Unique efficiency of methionine metabolism in premenopausal women may protect against vascular disease in the reproductive years.

摘要: Premenopausal women develop occlusive artery disease less frequently than postmenopausal women. In coronary heart disease, higher blood levels of homocysteine-cysteine mixed disulphide have been reported. Therefore, in healthy subjects, we studied the role menopausal status transsulphuration methionine 10 premenopausal and To exclude aging, compared these results with those younger older men comparable age groups. An oral load (0.1 g/kg body weight) was administered after overnight fasting. Before during 8 h, thereafter, serum methionine, homocystine, were measured. fasting state, similar both groups men. Postmenopausal had significantly lower levels. Peak clearances loading did not differ between homocystine never detectable; yet, loading, slight homocystinemia present 12 out 20 men, more pronounced all However, occur any loading. Fasting women, postloading other group. We conclude that a unique efficiency handling, thereby are preserved against accumulation homocysteine speculate this phenomenon might account for incidence vascular reproductive life cycle.