Inflammation, Homocysteine, and Vitamin B6 Status after Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Background and Purpose-Epidemiological studies have described an association between low vitamin B6 (measured as pyridoxal 5′-phosphate [PLP]) and ischemic stroke, independent of homocysteine (tHcy). We investigated B6 status, tHcy, and inflammation (measured by C-reactive protein [CRP]) in patients with stroke and controls. Methods-Consecutive cases with new ischemic stroke were compared with matched controls. Fasting tHcy, PLP, and CRP were measured. Results-The adjusted odds ratio of low PLP in the highest compared with the lowest CRP quartile was 16.6 (2, 139.9, P=0.01). Age, CRP, supplemental vitamin use, and albumin were independent predictors of PLP (P<0.05 for all). No relationship was observed between CRP and tHcy. Conclusion-The relationship between inflammation and low B6 status may partially explain the findings of previous epidemiological studies.