Definition of "homocysteine" []

• 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 enhancing blood clotting. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The breakthrough centres on a compound called homocysteine which is naturally made in the body and, at high levels, has been linked to memory loss and Alzheimer's."
• "George had another gene called MTHFR (viii) that made him require very high doses of folate to lower his blood levels of homocysteine, which is a substance very toxic to the brain."
• "Previous research has suggested that people with elevated levels of an amino acid in their blood known as homocysteine are at increased risk for heart attacks and strokes."