homocysteine

/ (ˌhəʊməʊˈsɪstiːn) /


noun
  1. an amino acid occurring as an intermediate in the metabolism of methionine. Elevated levels in the blood may indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Words Nearby homocysteine

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for homocysteine

homocysteine

[ hō′mə-sĭstə-ēn′, -ĭn, -tē- ]


  1. An amino acid used normally by the body in cellular metabolism and the manufacture of proteins. Elevated concentrations in the blood are thought to increase the risk for heart disease by damaging the lining of blood vessels and increasing the risk of blood clot formation. High homocysteine levels are associated with certain vitamin deficiencies and metabolic disorders. Chemical formula: C4H9NO2S.

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