Lowering homocysteine decreases levels and expression of VEGF(165) and endostatin.

Background: Homocysteine, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and endostatin have been implicated in angiogenesis and in the development and progression of atherothrombotic vascular disease. We sought to determine whether homocysteine modulates plasma levels of VEGF and endostatin and their expression in leukocytes in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or diabetes mellitus (DM).

Materials And Methods: Ten patients with PAD and 15 patients with type 2 DM were evaluated before and 6 wk after oral administration of folic acid and B vitamins.