Elevated plasma methylmalonic acid levels associated with increased CV events in patients with CAD
Researchers at University of Bergen have found in a new study that elevated plasma methylmalonic acid predicts increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and mortality in patients with suspected or verified coronary heart disease.
Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a substance produced from the breakdown of aminoacids, odd-chain fatty acids and cholesterol in the body. MMA concentration in blood is reported to be elevated in patients with heart diseases and kidney impairment, and higher plasma MMA is considered a marker of vitamin B12 deficiency.
"In our study, we analyzed the association of plasma MMA with the risk of acute myocardial infarction and death in 7662 participants of two large, independent cohorts of patients evaluated for either suspected coronary heart disease or verified coronary heart disease”, says lead author of article, researcher Indu Dhar at the University of Bergen.
They found that across both cohorts higher MMA in plasma was associated with reduced renal function and low B12 status at baseline. However, higher plasma MMA predicted increased long-term risk of acute myocardial infarction and total and cardiovascular deaths independent of renal function and B12 status.
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