Hyperhomocysteinemia is an indicator of oxidant stress.

Sir, We found the recently published paper of Hoffman [1], to be alike to our work by focusing on the connection of elevated plasma homocysteine levels and the risk of developing diabetes or its complications. This correlation was first communicated by Looker et al. in 2003 and amended by Shukla et al. Later, in 2005, Cho et al. supported their findings. High homocysteine levels as a source of oxidant stress and the oxidative status were also targeted by our rutoside derivative. A pharmacologically active citrus flavonoid glycoside rutin, rutoside, inhibits platelet aggregation and atherosclerotic lesions development in different species [2]. Aside of its antioxidant activity, rutoside has a strong hypolipidemic effect [3,4]. On alloxane treated adult Wistar male rats, significant decrease in the glucose, homocysteine and cholesterol levels were noted aside of the increased oxidative actions. These listed are aggravating factors in diabetes and the decrease in their concentrations determines a protective effect on the oxidative reducing balance [4]. Our findings implicate that despite exposure to hyperglycemia, the oxidative-reducing balance and aggravating risk factors is the most affected parameter. Excess of homocysteine has been proven to generate toxic free radicals [5]. Our rutoside derivative lowered homocysteine levels so drastically that its property of cardiovascular protector affecting endothelium functions came fully highlighted. Rutoside derivative administration may exert a protective activity towards the status of the diabetes [4]. It can be postulated that the protective effect regarding diabetes complications development is obtained through a decrease of the known risk factors [4].