This is an important and timely volume. The history of research in homocysteine metabolism can be divided into three periods. The first phase was the exploration of the individual reactions and metabolites that characterize the transmethylation and transsulfuration sequences. The former originated with his description of the biosynthesis of methylpyridine and culminated in the work of Cantoni and Axelrod. Similarly the finding that insulin contained cystine was a potent catalyst for the metabolic and nutritional studies of Rose and du Vigneaud. The description and the definition of homocystinuria, a rare inherited meta bolic disorder, marked the beginning of the second historical period. Where previously there had been few laboratories located largely in the United States soon there were numerous research groups representing many nationalities. The more intense focus led to major advances, both in the laboratory and in the clinics. Studies of afflicted individuals, when combined with investigations in experimental animals, provided the basis for a concept of methionine metabo lism that encompassed both transmethylation and transsulfuration. The central role of homocysteine was apparent.

Zusammenfassung
Studies of afflicted individuals, when combined with investigations in experimental animals, provided the basis for a concept of methionine metabo lism that encompassed both transmethylation and transsulfuration.

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. Historical Aspects of the Relationship Between Homocysteine and Vascular Disease.- 3. Biochemistry and Metabolism Donald.- 4. Reference Ranges for Homocysteine Concentrations.- 5. Determinants of Plasma Homocysteine.- 6. Epidemiology of Homocysteine Levels and Relation to Vitamins.- 7. Vascular Pathology of Hyperhomocysteinemia.- 8. Vascular Complications of Homocystinuria: Incidence, Clinical Pattern and Treatment.- 9. Homocysteine as a Risk Factor for Peripheral Vascular Disease.- 10. Homocysteine as a Risk Factor for Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke.- 11. Homocysteine as a Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease.- 12. Homocysteine and Family History of Coronary Artery Disease.- 13. Homocysteine as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease in Women.- 14. Homocysteine and Venous Thrombosis.- 15. Homocysteine and Renal Disease.- 16. Molecular Biology of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR): Interrelationships with Folic Acid, Homocysteine and Vascular Disease.- 17. Molecular Biology of Methionine Synthase: Interrelationships with Homocysteine and Vascular Disease.- 18. Molecular Biology of Cystathionine ß-Synthase: Interrelationships with Homocysteine, Pyridoxine, and Vascular Disease Warren.- 19. Homocysteine and Cholesterol: Basic and Clinical Interactions.- 20. Homocysteine and Coagulation Factors: Basic Interactions and Clinical Studies.- 21. Homocysteine and Endothelial Dysfunction.- 22. The Treatment of High Homocysteine Concentrations in Homocystinuria: Biochemical Control in Patients and their Vascular Outcome.- 23. An overview of the homocysteine lowering clinical trials.- 24. Summary and Future Directions for Epidemiological, Preventive and Basic Research.