The conundrum of hyperuricemia, metabolic syndrome, and renal disease

Intern Emerg Med. 2008 Dec;3(4):313-8. doi: 10.1007/s11739-008-0141-3. Epub 2008 Mar 5.

Abstract

The level of serum uric acid in human has been increasing over the last decades, and correlates with an increase prevalence of renal disease and metabolic syndrome. Understanding the role of uric acid in these conditions may provide clues for preventing the current epidemic of renal disease. Controversy still remains if hyperuricemia is simply a consequence or a cause of renal disease although epidemiological studies have attempted to resolve this issue. In this review, we discuss the clinical and experimental evidence for a causal role of hyperuricemia in renal diseases and potential relationships of hyperuricemia with metabolic syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Hyperuricemia / complications*
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Metabolic Syndrome / blood
  • Metabolic Syndrome / complications*
  • Renal Insufficiency / epidemiology*
  • Renal Insufficiency / etiology*
  • Renal Insufficiency / prevention & control
  • Uric Acid / blood
  • Uric Acid / metabolism*

Substances

  • Uric Acid