homocysteine

noun

ho·mo·cys·te·ine ˌhō-mō-ˈsi-stə-ˌēn

ˌhä-

: an amino acid C₄H₉NO₂S that is produced in animal metabolism by the demethylation of methionine and that appears to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease when occurring at high levels in the blood

Examples of homocysteine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Folate, specifically, may impact brain health by helping manage levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood associated with Alzheimer’s disease at high levels. —

Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Clec, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2023 Folic acid, or folate, plays a key role in protein and DNA synthesis, hemoglobin formation, and the metabolism of certain amino acids, such as homocysteine and glutamic acid. —

Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2023 In high levels, homocysteine increases your risk for heart disease.6 3) May Improve Stamina Beets can potentially improve your exercise performance. —

Selene Yeager, Health, 27 July 2023 The same study also suggested NAC may reduce your blood's homocysteine levels. —

Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 21 June 2023 High levels of homocysteine can increase your risk of heart disease. —

Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 21 June 2023 More specifically, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase converts the amino acid homocysteine to another, methionine. —

Tara C. Smith, SELF, 18 Mar. 2019 Because folic acid can lower homocysteine levels, researchers once hoped that folic acid supplements would prevent heart attacks and strokes. —

Liz Szabo, CNN, 13 Apr. 2018 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'homocysteine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary hom- + cysteine

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of homocysteine was in 1932

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Homocysteine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homocysteine. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

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Medical Definition

homocysteine

noun

ho·mo·cys·te·ine ˌhō-mō-ˈsis-tə-ˌēn

ˌhäm-ō-

: an amino acid C₄H₉NO₂S that is produced in animal metabolism by the demethylation of methionine and forms a complex with serine that breaks up to produce cysteine and homoserine and that appears to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease when occurring at high levels in the blood