title: Effects of a Novel Fixed Combination of Nutraceuticals on Serum Uric Acid Concentrations and the Lipid Profile in Asymptomatic Hyperuricemic Patients : Results from the PICONZ-UA Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is not a current indication for therapy as the definite role of serum uric acid elevation as a cardiovascular risk factor is extremely likely but still controversial.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We designed a double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study to assess the effects of a combination of nutraceuticals (ZinutriK®, containing a fixed combination of kampferol, baicalin, caffeine, and rutin) on serum uric acid levels, lipid variables and the global cardiovascular risk profile.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen individuals (mean age 59.0 ± 11.9 years, 4 women) with asymptomatic hyperuricemia completed the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ZinutriK®treatment (4 weeks) reduced serum uric acid concentrations (from 7.9 + 0.9 to 7.0 + 0.7 mg/dL) when compared to both baseline and placebo (p < 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively). Compared to both placebo and baseline, the same fixed combination of nutraceuticals also reduced circulating LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol concentrations within 4 weeks (p < 0.001 or less), thereby improving the Framingham risk score (p < 0.001 or less). Neither minor nor major side effects were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study represents the first demonstration that a short-term therapy with a fixed combination of different natural substances can significantly reduce serum uric acid concentrations in asymptomatic hyperuricemic patients, with no side effects and a significant improvement in the lipid pattern and then in the global cardiovascular risk profile.
authors.affiliation: Hypertension Research Center (CIRIAPA), Federico II University, Naples, Italy.|Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rozza
authors.affiliation: Hypertension Research Center (CIRIAPA), Federico II University, Naples, Italy.|Department of Neurosciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Trimarco
authors.affiliation: Hypertension Research Center (CIRIAPA), Federico II University, Naples, Italy. raffaele.izzo@unina.it.|Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Via S. Pansini 5, Building 2, Naples, 80131, Italy. raffaele.izzo@unina.it.
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Izzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Life and Environmental Sciences, L'Aquila University, Coppito, Italy.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grassi
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Life and Environmental Sciences, L'Aquila University, Coppito, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ferri
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D058070:Asymptomatic Diseases; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006074:Gout Suppressants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D033461:Hyperuricemia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006074:Gout Suppressants; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D014527:Uric Acid
keywords: Hyperlipidemia; Hyperuricemia; Nutraceuticals