Association of the urine homocysteine/creatinine ratio to proinflammatory cytokine, natural anticoagulant, and nitric oxide levels in cerebrovascular disease.

This study investigated the relationship between the urine homocysteine/creatinine (uHcy/Cr) ratio and the levels of natural anticoagulants, proinflammatory cytokines, and nitric oxide (NOx) metabolites in cerebrovascular diseases. No significant differences were observed in protein C, protein S, and antithrombin III levels among subjects with serum Hcy (sHcy) >15.0 mu mol/L and <= 15.0 mu mol/L. However, subjects with a uHcy/Cr ratio >14.8 mu mol/g Cr showed significant differences in the levels of the corresponding parameters than those with uHcy/Cr ratio <= 14.8 mu mol/g Cr. The sensitivity and specificity of the sHcy level at a cutoff of 15.0 mu mol/L were 32.6% and 85.7%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 69.5%. In contrast, those values for the uHcy/Cr ratio at a cutoff of 14.8 mu mol/g Cr were 55.1% and 91.4% with a positive predictive value of 86.5%. The uHcy/Cr ratio correlated more closely with protein C, antithrombin III, TNF-alpha, and NOx levels than did sHcy concentrations. In short, the uHcy/Cr ratio has a significant relationship with anticoagulation- and inflammation-related parameters. A measurement of the uHcy/Cr ratio may provide helpful information for assessing patients with cerebrovascular diseases.