Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between homocysteine serum levels and metabolic risk factors in adults of Karachi – Pakistan.
Study type, settings & duration: This prospective study was carried out in peripheral out-patient department, primary care unit, affiliated with Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi from November 2007 to June 2008.  
Methodology: Non-diabetic subjects were selected after taking informed consent. Subjects were advised to visit with at least 8 to 12 hours of fasting for oral glucose test. The anthropometry parameters were measured and blood tests for glucose levels, lipid profile, serum insulin, and homocysteine levels were done.
Results: Of the 75 recruited subjects, 52% (n=39) were males and 48% (n=36) were females. Age (mean years) of the subjects was 44.26±10.98 and mean BMI kg/m2 was found 27.33±4.17.  Fasting homocysteine, serum insulin levels, and HOMA found 15.6±6.52, 16.96±8.26, and 5.02±3.06, respectively. A significant association of elevated homocysteine level was found with BMI value p <0.04, male gender p <0.026, and smoking p <0.006. Insignificant correlation was seen between elevated homocysteine levels and age, fasting plasma glucose, hypertension, serum lipid parameters and waist circumference.
Conclusion: Serum homocysteine level was significantly correlated with BMI, male gender, and smoking. Furthermore, an elevated homocysteine serum level was found in our study but not significantly associated with metabolic risk factors among population of Pakistan.