Changes in insulin and lipid metabolism in males with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia.
OBJECTIVE
To define the effect of asymptomatic hyperuricaemia on various facets of glucose, insulin, and lipoprotein metabolism.


METHODS
Case control study in health volunteers.


METHODS
The volunteers for this study were selected on the basis of their laboratory results from a larger population participating in a general survey in one large factory.


METHODS
The study population consisted of 40 healthy males: 20 with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia (serum uric acid concentration equal to or greater than 420 mmol l-1) and 20 with normal serum uric acid concentrations (180-320 mmol l-1). The two groups were similar in terms of age, general obesity (estimated by body mass index), smoking and alcohol intake, and estimate of work and leisure time activity.


METHODS
All subjects received a 75 g oral glucose challenge, with blood taken before and at frequent intervals thereafter.


METHODS
Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and lipid concentrations and plasma glucose and insulin responses to the oral glucose challenge.


RESULTS
By selection, mean (+/- SEM) serum uric acid concentration was higher in the hyperuricaemic individuals (454 +/- 7 vs. 274 +/- 12 mmol l-1). In addition, the plasma insulin response to oral glucose was increased in individuals with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia (P < 0.005) as were both systolic (136 +/- 3 vs. 126 +/- 3 mmHg, P < 0.05) and diastolic (91 +/- 1 vs. 82 +/- 1, P < 0.01) blood pressure. Furthermore, subjects with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia were dyslipidaemic (higher plasma TG and cholesterol and lower HDL-cholesterol concentrations) as compared to the normouricaemic control group (P < 0.07-0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
These results provide a possible explanation for the well-known association of hyperuricaemia with coronary heart disease, as well as suggesting that hyperuricaemia be added to the cluster of metabolic and haemodynamic abnormalities associated with insulin resistance and/or hyperinsulinaemia and designated as Syndrome X.
Zavaroni
I
I
Istituto di Clinica Medica Generale e Terapia Medica, Parma University, Italy.
Mazza
S
S
Fantuzzi
M
M
Dall'Aglio
E
E
Bonora
E
E
Delsignore
R
R
Passeri
M
M
Reaven
G M
GM
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000097:blood; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013577:Syndrome; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D008055:Lipids; D014527:Uric Acid