Role of uric acid in hypertension, renal disease, and metabolic syndrome.
Hyperuricemia has long been known to be associated with cardiovascular disease, and it is particularly common in people with hypertension, metabolic syndrome, or kidney disease. Most authorities have viewed elevated uric acid as a secondary phenomenon that is either innocuous or perhaps even beneficial, since uric acid can be an antioxidant. However, recent experiments have challenged this viewpoint. In this paper we argue that uric acid is a true risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, we suggest that the recent increased intake in the American diet of fructose, which is a known cause of hyperuricemia, may be contributing to the current epidemic of obesity and diabetes.
Heinig
Marcelo
M
Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Transplantation, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA. marcelo.heinig@medicine.ufl.edu
Johnson
Richard J
RJ
D015415:Biomarkers; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005632:Fructose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D033461:Hyperuricemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers; D014527:Uric Acid; D005632:Fructose