Yu. I. Bandazhevsky, N. F. Dubovaya

A high mortality rate associated to a greater extent with cancer and cardiovascular diseases is recorded in areas affected by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident [1].

It is extremely important practically and scientifically to find causes of this phenomenon. In this regard, it is reasonable to carry out studies to assess blood concentrations of homocysteine - an amino acid formed during transmethylation of methionine - a sulfur-containing amino acid essential for the human body.

During metabolic reactions, homocysteine is converted into cysteine or transformed back into methionine. The resynthesis of methionine from homocysteine is carried out during the metabolism of folic acid by transfer of the methyl group involving methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, В₁₂-dependent methionine synthase and methionine synthase reductase.

Elevated levels of homocysteine in the body may be caused by folate metabolism disturbances, including genetic defects of above enzymes and may lead to serious consequences in the form of a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic miscarriage, congenital abnormalities and other diseases [2].

The purpose of this study was to assess blood homocysteine concentrations and genetic system of enzymes associated with folate metabolism in children from families continuously residing in an area affected by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.

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