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Introduction

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The Clinical Application of Homocysteine
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Abstract

Currently, many degenerative diseases are prevalent worldwide and research towards their early diagnosis and better management are a continuous intense process. Though biomarkers help in diagnosis as well as prognosis and management, very few are amenable to modification. Several decades ago, homocysteine was implicated in the atherosclerotic process. Further studies revealed its involvement in diseases of the heart, brain, blood vessels, kidneys, and almost every organ system including many types of cancers. Even more interesting was the fact that it was easily modifiable by appropriate intake of a few of the B group vitamins, with consequent reduction in incidence and morbidity of several disease conditions. This compilation has been made to assist the clinician in utilising this biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and management wherever applicable.

Several decades ago, homocysteine was implicated in the atherosclerotic process. Further studies revealed its involvement in diseases of the heart, brain, blood vessels, kidneys, and almost every organ system including many types of cancers. Even more interesting was the fact that it was easily modifiable by appropriate intake of a few of the B group vitamins, with consequent reduction in incidence and morbidity of several disease conditions. This compilation has been made to assist the clinician in utilising this biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and management wherever applicable.

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Bhargava, S. (2018). Introduction. In: The Clinical Application of Homocysteine. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-7632-9_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-7632-9_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-10-7631-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-10-7632-9

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