Identification of a plausible serum uric acid cut-off value as prognostic marker of stroke: the Uric Acid Right for Heart Health (URRAH) study

A nonlinear correlation between the serum uric acid to creatinine ratio and the prevalence of hypertension: a large cross-sectional population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between the serum uric acid to creatinine (UA/Cr) ratio and the prevalence of hypertension.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we included 8571 individuals from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to analyze the relationship between the UA/Cr ratio and hypertension.

RESULTS

Compared with individuals without hypertension, individuals with hypertension had higher UA/Cr ratios. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a higher UA/Cr ratio was closely related to a higher risk of hypertension (as a continuous variable, OR: 1.054, 95% CI: 1.014-1.095, p = 0.007; as a categorical variable, Q3 vs. Q1, OR: 1.183, 95% CI: 1.011-1.384, p = 0.035; Q4 vs. Q1, OR: 1.347, 95% CI: 1.146-1.582, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the correlation between the UA/Cr ratio and hypertension risk was stable in all subgroups except for the subgroup with diabetes and the subgroup with a BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 (p < 0.05). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the relationship between a higher UA/Cr ratio and a higher risk of hypertension (p < 0.05). The RCS showed that the UA/Cr ratio was nonlinearly related to hypertension risk. Further threshold effect showed that only a UA/Cr ratio less than 5.0 was related to hypertension risk (OR: 1.178, 95% CI: 1.086-1.278, p < 0.001), and the 2-piecewise linear regression model was superior to the 1-line linear regression model (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The UA/Cr ratio was associated with the prevalence of hypertension.

Serum uric acid as a predictor of mortality in patients with stroke: results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2016

Objective

This research endeavors to explore the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) concentration and all-cause mortality in stroke patients.

Methods

We undertook a cross-sectional analysis utilizing data derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2007 to 2016. The concentrations of SUA served as the independent variable, while the dependent variable was defined as all-cause mortality in stroke patients. The quartile method was utilized to classify uric acid levels into four distinct categories. Subsequently, three models were developed, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the effect of varying uric acid concentrations on the risk of all-cause mortality among stroke patients.

Results

The study included a total of 10,805 participants, of whom 395 were stroke patients. Among all populations, the group with elevated levels of uric acid (Q4) exhibited a significant association with the overall mortality risk among stroke patients in all three models (model 1 p < 0.001, model 2 p < 0.001, model 3 p < 0.001). In the male population, there was no significant correlation observed between uric acid levels and the overall mortality risk among stroke patients in model 3 (Q2 p = 0.8, Q3 p = 0.2, Q4 p = 0.2). However, within the female population, individuals with high uric acid levels (Q4) demonstrated a noteworthy association with the overall mortality risk among stroke patients across all three models (model 1 p < 0.001, model 2 p < 0.001, model 3 p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This cross-sectional investigation reveals a significant correlation between SUA levels and all-cause mortality in stroke patients, with a noticeable trend observed among females. Consequently, SUA may serve as a promising biomarker for assessing the prognosis of individuals affected by stroke.

Relationship between hyperuricemia and the risk of cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease in both the general population and hypertensive patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To explore the relationships between hyperuricemia and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in both the general population and hypertensive patients through meta-analysis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from January 2012. The eligibility criteria were predefined, and quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Stata 15.1 was used for meta-analysis, heterogeneity and sensitivity analysis. Subgroup analysis was used to explore heterogeneity, funnel plots and Egger tests were used to assesse publication bias and applicability. A total of 10,662 studies were retrieved, 45 of which were included in this meta-analysis utilizing a random effects model. Hyperuricemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of new-onset hypertension (RR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.16-1.59; I2 = 98.8%), total CVD (RR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.23-1.89; I2 = 93.7%), stroke (RR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.71-2.26, I2 = 0.0%), coronary heart disease (CHD) (RR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.06-2.30, I2 = 93.3%), and CKD (RR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.56-1.87; I2 = 87.3%). However, subgroup analysis showed no significant associations between hyperuricemia and hypertension in non-Asian populations (RR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.59-1.33), or between hyperuricemia and CVD with a follow-up duration <5 years (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.97-1.63). Among hypertensive patients, hyperuricemia was significantly associated with total CVD (RR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.31-4.12, I2 = 90.2%), but not with stroke (RR = 1.48, 95% CI 0.86-2.55; I2 = 90.7%) or CHD (RR = 1.51, 95% CI 0.98-2.33; I2 = 71.7%).

CONCLUSION

Hyperuricemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of new-onset hypertension, total CVD, stroke, CHD, and CKD in the general population. Among hypertensive patients, hyperuricemia was associated with an increased risk of CVD but not stroke or CHD alone.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022370692.

A Cohort Study on the Correlation Between Serum Uric Acid Trajectory and New-Onset Hypertension Based on Longitudinal Health Examination Data in Henan Area

Objective

To explore the correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) trajectories and new-onset hypertension, to provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of hypertension.

Methods

The study cohort was composed of 4372 subjects who met the inclusion criteria in the cohort study of Henan physical examination population. According to the SUA values of the subjects' physical examination from 2017 to 2019, three different SUA trajectory groups were determined by R LCTM tools, namely low stability group, medium stability group and high stability group. The incidence of hypertension during physical examination in 2020 was followed up, the cumulative incidence rate in each group was calculated by product limit method, and the correlation between different SUA trajectories and new-onset hypertension was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

The incidence rate of hypertension increased with the increase of SUA locus, which was 4.65%, 9.18% and 12.43% respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). After adjusting multiple confounding factors, such as gender, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and blood lipid by Cox proportional hazards regression model, the risk of hypertension in SUA medium stability and high stability group was still 1.476 times (95% CI: 1.089~2.000) and 1.692 times (95% CI: 1.152~2.484) of low-stable SUA group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The risk of hypertension increases with the increase of SUA level in the long-term normal range. It is necessary to carry out the intervention for hypertension with long-term normal high value to avoid the progress of hypertension disease, to achieve the purpose of early prevention of hypertension.

A cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between ischemic stroke and uric acid in young people in highland areas

Objective

To investigate the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and ischemic stroke in young patients in the Ganzi Tibetan plateau area.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken from January 2020 to June 2023 involving young patients (age: 15-45 years) diagnosed with ischemic stroke. The survey was conducted at the Department of Internal Medicine of the People's Hospital of Derong County, Ganzi Prefecture. The participants underwent a comprehensive assessment, including questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and head computed tomography (CT) examinations. Based on the tertiles of serum uric acid (SUA) levels, the patients were stratified into three groups. Furthermore, stroke severity was classified into mild (1-4 points), moderate (5-15 points), and severe (>15 points) categories using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale.

Results

The severe stroke group exhibited higher levels of age, glucose, systolic blood pressure, serum triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and serum uric acid (SUA) compared to the mild stroke group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the likelihood of male sex, advanced age, smoking, and a family history of stroke, diabetes mellitus, and heart disease were significantly elevated in the severe stroke group compared to the moderate stroke group (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis conducted on young adults residing in highland areas revealed a significant association between SUA levels and the risk of stroke.

Conclusion

Elevated SUA levels serve as a distinct risk factor for the development of a major stroke in young patients in highland areas. At SUA levels of 320.56 mol/L, the risk of a moderate-to-severe stroke is noticeably elevated.

Uric Acid Levels, Number of Standard Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Prognosis in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Large Cohort Study in Asia

Background Serum uric acid (UA) is correlated closely with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, which might interfere with the action of UA, in patients with coronary artery disease. We performed this study to evaluate the prognostic effect of UA levels in individuals with different numbers of standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs). Methods and Results In this prospective study, we consecutively enrolled 10 486 patients with coronary artery disease. They were stratified into 3 groups according to the tertiles of UA concentrations and, within each UA tertile, further classified into 3 groups by the number of SMuRFs (0-1 versus 2-3 versus 4). The primary end point was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and unplanned revascularization. Over a median follow-up of 2.4 years, 1233 (11.8%) MACCEs were recorded. Patients with high UA levels developed significantly higher risk of MACCEs than those with low UA levels. In addition, UA levels were positively associated with MACCEs as a continuous variable. More importantly, in patients with 0 to 1 SMuRF, the risks of MACCEs were significantly higher in the high-UA-level group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.469 [95% CI, 1.197-1.804]) and medium-UA-level group (adjusted HR, 1.478 [95% CI, 1.012-2.160]), compared with the low-UA-level group, whereas no significant association was found between UA levels and the risk of MACCEs in participants with 2 to 3 or 4 SMuRFs. Conclusions In patients with coronary artery disease who received evidence-based secondary prevention therapies, elevated UA levels might affect the prognosis of individuals with 0 to 1 SMuRF but not that of individuals with ≥2 SMuRFs.

High-normal serum uric acid predicts macrovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without hyperuricemia based on a 10-year cohort

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The upper limits of normal serum uric acid (SUA) or the lower limits of hyperuricemia were frequently set at 420 or 360 μmol/L (7.0 or 6.0 mg/dL). We aimed to explore the association between high-normal SUA (360 ≤ SUA≤420 μmol/L) and incidence of macrovascular and renal events based on a 10-year cohort with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to explore which cut-off was more appropriate.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 2988 patients with T2DM without hyperuricemia (SUA≤420 μmol/L) were included and followed up. Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline regression were used to evaluate the relationship between baseline SUA (as continuous and categorical variable) and macrovascular and renal events. Patients were grouped as low-normal (SUA<360 μmol/L) and high-normal groups based on baseline SUA, and the latter group had higher incidence of macrovascular events. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that baseline levels of SUA were significantly associated with cardiovascular (HR = 1.385, 95%CI:1.190-1.613, P < 0.001) and peripheral vascular events (HR = 1.266, 95%CI:1.018-1.574, P = 0.034), and the linear association existed. Moreover, fully adjusted multivariable Cox analyses indicated high-normal SUA increased the risks of cardiovascular (HR = 1.835, 95%CI:1.319-2.554, P < 0.001) and peripheral vascular events (HR = 1.661, 95%CI:1.000-2.760, P = 0.050) compared to low-normal SUA.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline SUA levels were positively associated with cardiovascular and peripheral vascular events, and high-normal SUA increased the risks of these events in patients with T2DM even without hyperuricemia. A threshold value for SUA of 360 μmol/L should be more appropriate in terms of predicting macrovascular events risks compared to the value of 420 μmol/L.

The Results of the URRAH (Uric Acid Right for Heart Health) Project: A Focus on Hyperuricemia in Relation to Cardiovascular and Kidney Disease and its Role in Metabolic Dysregulation

The relationship between Serum Uric Acid (UA) and Cardiovascular (CV) diseases has already been extensively evaluated, and it was found to be an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality but also acute coronary syndrome, stroke and heart failure. Similarly, also many papers have been published on the association between UA and kidney function, while less is known on the role of UA in metabolic derangement and, particularly, in metabolic syndrome. Despite the substantial number of publications on the topic, there are still some elements of doubt: (1) the better cut-off to be used to refine CV risk (also called CV cut-off); (2) the needing for a correction of UA values for kidney function; and (3) the better definition of its role in metabolic syndrome: is UA simply a marker, a bystander or a key pathological element of metabolic dysregulation?. The Uric acid Right for heArt Health (URRAH) project was designed by the Working Group on uric acid and CV risk of the Italian Society of Hypertension to answer the first question. After the first papers that individuates specific cut-off for different CV disease, subsequent articles have been published responding to the other relevant questions. This review will summarise most of the results obtained so far from the URRAH research project.

Serum Uric Acid Levels Are Associated with the Echogenic Features of Carotid Plaque Vulnerability in Elderly Patients with Atherosclerotic Disease

Uric acid is a marker of inflammation and a risk factor for atherosclerosis that has been suggested to play a role in carotid plaque instability. Reduced atherosclerotic plaque echogenicity at ultrasound examination is associated with alarming histopathological features and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and echogenic patterns of plaque instability in elderly subjects with carotid atherosclerosis. Since uric acid metabolism largely depends on renal function, SUA levels were indexed for serum creatinine levels (SUA/SCr). We enrolled 108 patients aged 65 years or more (72.7 ± 5.9 years; 50 females and 58 males) who underwent carotid duplex ultrasound to evaluate plaque echogenicity by greyscale median (GSM). The regression analysis demonstrated a significant inverse association between the GSM and the SUA/SCr ratio (β: -0.567; 95% CI -0.751 to -0.384 and p < 0.0001). Stepwise multivariate regression showed that the SUA/SCr ratio explained 30.3% of GSM variability (β: -0.600; 95% CI -0.777/-0.424, p < 0.0001, and semi-partial correlation 0.303). After a mean period of 3.5 ± 0.5 years, 48 patients were reevaluated according to the same baseline study protocol. The regression analysis demonstrated a still significant inverse association between the GSM and the SUA/SCr ratio (β: -0.462; 95% CI -0.745 to -0.178 and p = 0.002). Stepwise multivariate regression showed that the SUA/SCr ratio explained 28.0% of GSM variability (coefficient -0.584, 95% CI -0.848/-0.319, p < 0.0001, and semi-partial R² 0.280). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that SUA levels indexed for serum creatinine are associated with the echogenic features of carotid plaque vulnerability in elderly patients with atherosclerotic disease. These data could suggest an influential role for uric acid metabolism in carotid plaque biology.

Gout and hyperuricaemia: modifiable cardiovascular risk factors?

Gout and hyperuricaemia are two clinical situations associated with an elevated risk of developing cardiovascular (heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke) and metabolic and renal complications. One reason is probably related to the fact that the prevalence of hyperuricaemia and gout is high in clinical situations, which themselves involve a high cardiovascular risk, such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or obesity. However, recent studies suggest that hyperuricaemia may promote cardiovascular complications independently of other cardiovascular risk factors, by inducing chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. The questions that arise today concern primarily the treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricaemia. Should it be treated to decrease the patients' cardiovascular risk and if so, starting from which level and towards which target? There are now several pieces of evidence indicating that this might be useful, but data from large studies are not unanimous. This review will discuss this issue as well as new well-tolerated treatments, such as febuxostat or SGLT2 inhibitors, which lower uric acid levels, prevent gout and lower the risk of cardio-renal events.

Association of Normal Serum Uric Acid Level and Cardiovascular Disease in People Without Risk Factors for Cardiac Diseases in China

Background Healthy individuals with normal level of serum uric acid (SUA) may not be truly at the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to assess the association of SUA levels with CVD and its subtypes in people without CVD risk factors and determine a suitable target of SUA to prevent CVD. Methods and Results We enrolled 25 284 participants who were free of CVD, absent of CVD risk factors, and with an SUA level between 180 and 359 μmol/L (3-6 mg/dL) at baseline from the Kailuan study. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to calculated adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI for the risk of CVD and its subtypes. During a median follow-up of 12.97 years (interquartile range, 12.68-13.16 years), we identified 1007 cases of CVD. There was an increase in the risk of incident CVD with increasing SUA levels (P_trend=0.0011). Compared with participants with SUA levels of 180 to 239 μmol/L (3-4 mg/dL), the HR of CVD was 1.12 (95% CI, 0.96-1.31) and 1.28 (95% CI, 1.08-1.52) for SUA levels of 240 to 299 μmol/L (4-5 mg/dL) and 300 to 359 μmol/L (5-6 mg/dL), respectively. A multivariable-adjusted spline regression model showed a J-shaped association between SUA and the risk of CVD. Similar results were observed for stroke and myocardial infarction. Conclusions The risk of incident CVD increased with elevating SUA levels among individuals without hyperuricemia or other traditional CVD risk factors. These findings highlighted the importance of primordial prevention for SUA level increase along with other traditional CVD risk factors.

Serum Uric Acid Predicts All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Independently of Hypertriglyceridemia in Cardiometabolic Patients without Established CV Disease: A Sub-Analysis of the URic acid Right for heArt Health (URRAH) Study

High serum uric acid (SUA) and triglyceride (TG) levels might promote high-cardiovascular risk phenotypes across the cardiometabolic spectrum. However, SUA predictive power in the presence of normal and high TG levels has never been investigated. We included 8124 patients from the URic acid Right for heArt Health (URRAH) study cohort who were followed for over 20 years and had no established cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled metabolic disease. All-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiovascular mortality (CVM) were explored by the Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox multivariable regression, adopting recently defined SUA cut-offs for ACM (≥4.7 mg/dL) and CVM (≥5.6 mg/dL). Exploratory analysis across cardiometabolic subgroups and a sensitivity analysis using SUA/serum creatinine were performed as validation. SUA predicted ACM (HR 1.25 [1.12-1.40], p < 0.001) and CVM (1.31 [1.11-1.74], p < 0.001) in the whole study population, and according to TG strata: ACM in normotriglyceridemia (HR 1.26 [1.12-1.43], p < 0.001) and hypertriglyceridemia (1.31 [1.02-1.68], p = 0.033), and CVM in normotriglyceridemia (HR 1.46 [1.23-1.73], p < 0.001) and hypertriglyceridemia (HR 1.31 [0.99-1.64], p = 0.060). Exploratory and sensitivity analyses confirmed our findings, suggesting a substantial role of SUA in normotriglyceridemia and hypertriglyceridemia. In conclusion, we report that SUA can predict ACM and CVM in cardiometabolic patients without established cardiovascular disease, independent of TG levels.

Serum Uric Acid to High‑density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio is Associated with Visceral Fat in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the uric acid/high‑density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (UHR) is associated with visceral fat area (VFA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Participants aged 18-70 years with a diagnosis of T2DM were recruited from the National Metabolic Management Center from January 2020 to July 2022. Medical data collected for all participants included medical history, general measures, carotid intima-media thickness, abdominal VFA, and subcutaneous fat area (SFA). The participants were divided into groups according to VFA ≥100 cm² (n=109) and VFA <100 cm² (n=100).

RESULTS

Compared with the VFA <100 cm² group, the VFA ≥100 cm² group had higher height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), SFA, fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, C peptide, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase, γ-glutamine acyltransferase (γ-GGT), uric acid (UA), triglyceride (TG), and UHR measurements and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed between the groups for age, duration of T2DM, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, IMT, glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Positive correlations were found between the UHR and height, weight, BMI, WC, HC, C peptide, ALT, γ-GGT, TG, and UA, as well as between VFA and these variables (P<0.05). Both the UHR and VFA were negatively correlated with HDL-C (P<0.05). Positive correlations were observed between VFA and the UHR as well as UA (P<0.05), and a negative correlation was found between VFA and HDL-C (P<0.05). Multivariate linear stepwise regression identified BMI, WC, UHR, SFA, and HC as influencing factors for VFA (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

UHR was positively associated with VFA in T2DM patients and may be a useful and convenient additional tool for metabolic risks in these patients.

Uric acid relationships with lipid profile and adiposity indices: Impact of different hyperuricemic thresholds

Previous studies focused on the relationships between Serum Uric Acid (SUA) and lipids have found an association mainly with triglycerides. Furthermore, previous studies on adiposity indices have been focused on the evaluation of the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI). The present study was aimed at providing within the same population a systematic evaluation of lipids and adiposity indices with SUA, employing both the classic cutoff for hyperuricemia and the newly one identified by the Uric Acid Right for Heart Health (URRAH) study. We analyzed data collected in 1892 subjects of the Pressioni Arteriose Monitorate E loro Associazioni (PAMELA) study with available SUA, lipid profile and variables necessary to calculate VAI, Cardio-Metabolic Index (CMI) and Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP). At linear regression model (corrected for confounders) SUA correlated with all the lipids values (with the strongest β for triglycerides) and adiposity indices. When the two different cutoffs were compared, the URRAH one was significantly related to atherogenic lipids profile (OR 1.207 for LDL and 1.33 for non-HDL, P < 0.001) while this was not the case for the classic one. Regarding adiposity indices the classic cutoff displays highest OR as compared to the URRAH one. In conclusions, newly reported URRAH cutoff for hyperuricemia better relate to atherogenic lipoprotein (LDL and non-HDL) when compared to the classic one. The opposite has been found for adiposity indexes where the classic cut-off seems to present highest performance. Among adiposity indexes, LAP present the highest OR for the relationship with hyperuricemia.

Serum uric acid is a predictive biomarker of incident metabolic syndrome at the Brazilian longitudinal study of adult Health (ELSA - Brasil)

AIM

To investigate whether serum uric acid (SUA) levels and hyperuricemia can be predictive biomarkers of incident metabolic syndrome(MS) among different body mass index(BMI) categories, and to investigate SUA cutoffs that best discriminate individuals with incident MS.

METHODS

We analyzed 7,789 participants without MS at baseline of ELSA-Brasil study. Logistic regression models were performed to evaluate associations between incident MS and SUA levels/hyperuricemia, expressed by odds ratios(ORs) and confidence intervals(95 % CI).

RESULTS

We found 1,646 incident MS cases after a median follow-up of 3.8[3.5-4.1] years. Incident MS was present among 8.3 % (n = 290) of participants with normal weight, 28.3 % (n = 850) with overweight, 39.8 % (n = 506) with obesity. Among incident MS participants of total sample, 33.0 % had hyperuricemia [SUA > 6.0 mg/dL (356.9 μmol/L)]. After all adjustments, SUA was independently prognostic of incident MS: for each 1 mg/dL increase in SUA the odds of incident MS were 45 % higher (OR1.45[CI95 %1.34-1.55 p <.01]). Associations were found for those presenting normal weight, overweight and obesity (OR1.43[CI95 %1.31-1.57 p <.01; OR1.22[CI95 %1.13-1.32 p <.01]; and OR1.16[CI95 %1.04-1.29 p <.05]) respectively. Hyperuricemia was independently associated with incident MS (OR1.88[CI95 %1.49-0.2.36 p <.01]). The SUA cut point level maximizing sensitivity and specificity in the discrimination of incident MS was 5.0 mg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

SUA level is an independent predictive biomarker of incident MS at all BMI categories.

Uric Acid Expression in Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque and Serum Uric Acid Are Associated With Cerebrovascular Events

BACKGROUND

Uric acid (UA) concentration within carotid plaque and its association with cerebrovascular events have not been detected or quantified. Systemically, serum UA is a marker of inflammation and risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, its association with carotid plaque instability and stroke pathogenesis remains unclear. In patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, we aimed to determine whether UA is present differentially in symptomatic versus asymptomatic carotid plaques and whether serum UA is associated with cerebrovascular symptoms (stroke, transient ischemic attack, or amaurosis fugax).

METHODS

Carotid atherosclerotic plaques were collected during carotid endarterectomy. The presence of UA was assessed using Gomori methenamine silver staining as well as anti-UA immunohistochemical staining and its quantity measured using an enzymatic colorimetric assay. Clinical information was obtained through a retrospective review of data.

RESULTS

UA was more commonly detected in symptomatic (n=23) compared with asymptomatic (n=9) carotid plaques by Gomori methenamine silver (20 [86.9%] versus 2 [22.2%]; P=0.001) and anti-UA immunohistochemistry (16 [69.5%] versus 1 [11.1%]; P=0.004). UA concentration was higher in symptomatic rather than asymptomatic plaques (25.1 [9.5] versus 17.9 [3.8] µg/g; P=0.021). Before carotid endarterectomy, serum UA levels were higher in symptomatic (n=341) compared with asymptomatic (n=146) patients (5.9 [interquartile range, 4.6-6.9] mg/dL versus 5.2 [interquartile range, 4.6-6.2] mg/dL; P=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study supports a potential role of UA as a potential tissue participant and a systemic biomarker in the pathogenesis of carotid atherosclerosis. UA may provide a mechanistic explanation for plaque instability and subsequent ischemic cerebrovascular events.

Serum uric acid in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: An innocent bystander or leading actor?

Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels have been associated with several cardiovascular risk factors and the progression of coronary artery disease. In the setting of acute myocardial infarction, increasing evidence suggests that high SUA levels could be related to adverse outcomes. Interestingly elevated SUA levels have been linked to endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and oxidative stress. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential negative effects of SUA in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, analyzing the possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Serum Uric Acid Levels and Cardiometabolic Profile in Middle-Aged, Treatment-Naïve Hypertensive Patients

INTRODUCTION

Uric acid (UA) is a risk factor associated with cardiometabolic diseases. However, the appropriate threshold of UA remains a matter of controversy.

AIM

To assess whether slightly increased UA levels have any significance in middle-aged, treatment-naïve persons with new-onset hypertension.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study we recruited middle-aged participants with new-onset hypertension who were treatment-naïve. Subjects below (Group 1) and above the median UA levels (Group 2) were compared regarding clinical and laboratory characteristics that are implicated in cardiovascular and renal risk. The study population consisted of 369 persons (mean age 48.4±10 years) with median UA of 4.8 mg/dl. Group 2 individuals were predominantly male and had higher levels of blood pressure, increased body mass index, waist circumference, and a greater degree of insulin resistance. Additionally, greater lipid profile abnormalities were detected. This group also exhibited a significantly decreased fractional excretion of UA. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that serum UA levels were correlated with male sex, waist circumference, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum calcium and insulin levels, as well as with fractional excretion of UA. A positive association between serum UA levels and the number diagnostic criteria of the metabolic syndrome (MtS) was also noticed. After reclassification of subjects according to UA quartiles, individuals with UA levels ≥ 3.8 mg/dl had significantly higher odds (2.5-fold to 9.8-fold) of having MtS after adjustment of age, sex, and eGFR.

CONCLUSIONS

Uric acid levels in middle-aged, treatment-naïve hypertensive patients are correlated with risk factors for cardiovascular and renal disease.

Impact of serum uric acid on subclinical myocardial injury in general population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hyperuricemia is widely thought as a risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI) and all-cause mortality; however, the relation of serum uric acid (sUA) and subclinical myocardial injury (SCeMI) remains unclear. We hypothesize that sUA is associated with subclinical myocardial injury.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 5880 adult individuals (57.9 ± 13.0 years, 54.23% women) without known cardiovascular disease from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III were included. Determined by Cardiac Infarction Injury Score (CIIS) from 12-lead electrocardiogram, SCeMI was defined by CIIS ≥10 units. The relationship between sUA and SCeMI was analyzed by using logistic regression models and the smooth curve fitting. Subgroup analyses were conducted. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, the smooth curve fitting revealed a non-linear relationship between sUA level and SCeMI. When sUA was above the inflection point 266.5 μmol/L, each 100 unit increase in sUA increase the risk of SCeMI by 15%. In women group, when sUA>340.3 μmol/L, each 100 unit increase in sUA increase the risk of SCeMI by 71%, but no significant correlation was observed in men group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm that sUA is an independent risk factor for subclinical myocardial injury after adjusting for potential confounding variables, and existence of such an association in women only, which require more random control trials to confirm the strategy of cardiovascular disease prevention based on sUA reduction in female.