Behavioural and biological correlates of serum uric acid: a study of self-defence officials in Japan.
BACKGROUND
In Japan epidemiological data on correlates of serum uric acid are sparse.


METHODS
Behavioural and biological correlates of serum uric acid were investigated in 2487 men who received a retirement health examination at the Self-Defence Forces Fukuoka Hospital from October 1986 through 1990, excluding those under medication for hyperuricaemia, hypertension or hyperlipidaemia.


RESULTS
Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that serum creatinine was the strongest correlate followed by serum triglycerides, body mass index and diastolic blood pressure; these four variables accounted for 16% of the overall variation in serum uric acid. Serum total cholesterol, alcohol intake and past smoking were positively associated with serum uric acid levels while diabetes mellitus and serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were negatively related to serum uric acid; these five variables additionally explained 2% of the variation. Although an independent impact was minimal, beer consumption was significantly associated with an elevated level of serum uric acid after allowing for the previously mentioned correlates.


CONCLUSIONS
Serum creatinine and triglycerides are major correlates of serum uric acid in Japanese men. Our data add to the body of evidence suggesting that weight control, avoiding excessive drinking and adequate control of hypertension are beneficial in the prevention of hyperuricaemia.
Department of Public Health, National Defence Medical College, Saitama, Japan.
S
S
Kono
K
K
Shinchi
K
K
Imanishi
S
S
Honjo
I
I
Todoroki
D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000097:blood; D001835:Body Weight; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008889:Military Personnel; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood*
D014280:Triglycerides; D014527:Uric Acid; D003404:Creatinine