Elevated homocysteine levels in alcohol withdrawal

Ethanol exerts its behavioural effects largely by interacting with receptors for brain neurotransmitters. However, the molecular mechanisms involving these interactions and the pathogenesis of alcohol-withdrawal symptomatology are still not well understood. Until recently, no data were available about homocysteine (Hcy) levels in acute alcohol intoxication of chronic alcoholics and in patients undergoing withdrawal from alcohol. Hey, blood-alcohol concentrations, vitamins B-6, B-12, and folate concentrations were assessed in 29 chronic alcoholics, who underwent withdrawal from alcohol. We observed increased Hcv levels in most patients. Hey levels steadily decreased during the observation period. We postulate that hyperhomocysteinaemia and excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters, by their agonism at the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, may partly mediate alcohol-associated withdrawal symptomatology. The importance of assessing serum Hey levels in order to detect methylation deficiency in patients with chronic alcoholism and for possible therapeutic strategies is discussed.