title: Long-term adherence to the Mediterranean diet reduces the prevalence of hyperuricaemia in elderly individuals, without known cardiovascular disease: the Ikaria study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of adherence to Mediterranean diet on serum uric acid (UA) levels in elderly individuals, without known cardiovascular disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  During 2009, 281 females (75±6 years old) and 257 males (75±7 years old) permanent inhabitants of the island, were voluntarily enrolled. A diet score that assesses the inherent characteristics of the Mediterranean diet (MedDietScore, range 0-55) was applied. Serum levels of UA were determined using an enzymatic colorimetric test through the uricase-peroxidase method. Hyperuricaemia was defined as UA>7 mg/dL in males and 6 mg/dL in females.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prevalence of hyperuricaemia was 34% in males and 25% in females (p=0.02). Mean level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was 35±2. Linear regression analysis revealed that MedDietScore was inversely associated with UA levels (b±SE: -1.48±0.17, p<0.001) in the overall sample, after controlling for hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, creatinine clearance, physical activity, and coffee consumption. When the analysis was stratified by gender, MedDietScore was inversely associated with UA levels in males (b±SE: -1.10±0.42, p=0.009), but not in females (b±SE: 0.04±0.41, p=0.92).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Another cardioprotective effect of Mediterranean diet was revealed, through the modification of UA levels in elderly individuals. The potential different effect size as regards the relationship between diet and UA levels between genders, deserves further investigation.
authors: 1st Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece. chrysohoou@usa.net
authors: Christina
authors: C
authors: Chrysohoou
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Skoumas
authors: Christos
authors: C
authors: Pitsavos
authors: Constadina
authors: C
authors: Masoura
authors: Gerassimos
authors: G
authors: Siasos
authors: Nikos
authors: N
authors: Galiatsatos
authors: Theodora
authors: T
authors: Psaltopoulou
authors: Charalabos
authors: C
authors: Mylonakis
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Margazas
authors: Stella
authors: S
authors: Kyvelou
authors: Spyros
authors: S
authors: Mamatas
authors: Demosthenes
authors: D
authors: Panagiotakos
authors: Christodoulos
authors: C
authors: Stefanadis
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D033461:Hyperuricemia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D014527:Uric Acid