Hepatocyte-specific Dyrk1a gene transfer rescues plasma apolipoprotein A-I levels and aortic Akt/GSK3 pathways in hyperhomocysteinemic mice.

Hyperhomocysteinemia, characterized by high plasma homocysteine levels, is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The increased synthesis of homocysteine, a product of methionine metabolism involving B vitamins, and its slower intracellular utilization cause increased flux into the blood. Plasma homocysteine level is an important reflection of hepatic methionine metabolism and the rate of processes modified by B vitamins as well as different enzyme activity.