Biochemistry Significance of the “New Cholesterol”

Abstract

Cholesterol is essential for humans and animals, but high serum cholesterol levels can lead to severe heart diseases, which already have a high incidence – especially in humans. This is why cholesterol and other biochemical substances with the same action are the subjects of various research, named “unproven risk factors for atherosclerosis”. One of the biochemical with heart disease risk is considered homocysteine – an amino acid also known as “the new cholesterol”, which, if accumulated in high concentrations may contribute to the formation of atherosclerosis plaque. Different factors relating the homocysteine serum concentration, such as genetics, gender, age, body weight, associated diseases, and medications are discussed and studied to understand better the role of “new cholesterol” and its health implications. Also, studies are focused on different cofactors of biochemical reactions that are involved in homocysteine homeostasis, like vitamins and minerals.