The role of homocysteine in the pathogenesis of gynecological diseases

Despite the fact that homocysteine was first described in 1932, at present, the study of changes in the synthesis and content of this amino acid reveals new mechanisms for the disease development. It should be mentioned that studies confirming the correlation between elevated homocysteine levels and human pathologies (cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy complications, neuropsychiatric disorders) have appeared only recently. This indicates that hyperhomocysteinemia has not been resolved and deserves clinicians’ and researchers' attention. Most publications present studies on hyperhomocysteinemia as part of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. However, more recently, elevated homocysteine level has been considered as a marker in preeclampsia and postoperative thromboembolism, including that after reproductive surgery. It was noted that in early pregnancy the activation of endothelial cells is changed in women with hyperhomocysteinemia and uterine fibroids. It increases thrombosis risks, and later, during the chorion formation, an endothelial defect can cause fetoplacental insufficiency, and in case of endotheliosis progression lead to preeclampsia and eclampsia. In recent years, some authors associate hyperhomocysteinemia with disorders of the female reproductive system and ovulatory abilities, possible pathogenesis of benign tumors, pregnancy pathologies and delivery issues. A detailed study of elevated homocysteine in women can help in solving a number of issues, such as the role of hyperhopmocysteinemia in the pathogenesis of gynecological diseases and development of reproductive disorders. There is much information on the role of homocysteine in the development of endothelial dysfunction and significant metabolic disorders. At the same time, there is not enough studies on the changes in folate metabolism, which cause hyperhomocysteinemia and directly affect the development of endocrine gynecological and obstetric pathologies. These problems require further analysis. The correlation between the hyper-homocysteinemia and development of gynecological pathologies is currently one of the promising scientific areas. Special attention is paid to the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids in terms of vascular theory. Despite ongoing research, there is only insufficient information on the role of excess homocysteine in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids.