference was augmented when diabetic patients were selectively studied. The comparison between restenosis group and non-restenosis group indicated the threshold effect of hyperhomocysteinemia. These results suggest that plasma homocysteine is a potential risk factor of restenosis after PTCA, and therapeutic strategy targeted against hyperhomocysteinemia may be beneficial for preventing restenosis.