Homocysteine and oxidative modification of plasma proteins.

The oxidative status of plasma proteins after incubation with elevated homocysteine levels has been examined in the presence and absence of transition metal ions. 200µM homocysteine alone does not provoke any loss of plasma thiols groups, but their oxidation significantly enhances as copper concentration increases. No plasma proteins carbonyl groups enhancement has been concurrently found.The physiological relevance of the study is discussed in relationship with the metal-catalyzed oxidation system increment connected with age and nutritional deficiences.