Is the increase of uric acid associated with the components of the metabolic syndrome?

Summary Objectives: There is increasing evidence that metabolic syndrome (MetS) may be associated with increased uric acid levels. Previous studies indicate that hyperuricaemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. We sought to determine the association of serum uric acid (SUA) with MetS components and other cardiovascular risk factors among middle aged Lithuanians with MetS. Design and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. A total of 705 subjects aged 40 to 65 years with MetS diagnosed using NCEP ATP III criteria were included. None of the participants had previously diagnosed cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, peripheral artery or end-stage oncological disease. Blood tests and all anthropometric measurements were obtained using standard methods. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: with hyperuricaemia and without hyperuricaemia. Results: Hyperuricaemia was found in 33.3% of subjects. Mean serum uric acid level increased as the number of metabolic factors increased. Participants with hyperuricaemia had abnormal waist circumference (p < 0.001), higher systolic (p = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.003), higher levels of triglycerides and, lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001). Subjects in hyperuricaemia group were more likely to be alcohol users (p = 0.034), to have diabetes (p = 0.02) and higher body mass index (p < 0.001). Their creatinine levels were statistically significantly higher (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our analysis showed that serum uric acid is associated with MetS and other cardiovascular risk factors. The study found a statistically significant association with the four out of five components of the MetS (excluding plasma glucose) as well as with alcohol consumption, and renal function indicators (creatinine, eGFR).