The Impact of Homocysteine in Lupus Erythematosus: A Link of Inflammation, Skin and Cardiovascular Risk

June 2025 in “ Academic Medical Journal ”

Nora Pollozhani, Nevenka Adjievska, Viktor Simeonovski, Rufije Ramuka Zyberi, Maja Dimova, Sevxhane Zhaku, Katerina Damevska

lupus erythematosus skin lesions hair loss homocysteine hyperhomocysteinemia systemic lupus erythematosus cutaneous lupus erythematosus inflammation endothelial dysfunction B vitamin deficiencies

TLDR High homocysteine levels in lupus may increase inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

Lupus erythematosus (LE) can lead to skin lesions and hair loss, impacting patients' quality of life. Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels, or hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), are prevalent in systemic and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), contributing to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk. Factors like genetic mutations, kidney issues, metabolic disorders, certain medications, and B vitamin deficiencies can cause HHcy. Hcy may be a biomarker for disease severity and vascular risk in CLE. B-vitamin supplementation and lifestyle changes might help, but further research is needed to clarify Hcy's role in CLE and its clinical management potential.

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