Which amino acid, when found in high levels, may contribute to the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries?

Homocysteine is an amino acid that plays a significant role in cardiovascular health. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, primarily due to its contribution to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries.

When homocysteine levels rise, they can lead to endothelial dysfunction, which is the impairment of the inner lining of blood vessels. Endothelial dysfunction can promote inflammation and increase clot formation, both of which contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. Additionally, high homocysteine levels can inhibit the production of protective factors and enhance the deposition of lipids in the arterial walls, further exacerbating plaque formation.

The other amino acids in the choices provided do not have the same established connection to cardiovascular disease risk and the process of developing arterial plaques. While tyrosine, glutamine, and cysteine have important physiological roles, they are not primarily linked to the accumulation of fatty plaques in arteries as homocysteine is.