Serum Uric Acid Levels Research Articles

Influence of serum uric acid on bone and fracture risk in postmenopausal women

AimsUric acid has been associated with several metabolic conditions, including bone diseases. Our objective here was to consider the relationship between serum uric acid levels and various bone parameters (bone mineral density, ultrasonographic parameters, vitamin D, PTH and serum calcium), as well as the prevalence and risk of fragility fracture.MethodsAn observational and cross-sectional study carried out on 679 postmenopausal women, classified into 3 groups according to their serum uric acid levels, in whom bone densitometry, calcaneus ultrasounds, PTH, vitamin D and serum calcium analysis were done. Bone fractures were collected through the clinical history and lateral spinal X-ray.ResultsHigher uric acid levels were found in women with older age, high BMI, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Higher levels of PTH and serum calcium were also observed, but did not effect on vitamin D. Serum uric acid was positively related to densitometric and ultrasonic parameters and negatively associated with vertebral fractures.ConclusionsIn the population of postmenopausal women studied, sUA levels were correlated with BMD, BUA, and QUI-Stiffness, and this correlation was independent of age and BMI. In addition, sUA was associated with a decrease in vertebral fractures. These results imply a beneficial influence of sUA on bone metabolism, with both a quantitative and qualitative positive effect, reflected in the lower prevalence of vertebral fractures.

The causal relationship between androgenetic alopecia and serum uric acid: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis.

Despite numerous studies investigating the association between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and serum uric acid (SUA), the causal relationship between AGA and SUA remains unknown. We utilized bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the causality between AGA and SUA. Our study chose single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with genome-wide significance (p<5×10-8) for the exposure and showing low linkage disequilibrium (R2<0.001) as IVs. Various MR methods were employed to evaluate causality, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), Weighted Median, MR-Egger, Weighted Mode and Simple Mode. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the results. Using the IVW method, we did not find a significant causal relationship between AGA and SUA (OR=1.00, 95% CI 0.99-1.01; p=0.451). Similarly, the IVW method did not reveal evidence of causality between SUA and AGA (OR=0.97, 95% CI=0.91-1.03; p=0.301). The results from other methods were consistent with those of the IVW approach. The study did not identify a causal relationship between AGA and SUA. Future research should involve larger cohorts and advanced methods to validate the findings and explore the complex interactions between AGA and SUA levels in different populations.

The serum uric acid to serum creatinine ratio is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes in community-dwelling elderly: A longitudinal analysis

Background and aimElevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels are an important marker of metabolic disorders. However, SUA levels largely depend on renal clearance function. This study aims to investigate the relationship between renal function-normalized SUA [SUA to serum creatinine (SCr) ratio] and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in a community-dwelling elderly population. Methods and resultsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on elderly, non-diabetic individuals from the Kunshan community in China, who participated in annual health check-ups between January 2018 and December 2023. The relationship between the baseline SUA/SCr ratio and the risk of type 2 diabetes was examined using Cox regression models, restricted cubic splines (RCS), and subgroup analyses. After a median follow-up of 3.88 years, 778 cases of type 2 diabetes were identified among 7671 elderly non-diabetic individuals. Adjusting for confounding variables, the baseline SUA/SCr ratio was significantly linked to type 2 diabetes risk (P < 0.001). Individuals in the highest SUA/SCr ratio quartile had a 1.323 times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those in the lowest quartile (HR = 1.323, 95% CI 1.053–1.661, P = 0.016). RCS analysis further confirmed this positive association. Additionally, subgroup analyses suggested that this relationship was particularly pronounced in female individuals. ConclusionsIn Chinese elderly community residents, the baseline SUA/SCr ratio is linked to the risk of type 2 diabetes. Monitoring this ratio could aid in predicting and assessing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Lipidomics reveals the serum profiles of pediatric allergic rhinitis and its severity.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent upper airway chronic inflammatory disease in children worldwide. The role of bioactive lipids in the regulation of AR has been recognized, but the underlying serum lipidomic basis of its pathology remains unclear. We utilized ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/mass spectrometry (MS) to investigate the serum lipidomic profiles of children with AR. The lipidomic analysis identified 42 lipids that were differentially expressed (p< 0.05, fold change > 2) between the AR (n= 75) and normal control groups (n= 44). Specifically, the serum levels of diacylglycerol (DG), triacylglycerol (TG), fatty acid (FA), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), lysophosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyl-ethanolamine, and cardiolipins were significantly higher in the AR group. The diagnostic potential of the identified lipids was further evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The analysis revealed that five lipids, including FA 30:7, LPC O-18:1, LPC 18:0, LPC 16:0, and DG 34:0, had area under the curve values greater than 0.9 (p< 0.05). Furthermore, serum levels of IgE and IL-33, markers of AR severity, were found to have a significant positive correlation (p< 0.05) with DGs, LPCs, TGs, and FAs in AR patients. This study revealed the lipid disorders associated with AR and its severity, providing new insights into the pathological process of AR.

The SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin ameliorates renal fibrosis in hyperuricemic nephropathy

Hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN) is a global metabolic disorder characterized by uric acid (UA) metabolism dysfunction, resulting in hyperuricemia (HUA) and tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF). Sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin, has shown potential in reducing serum UA levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), though its protective effects against HN remain uncertain. This study investigates the functional, pathological, and molecular changes in HN through histological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses in patients, HN mice, and UA-stimulated HK-2 cells. Findings indicate UA-induced tubular dysfunction and fibrotic activation, which dapagliflozin significantly mitigates. Transcriptomic analysis identifies estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα), a downregulated transcription factor in HN. ERRα knockin mice and ERRα-overexpressed HK-2 cells demonstrate UA resistance, while ERRα inhibition exacerbates UA effects. Dapagliflozin targets ERRα, activating the ERRα-organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) axis to enhance UA excretion and reduce TIF. Furthermore, dapagliflozin ameliorates renal fibrosis in non-HN CKD models, underscoring the therapeutic significance of the ERRα-OAT1 axis in HN and CKD.

Perbandingan Propensity Score Stratification dan Propensity Score Matching dengan Pendekatan Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline

Research on complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is multifactorial, where the risk factors causing DM complications are interrelated, leading to confounding bias, which results in inaccurate research findings. Confounding bias can be reduced using the propensity score method. This study aims to compare the performance of the Propensity Score Stratification (PSS) and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) methods with the Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS) approach in estimating treatment effects on DM complication cases. The data used is the medical records of type-2 DM patients at Hospital X. The results showed that the PSS method with the MARS approach is not suitable for small data sets, as it can lead to treatment or control groups lacking members, making it impossible to calculate the p-value in balance testing or the Percent Bias Reduction (PBR). The estimated Average Treatment Effect (ATE) using the PSS method was 0.487 with a PBR of 35.1%, whereas the estimated Average Treatment for Treated (ATT) using the PSM method was 0.531 with a PBR of 99.46%. These PBR values indicate that the best method for estimating treatment effects and the one that can reduce the most bias in this case is the PSM method with MARS. The analysis also showed that serum uric acid levels significantly affect the peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN) status of DM patients.

Association Between the Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Serum Uric Acid to High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol Ratio in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Gabes City, Tunisia.

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The triglyceride-glucoseindex (TyGi) is a novel biomarker for insulin resistance, strongly linked to CVD. Elevated serum uric acid levels and the uric acid to high-density lipoproteincholesterol ratio (UHR) are emerging as markers of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk in T2DM. This study aimed to explore the association between the TyGiand UHR in T2DM patients. Objectives The aim of this study is to compare metabolic parameters in T2DM patients and assess the association between the TyGiand serum UHR. Methodology A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted at the University Hospital of Gabes, Gabes City, Tunisia with 50 T2DM patients and 50 gender-matched healthy controls. Inclusion criteria included adults aged 30-75 years with a confirmed diagnosis of T2DM on stable medication for at least three months. Exclusion criteria included other types of diabetes, significant liver or kidney disease, recent cardiovascular events, endocrine disorders, and substance abuse. Metabolic and biochemical parameters, including fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, and renal function, were measured. The TyGiand serum UHR were calculated and analyzed for correlations. Results T2DM patients exhibited significantly higher fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, TyGi, and serum UHR compared to controls, indicating impaired glycemic control and adverse lipid profiles. The UHR showed a positive correlation with a strong negative correlation with HDL and a positive correlation with uric acid levels. The linear regression analysis indicated a weak positive trend between the TyGi and serum UHR, although not statistically significant. Conclusion This study underscores the importance of the TyGiand serum UHRas biomarkers for evaluating metabolic and cardiovascular risk in T2DM. Further research is needed to explore their combined utility in clinical practice for early detection and management of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.

The role of serum uric acid levels in the evaluation and prediction of adverse outcomes in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

The role of serum uric acid levels in the evaluation and prediction of adverse outcomes in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

SERUM URIC ACID LEVELS IN UNIPOLAR AND BIPOLAR DEPRESSION: A COMPARATIVE MINI-REVIEW

Depression is a common mental health disorder that can be classified as either unipolar or bipolar. There is growing evidence that suggests certain illnesses could be influenced by serum uric acid (SUA). The processes, diagnostic ramifications, and potential treatments for the association between SUA levels and unipolar and bipolar depression are examined in this mini-review, which summarizes recent research on the subject.

Atavistic strategy for the treatment of hyperuricemia via ionizable liposomal mRNA

Hyperuricemia is associated with an increased risk of gout, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Most mammals maintain normal serum uric acid (SUA) via urate oxidase (Uox), an enzyme that metabolizes poorly-soluble UA to highly-soluble allantoin. In contrast, Uox became a pseudogene in humans and apes over the long course of evolution. Here we demonstrate an atavistic strategy for treating hyperuricemia based on endogenous expression of Uox in hepatocytes mediated by mRNA (mUox) loaded with an ionizable lipid nanoparticle termed iLAND. mUox@iLAND allows effective transfection and protein expression in vitro. A single dose of mUox@iLAND lowers SUA levels for several weeks in two female murine models, including a novel long-lasting model, which is also confirmed by metabolomics analysis. Together with the excellent safety profiles observed in vivo, the proposed mRNA agent demonstrates substantial potential for hyperuricemia therapy and the prevention of associated conditions.

Association of xanthine oxidoreductase inhibitor use with insulin secretory capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) inhibitor treatment, which reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, has been reported to improve glycemic control. The possible protective effects of XOR inhibitor treatment on insulin secretory capacity were investigated in patients with type 2 diabetes. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 428 patients with type 2 diabetes. Insulin secretory capacity was assessed based on fasting serum C-peptide concentration (CPR) and C-peptide index (CPI) in all subjects, while insulin resistance in non-insulin users (n = 312) was determined using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Median values for CPR and CPI in all subjects were 2.4 ng/mL and 1.5, respectively, while that for HOMA-IR in non-insulin users was 3.2. The XOR inhibitor users (n = 72) had significantly (P < 0.001) higher CPR and CPI levels than non-users (n = 356). Multivariable regression analyses showed XOR inhibitor use was positively associated with CPR (β = 0.153, P = 0.001) and CPI (β = 0.144, P = 0.001). Similar results were observed in propensity score analyses. In subgroup analyses of patients with a preserved estimated glomerular filtration rate (≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and non-insulin users, these associations remained significant. Furthermore, the associations were significant in patients with lower (≤6.0 mg/dL) but not with higher (>6.0 mg/dL) uric acid levels (P for interaction <0.05). On the other hand, XOR inhibitor use showed no significant association with HOMA-IR. The results of XOR inhibitor treatment, especially a sufficient reduction in serum uric acid level, may provide protective effects on insulin secretory capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Elevated uric acid is associated with a low bone mineral density in pre- but not post-menopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study.

The role of uric acid (UA) on bone metabolism is controversially discussed. Higher UA levels have been associated with higher T-scores and a reduced incidence of fractures in postmenopausal women. However, in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the role of UA remains unclear. This pilot study aimed to investigate the association of UA levels with bone mineral density in RA female and male patients. This pilot study analyzed patients with RA to explore preliminary associations. We utilized data from the Rh-GIOP cohort, a prospective monocentric observational study focusing on bone health in chronic rheumatic diseases. To assess the association between UA levels and the lowest T-scores measured at the lumbar spine, hip, or femur, we used linear regression with adjustment for various confounders. An interaction term was included to evaluate differential associations in pre- and postmenopausal women. Data on dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements and serum UA levels were analyzed in a total of 206 patients. Among the 167 women 16 were premenopausal (age 40 ± 8 years) and 149 postmenopausal (age 65 ± 10 years). As expected, postmenopausal had lower T-scores than premenopausal patients (-1.53 ± 1.01 versus - 0.41 ± 1.29, respectively). No association of UA levels with T-scores was found when analyzing the whole cohort (Slope β: -0.04; p = 0.45). However, a significant negative correlation of UA with T-scores in premenopausal (Slope β: -0.98; p = 0.014), but not postmenopausal (Slope β: -0.04; p > 0.05) women was found. Uric acid appears to be negatively associated with bone mineral density in premenopausal but not in postmenopausal women with RA. Thus, the impact of UA on bone health seems to depend on the hormonal status of women. Further investigations are required to validate these results in a larger cohort of patients and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Elevated serum uric acid is a predictor of pulmonary artery involvement and subsequent prognosis in patients with Takayasu's arteritis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of uric acid (UA) in prognosis of pulmonary artery involvement (PAI) in patients with Takayasu's arteritis (TAK). A total of 166 TAK patients were enrolled in the study, including 76 with PAI and 90 without. Outcomes of 144 TAK patients were followed up and recorded. The possible associations between serum UA levels and incidence of PAI in TAK and PAI-related prognosis of TAK patients were examined using different statistical models. The serum UA levels were significantly higher in TAK patient with PAI than TAK patients without PAI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that serum UA level ≥284.5 umol/L was associated with an increasing incidence of PAI in TAK (OR: 2.108, 95% CI: 1.063 to 4.180; p=0.033). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that TAK patients with serum UA level ≥328.1 umol/L had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of PAI-related adverse events compared to TAK patients with serum UA level <328.1 umol/L (p=0.008). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that serum UA level ≥328.1 umol/L (HR: 2.595, 95% CI: 1.198 to 5.622; p=0.016) was a PAI-related prognostic risk factor for TAK. Elevation of serum UA level was associated with an increasing risk of PAI and PAI-related adverse event in patients with TAK, indicating its potential as a predictor for identification of PAI onset and worsening in TAK patients.

Ilex cornuta leaves extracts ameliorate hyperuricemia by modulating uric acid transporters

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIlex cornuta is a valuable species of the Holly genus (Aquifoliaceae), and mainly distributed in eastern China. It is not only made into tea, namely Kudingcha, but also used as traditional medicine to relieve cough, headache, gout, and nourish liver and kidney. Aim of the studyThe purpose of this study was to explore the exact efficacy of different extracts from Ilex cornuta in the treatment of hyperuricemia in vitro and in vivo, and to explore its pharmacological mechanism, so as to bring new ideas for the development of new drugs for reducing uric acid (UA) and anti-gout. Materials and methodsFive crude extracts from Ilex cornuta leaves were extracted by different methods. Then, the xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity and antioxidant capacity of 5 extracts in vitro were compared to screen the extract with the most UA regulating potential. In vivo experiment, hyperuricemia model of mice was established by intragastric administration of potassium oxonate and feeding high yeast diet. Biochemical indexes such as serum UA level, xanthine oxidase activity, liver and kidney index of mice in each group were detected. The pathological sections of kidney and liver tissues were also observed and compared. The mechanism of Ilex cornuta leaves (western blotting, and RT-qPCR) in the treatment of hyperuricemia was further explored by targeting UA transporters ABCG2, GLUT9, and URAT1. ResultsThe in vitro results of inhibitory activity of xanthine oxidase showed that the crude saponin extract was the best, followed by crude flavonoids extract. Then, the in vivo results reflected that both crude saponins and crude flavonoids extracts could significantly reduce the serum UA level, inhibit the activity of xanthine oxidase in serum and liver, and maintain serum urea nitrogen and creatinine at normal level. Meanwhile, there was no liver and kidney injury in mice. Through the comparison of the mechanism results, it was found that both extracts could up-regulate the expression of ABCG2 protein and mRNA related to UA excretion, and down-regulate the expression of GLUT9 and URAT1 protein and mRNA. ConclusionThe crude flavonoids and saponins of Ilex cornuta leaves not only inhibited XOD activity in vitro, but also significantly controlled XOD activity and reduced UA level in hyperuricemia mice in vivo. One of the potential mechanisms was to regulate UA level in vivo by regulating ABCG2, GLUT9, and URAT1 transporters directly related to UA transport, thus achieving the effect of intervening hyperuricemia. This study provided a preliminary experimental basis for the development of new drugs of Ilex cornuta leaves for treating hyperuricemia.

Lipidomics and metabolomics investigation into the effect of DAG dietary intervention on hyperuricemia in athletes

The occurrence of hyperuricemia (HUA; elevated serum uric acid) in athletes is relatively high despite that exercise can potentially reduce the risk of developing this condition. Although recent studies have shown the beneficial properties of DAG in improving overall metabolic profiles, a comprehensive understanding of the effect of DAG in modulating HUA in athletes is still lacking. In this study, we leveraged combinatorial lipidomics and metabolomics to investigate the effect of replacing TAG with DAG in the diet of athletes with HUA. A total of 1,074 lipids and metabolites from 94 classes were quantitated in serum from 33 athletes, who were categorized into responders and non-responders based on whether serum uric acid levels returned to healthy levels after the DAG diet intervention. Lipidomics and metabolomics analyses revealed lower levels of xanthine and uric acid in responders, accompanied by elevated plasmalogen phosphatidylcholines and diminished acylcarnitine levels. Our results highlighted the mechanisms behind how the DAG diet circumvented the risk and effects associated with high uric acid via lowered triglycerides at baseline influencing the absorption of DAG resulting in a decline in ROS and uric acid production, increased phospholipid levels associated with reduced p-Cresol metabolism potentially impacting on intestinal excretion of uric acid as well as improved ammonia recycling contributing to decreased serum uric acid levels in responders. These observed alterations might be suggestive that successful implementation of the DAG diet can potentially minimize the likelihood of a potentially vicious cycle occurring in high uric acid, elevated ROS, and impaired mitochondrial metabolism environment.

Therapeutic role of Arabic gum against nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced diabetes and nephropathy in Wistar rats

Background Chronic kidney disease is mainly caused by diabetic nephropathy and also causes a lot of suffering and death for people with diabetes, as one of the worst long-term complications. Arabic gum (AG) has been reported to have antioxidant, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects. Objective The goal of this study was to scrutinize the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles of AG against nicotinamide (NA)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy in Wistar rats. Materials and methods The experiment involved three groups of 18 adult male Wistar rats (six each). The normal control group received 0.9% NaCl orally for 8 weeks. The diabetic group received NA intraperitoneal injection (120 mg/kg b.w.) followed by 60 mg/kg body weight (bw) STZ in citrate buffer (pH 4.5) after 15 min. After confirming the induction of diabetes, animals received 0.9% NaCl orally for 8 weeks. The AG-treated diabetic group received 20 mg AG/kg bw/day orally for 8 weeks after diabetes induction. Results and conclusion Diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycemia which was confirmed by increased levels of serum fasting glucose and fructosamine. Elevated serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, cystatin c, and sodium levels were noticed in the serum of diabetic rats while potassium levels were markedly reduced reflecting nephropathy. Oxidative stress was evident in the diabetic kidney, as indicated by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). AG administration ameliorated elevated fasting blood glucose and serum fructosamine levels as well as the kidney function parameters in serum. AG also attenuated oxidative stress and increased antioxidant capacity in the diabetic kidney. Immune-inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and tumor suppressor protein (p53) expression were significantly upregulated in diabetic rats, but AG produced a downregulation of them. Thus, AG possesses an antidiabetic effect and has a nephropreventive effect that was manifested by a decrease of urea, creatinine, uric acid, cystatin c and sodium. AG also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and minimizes histopathological alterations in the kidneys of diabetic rats. Despite these ameliorative effects, the efficacy and safety of AG as an adjunct drug for diabetic kidney disease needs to be validated by more scientific research.

A Comparative Study of Biomarker Levels for Iraqi Individuals’ Smokers and Non-Smokers Depending on the Duration of Smoking

Smoking is a widespread public health challenge globally, impacting societal health and economy while elevating the risk of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases. This study aims to examine hematological parameters (HB, PCV%, WBC, RBC, PLT, ESR), liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and electrolytes (K+, Na+, Ca++) in male smokers aged 20-55 from Baghdad City, subdivided by smoking duration (≥5 years and &lt;5 years), compared to non-smoking controls. A total of sixty participants were recruited across three areas (Diyala Bridge, Mada'in, Talbieh), with each group comprising thirty individuals. Venipuncture was performed for blood sample collection. Results revealed statistically significant elevations in total WBC and RBC counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total cholesterol, and liver enzymes (GOT, GPT, ALP) among smokers compared to non-smokers (p&lt;0.05 or p&lt;0.001). Serum uric acid, urea, and creatinine levels were significantly higher in smokers (p&lt;0.001), while triglyceride levels showed no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) between groups. Smokers with longer duration (&gt;5 years) exhibited higher HB, triglyceride, and Na+ levels compared to shorter-term smokers. Sensitivity analysis indicated Na+ as a potentially effective biomarker for smoking-related health impacts, complementing PCV% and urea sensitivity. The study underscores the association between smoking and oxidative stress, notably reflected in elevated GOT and GPT levels, suggesting implications for antioxidant therapies in managing smoking-induced oxidative damage. These findings contribute novel insights into biomarker responses influenced by smoking duration and advocate for targeted public health strategies and further research into antioxidant interventions to mitigate smoking-associated health risks effectively.

Probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum TSF331, Lactobacillus reuteri TSR332, and Lactobacillus plantarum TSP05 improved liver function and uric acid management-A pilot study.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is predominantly associated with metabolic disturbances representing aberrant liver function and increased uric acid (UA) levels. Growing evidences have suggested a close relationship between metabolic disturbances and the gut microbiota. A placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial was therefore conducted to explore the impacts of daily supplements with various combinations of the probiotics, Lactobacillus fermentum TSF331, Lactobacillus reuteri TSR332, and Lactobacillus plantarum TSP05 with a focus on liver function and serum UA levels. Test subjects with abnormal levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and UA were recruited and randomly allocated into six groups. Eighty-two participants successfully completed the 60-day intervention without any dropouts or occurrence of adverse events. The serum AST, ALT, and UA levels were significantly reduced in all treatment groups (P < 0.05). The fecal microbiota analysis revealed the intervention led to an increase in the population of commensal bacteria and a decrease in pathobiont bacteria, especially Bilophila wadsworthia. The in vitro study indicated the probiotic treatments reduced lipid accumulation and inflammatory factor expressions in HepG2 cells, and also promoted UA excretion in Caco-2 cells. The supplementation of multi-strain probiotics (TSF331, TSR332, and TSP05) together can improve liver function and UA management and may have good potential in treating asymptomatic MAFLD. Trial registration. The trial was registered in the US Library of Medicine (clinicaltrials.gov) with the number NCT06183801 on December 28, 2023.

Three dietary phenols from pickled radish improve uric acid metabolism disorder in hyperuricemia mice associated with the altered gut microbiota composition

This study used a mouse model of hyperuricemia (HUA) to compare the effects of three phenols derived from pickled radish: 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP), 4-hydroxyphenylethanol (4-HPEA), and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (HBA) on uric acid (UA) levels and related biomarkers, as well as their association with gut microbiota. Serum UA levels and xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity were significantly lower after HBA treatment compared to other phenol-treated groups (p < 0.05). DHAP and HBA significantly reduced creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, ameliorating renal dysfunction (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA results showed that DHAP and 4-HPEA increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (p < 0.05). HBA demonstrated the strongest UA-lowering effect among the phenols, attributed to its renal function improvement and gut microbiota regulation.

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effect of allopurinol on the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk, including the presence of long-COVID-19 syndrome: the ALL-VASCOR study protocol

IntroductionNumerous studies, but not all, have suggested a positive effect of allopurinol on the cardiovascular system. The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effect of allopurinol on the risk of...