Age Related Homocysteine Serum Levels Elevate in Men with Epilepsy

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the correlation of age with serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels in male nonobese epilepsy (Ep) patients and nonobese male control (C) subjects.

Methods: This case-control study was conducted in non-obese male epilepsy patients (Ep; n: 44; age: 26-40 years) having predominant grand mal (generalized tonic-clonic) seizures, and in control subjects (C; n: 42; age: 26-40 years). The Ep and C subjects were further subdivided into age-based subgroups: 26-30, 31-35, 36-40 years. Determination of serum Hcy was carried out by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SPSS software version 24 was used for the purpose of data entry/ statistical analysis.

Results: The mean± SD values for serum Hcy (?mol/L) in male Ep (n:44) and male C subjects (n:42) were 12.34±3.34 and 9.16±3.38 respectively, that showed highly significant increase in the level of Hcy (p< 0.001) in Ep compared to C subjects. Serum Hcy levels showed significant increased serum levels of Hcy, and positive linear correlation in all age groups (26-30, 31-35, 36-40, 26-40) in Ep subjects compared to control subjects. However, significantly elevated serum Hcy and lesser association (though significant) of Hcy with age in Ep group as compared to C subjects was found in the present report.

Conclusion: Present study provides evidence of the significant impact of age on serum homocysteine levels in nonobese epilepsy patients. However, it is essentially required to carry out well controlled studies comprising wider age range data, and large number of samples in each age subgroup to have better idea about the potential impact of Hcy in epilepsy, and to investigate the comparative effects of AEDs and dosages of AEDs on serum levels of Hcy and vice versa.