Paradoxical absence of a prothrombotic phenotype in a mouse model of severe hyperhomocysteinemia

Blood. 2012 Mar 29;119(13):3176-83. doi: 10.1182/blood-2011-09-380568. Epub 2011 Dec 20.

Abstract

Hyperhomocysteinemia confers a high risk for thrombotic vascular events, but homocysteine-lowering therapies have been ineffective in reducing the incidence of secondary vascular outcomes, raising questions regarding the role of homocysteine as a mediator of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, to determine the contribution of elevated homocysteine to thrombosis susceptibility, we studied Cbs(-/-) mice conditionally expressing a zinc-inducible mutated human CBS (I278T) transgene. Tg-I278T Cbs(-/-) mice exhibited severe hyperhomocysteinemia and endothelial dysfunction in cerebral arterioles. Surprisingly, however, these mice did not display increased susceptibility to arterial or venous thrombosis as measured by photochemical injury in the carotid artery, chemical injury in the carotid artery or mesenteric arterioles, or ligation of the inferior vena cava. A survey of hemostatic and hemodynamic parameters revealed no detectible differences between control and Tg-I278T Cbs(-/-) mice. Our data demonstrate that severe elevation in homocysteine leads to the development of vascular endothelial dysfunction but is not sufficient to promote thrombosis. These findings may provide insights into the failure of homocysteine-lowering trials in secondary prevention from thrombotic vascular events.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Female
  • Hematologic Tests
  • Hemodynamics / genetics
  • Hemodynamics / physiology
  • Humans
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / blood
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / complications*
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / genetics
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / pathology*
  • Male
  • Mice*
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Phenotype
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Thrombosis / etiology*

Substances

  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase