Elevated plasma methylmalonic acid predicts increased risk of cardiovascular events

A recent study from UiB shows 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.”

Indu Dhar, lead author of article, researcher, Department of Clinical Science, 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.

"This may suggest that risk relationship between MMA and outcomes is not explained by vitamin B12 status or kidney function alone2, says Dhar.

Another important finding findings from this research was the positive association between plasma MMA and risk of dying due to non-cardiovascular causes primarily in patients evaluated for suspected coronary heart disease, thus warranting further research to explore MMA in a wider perspective beyond cardiovascular diseases.

"Future studies should also investigate the potential role of MMA as an important regulator of energy and lipid metabolism", Dhar concludes.

Source:
Journal reference:

Dhar, I., et al. (2023) Plasma methylmalonic acid predicts risk of acute myocardial infarction and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease: A prospective 2-cohort study. Journal of Internal Medicine. doi.org/10.1111/joim.13610.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Study uncovers hidden proteins fueling heart disease and stroke