Plasma Uric Acid Levels Research Articles

The effect of testosterone on cardiometabolic risk factors in atorvastatin-treated men with late-onset hypogonadism.

By reducing LDL cholesterol levels, statins may decrease androgen production. This study was aimed at investigating whether testosterone treatment has an impact on cardiometabolic risk factors in statin-treated men with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). The study included 31 men with LOH who had been treated for at least 6 months with atorvastatin (20-40mg daily). On the basis of patient preference, atorvastatin-treated patients were divided into two matched groups of patients: receiving intramuscular testosterone enanthate (100mg weekly, n=16) and not treated with this hormone (n=15). Plasma lipids, glucose homeostasis markers, as well as plasma levels of androgens, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), homocysteine, and fibrinogen were assessed before and after 4 months of therapy. Compared with the control age-, weight, and lipid-matched statin-naïve subjects with LOH (n=12), atorvastatin-treated patients were characterized by decreased levels of testosterone, hsCRP, and homocysteine. In patients not receiving testosterone therapy, plasma lipids, glucose homeostasis markers, as well as plasma levels of the investigated risk factors remained at the similar levels throughout the whole period of atorvastatin treatment. In atorvastatin-naïve patients, testosterone increased its plasma levels and decreased HDL cholesterol. Apart from an increase in testosterone levels, if administered to atorvastatin-treated subjects with LOH, testosterone reduced plasma levels of LDL cholesterol, uric acid, hsCRP, homocysteine, and fibrinogen, as well as improved insulin sensitivity. Our study may suggest the clinical benefits associated with combination therapy with a statin and testosterone in elderly men with LOH.

Dietary carbohydrate and control of hepatic gene expression: mechanistic links from ATP and phosphate ester homeostasis to the carbohydrate-response element-binding protein.

Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are associated with elevated hepatic glucose production and fatty acid synthesis (de novo lipogenesis (DNL)). High carbohydrate diets also increase hepatic glucose production and lipogenesis. The carbohydrate-response element-binding protein (ChREBP, encoded by MLXIPL) is a transcription factor with a major role in the hepatic response to excess dietary carbohydrate. Because its target genes include pyruvate kinase (PKLR) and enzymes of lipogenesis, it is regarded as a key regulator for conversion of dietary carbohydrate to lipid for energy storage. An alternative hypothesis for ChREBP function is to maintain hepatic ATP homeostasis by restraining the elevation of phosphate ester intermediates in response to elevated glucose. This is supported by the following evidence: (i) A key stimulus for ChREBP activation and induction of its target genes is elevation of phosphate esters; (ii) target genes of ChREBP include key negative regulators of the hexose phosphate ester pool (GCKR, G6PC, SLC37A4) and triose phosphate pool (PKLR); (iii) ChREBP knock-down models have elevated hepatic hexose phosphates and triose phosphates and compromised ATP phosphorylation potential; (iv) gene defects in G6PC and SLC37A4 and common variants of MLXIPL, GCKR and PKLR in man are associated with elevated hepatic uric acid production (a marker of ATP depletion) or raised plasma uric acid levels. It is proposed that compromised hepatic phosphate homeostasis is a contributing factor to the elevated hepatic glucose production and lipogenesis that associate with type 2 diabetes, NAFLD and excess carbohydrate in the diet.

Uric acid variation among regular blood donors is indicative of red blood cell susceptibility to storage lesion markers: A new hypothesis tested.

Oxidative stress orchestrates a significant part of the red blood cell (RBC) storage lesion. Considering the tremendous interdonor variability observed in the "storability," namely, the capacity of RBCs to sustain the storage lesion, this study aimed at the elucidation of donor-specific factors that affect the redox homeostasis during the storage of RBCs in standard systems. The hematologic profile of regular blood donors (n = 78) was evaluated by biochemical analysis of 48 different variables, including in vivo hemolysis and plasma oxidant and antioxidant factors and statistical analysis of the results. The possible effect of the uric acid (UA) variable on RBC storability was investigated in leukoreduced CPD/SAGM RBC units (n = 8) collected from donors exhibiting high or low prestorage levels of UA, throughout the storage period. Among the hematologic variables examined in vivo, cluster analysis grouped the donors according to their serum UA levels. Plasma antioxidant capacity, iron indexes, and protein carbonylation represented covariants of UA factor. RBCs prepared by low- or high-UA donors exhibited significant differences between them in spheroechinocytosis, supernatant antioxidant activity, and other RBC storage lesion-associated variables. UA exhibits a storability biomarker potential. Intrinsic variability in plasma UA levels might be related to the interdonor variability observed in the storage capacity of RBCs. A model for the antioxidant effect of UA during the RBC storage is currently proposed.

Consumption of sucrose-sweetened soft drinks increases plasma levels of uric acid in overweight and obese subjects: a 6-month randomised controlled trial.

Sucrose-sweetened soft drinks (SSSDs) are associated with the development of metabolic disorders. Fructose is a major component of SSSDs and is demonstrated to induce uric acid (UA) production and stimulate fat accumulation independent of excess caloric intake. UA induce insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation, suggesting that UA may have a causal role in the development of metabolic complications. The objective of this study is to investigate the long-term effects of consuming SSSDs on circulating levels of UA in overweight and obese subjects. Using a previously published study, circulating UA levels were assessed at baseline and after 6 months using chromogenic enzymatic absorptiometry. The study included 47 overweight and obese subjects without diabetes, randomised to consume 1 l daily of either SSSD (regular cola), isocaloric semi-skimmed milk, diet cola or water for 6 months. Circulating UA levels increased ~15% (P = 0.02) after the 6-month intervention in the SSSD group with no change in the other groups. In the SSSD group, circulating UA levels increased significantly after the intervention in both absolute (P = 0.005) and relative values (P = 0.004). The change in UA after the intervention correlated with changes in liver fat (P = 0.005), triglycerides (P = 0.02) and insulin (P = 0.002). In this secondary analysis daily intake of 1 l SSSD for 6 months was found to increase circulating UA levels compared with isocaloric milk, diet cola and water. Thus, a high daily intake of SSSDs in overweight and obese subjects without overt diabetes may increase the risk of developing metabolic complications through the elevation of UA. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00777647.

PP.41.21

Objective: Evidence suggests that uric acid is a possibly causal factor for human primary hypertension. Aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between hyperuricemia and severity of hypertension. Design and method: We studied 660 consecutive never treated newly diagnosed essential HTN patients (51 ± 13 years, 46.8% female), free of diabetes and overt cardiovascular or other systemic disease, who visited our antihypertensive outpatient clinic. All patients underwent office, home and 24-hour ABPM measurements. Subjects with isolated office hypertension were excluded from the study. Based on gender-specific upper limit of normal for uricemia (6.1 for females and 7.2 mg/dl for males), study population was categorized in normouricemic (NU, n = 583) and hyperuricemic (HU, n = 77). Results: Prevalence of hyperuricemia was 11.7%, significantly higher in males (16.2% vs. 6.5%, p < 0.001). In the whole population, uric acid levels were significant positive correlated with office and 24 hour systolic (r = 0.148 and 0.164, p < 0.001 for all) and diastolic (0.164 and 0.159, p < 0.001 for all) blood pressure levels. Moreover, HU compared to NU presented significantly higher levels of office and 24 hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. Stage II and stage III BP categories were more prevalent in HU compared to NU, with 1/4 of HU being stage III hypertensives. Conclusions: Plasma uric acid levels are associated with higher levels of blood pressure and severe stages of hypertension are more prevalent in hyperuricemic patients.

PP.23.17

Objective: Essential hypertension is associated with bioumoral abnormalities that might be related to poor hypertension control. Identification of these abnormalities might be useful in tailoring antihypertensive treatment, in order to reach blood pressure targets. Design and method: We examined 600 patients with essential hypertension diagnosed for more than 4 years. We initiated or adjusted antihypertensive treatment at first visit and evaluated response to treatment at 1 month. In patients not reaching blood pressure target, we measured plasma levels of aldosterone, cortisol, catecholamines, glucose, uric acid and lipid profile. We recorded the association of obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease. Results: 97 patients (62 males and 35 females), aged 27 to 76 years, were found to be above blood pressure target at the second visit. All these patients had a family history of essential hypertension. 35 patients (36.1%) were obese, 24 (24.7%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus, 30 (30.9%) had ischemic heart disease and 18 (18.6%) had both diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease. Kidney function was mildly reduced (eGFR 60 – 89 ml/min/1.73 m2) in 50 patients (51.5%), whereas 3 patients (3.1%) had moderate chronic kidney disease (eGFR 30 – 59 ml/min/1.73 m2) and none had severe chronic kidney disease. Hyperuricemia was encountered in 11 patients (11.3%). High plasma cholesterol levels were found in 49 patients (50.5%). 39 patients (40.2%) had high LDL-C levels, 19 (19.6%) had low HDL-C levels and 34 (35.1%) had high plasma triglycerides. 15 patients (15.5%) had high plasma aldosterone levels, 3 (3.1%) had high basal cortisol and 5 (5.2%) had high plasma noradrenaline. All patients had normal thyroid function. Patients having abnormal plasma levels of aldosterone, cortisol or catecholamines were examined by an endocrinologist and secondary hypertension of endocrine origin was ruled out. Conclusions: Obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease and mild chronic kidney disease are frequently encountered in patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension. Plasma levels of aldosterone, cortisol and catecholamines may be high in these patients in the absence of endocrine disease and might be regarded as potential treatment targets.

Uric acid correlates to oxidation and inflammation in opposite directions in women

Objective: To evaluate the association of uric acid (UA) levels with a panel of markers of oxidative stress and inflammation.Methods: Plasma UA levels, along with a panel of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, were measured in 755 Chinese women.Results: Plasma UA levels were inversely associated with urinary levels of the oxidative stress marker F2-isoprostanes and positively correlated to levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and some proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6) in blood as well as prostaglandin E2 metabolites in urine.Conclusions: Plasma UA levels correlate to oxidation and inflammation biomarkers in opposite directions in women.

East asian variant of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 is associated with coronary spastic angina: possible roles of reactive aldehydes and implications of alcohol flushing syndrome.

Coronary spastic angina (CSA) is a common disease among East Asians, including Japanese. The prevalence of alcohol flushing syndrome associated with deficient activity of the variant aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2*2) genotype is prevalent among East Asians. We examined whether CSA is associated with the ALDH2*2 genotype in Japanese. The study subjects consisted of 202 patients in whom intracoronary injection of acetylcholine was performed by angiography on suspicion of CSA (119 men and 83 women; mean age, 66.2±11.4 years). They were divided into CSA (112 patients) and control groups (90 patients). ALDH2 genotyping was performed by the direct application of the TaqMan polymerase chain reaction system on dried whole blood. Clinical and laboratory data were examined using conventional methods. The frequencies of male sex, ALDH2*2 genotype carriers, alcohol flushing syndrome, tobacco smoking, and the plasma level of uric acid were higher (P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.007, respectively) and the plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower (P<0.001) in the CSA group than in the control group. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that ALDH2*2 genotype and smoking were significantly associated with CSA (P<0.001 and P=0.024, respectively). East Asian variant ALDH2*2 genotypes and, hence, deficient ALDH2 activity were associated with CSA in Japanese. These data support further investigation of treatment targeting aldehydes for CSA.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia and correlation between blood lipid and metabolic factors among urbanized region residents in Hangzhou

Objective To provide rationales for preventing and treating dyslipidemia by understanding the current status of lipids and related metabolic factors. Methods A total of 2 590 permanent residents aged ≥18 years were selected by random cluster sampling from three urbanized communities of Sijiqing Street. And the rate of abnormal lipid metabolism was calculated for different ages and genders. Spearman's correlation analyses were conducted for the levels of total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference(WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and uric acid (UA) levels. Both χ2 test and logisic regression were employed to examine the correlations between dyslipidemia and overweight/obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia. Results ①The total rate of abnormal lipid metabolism was 60.0%(1 554/2 590) with a standardized rate of 57.2%. High TC rate was 42.9%(1 111/2 590) with a standardized rate of 40.5%. And the edge incremental rate was 31.7%(822/2 590), the standardized rate 30.5%, the incremental rate 11.2%(289/2 590) and the standardized rate 10.0%. High TG rate was 33.0%(855/2 590) with a standardized rate of 30.7%. And the edge incremental rate was 15.3% (397/2 590), the standardized rate 14.3%, the incremental rate 17.7% (458/2 590) and the standardized rate 16.4%. High LDL-C rate was 30.4% (787/2 590) with a standardized rate of 28.4%. And the edge incremental rate was 22.9%(594/2 590), the standardized rate 21.7%, the incremental rate 7.5%(193/2 590) and the standardized rate 6.7%. Low HDL-C rate was 12.6% (327/2 590) with a standardized rate of 12.8%. The rates of high TC, high TG, high LDL-C, low HDL-C and abnormal lipid metabolism among gender showed no statistically significant difference (P>0.05); ② For both males & females, high TC rate, high TG rate, high LDL-C rate and total rate of abnormal lipid metabolism increased with age (P 0.05); ③Spearman's correlation analysis showed that the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were positively correlated with BMI, WC, SBP, DBP, FBG, HbA1C and UA (all P<0.01) while the level of HDL-C had negative correlations with BMI, WC, SBP, DBP, FBG, HbA1c, and UA (all P<0.05); ④The total rate of abnormal lipid metabolism and various types of abnormal lipid metabolism increased with a rising level of BMI in the upward trend (trend test P<0.01), various types of abnormal lipid metabolism rate between different groups (elevated & non-elevated) of blood pressure, glucose and uric acid also were statistically significant (all P<0.05); ⑤ Non-conditional logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for age and gender, overweight or obesity and hypertension were risk factors of high TC and high LDL-C; overweight or obesity, hyperuricemia was a risk factor for low HDL-C; overweight or obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia were risk factors for high TG and total abnormal blood lipid. Conclusions Urbanized community groups have a high rate of dyslipidemia. And abnormal lipid metabolism is affected by overweight or obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia. The target population should be regularly monitored and comprehensively controlled. Key words: Dyslipidemias; Risk factors; Glucose metabolism disorders

Association of plasma manganese levels with chronic renal failure

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element involved in the formation of bone and in amino acid, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Mn excess may be neurotoxic to humans, affecting specific areas of the central nervous system. However, relatively little is known about its physiological and/or toxicological effects, and very few data are available concerning the role of Mn in chronic renal failure (CRF). This paper describes a 12-month study of the evolution of plasma Mn levels in predialysis patients with CRF and the relationship with energy and macronutrient intake. The participants in this trial were 64 patients with CRF in predialysis and 62 healthy controls. Plasma levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, total protein and Mn were measured. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault index. The CRF patients had higher plasma levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and Mn and a lower GFR than the controls. Plasma Mn was positively correlated with creatinine, plasma urea and plasma uric acid and was negatively correlated with the GFR and the intake of energy and macronutrients. In conclusion, CRF in predialysis patients is associated with increases in circulating levels of Mn.

Thrombosis factors and oxidant/antioxidant markers in obese and hypertensive women during pregnancy

Objective. To investigate the oxidative profile and thrombotic markers in obese and hypertensive mothers. Methods. Thirty obese, 28 hypertensive and 34 healthy control mothers were recruited from Tlemcen Hospital, Algeria. Plasma vitamin C, nitric oxide, superoxide anion, erythrocyte glutathione, malondialdehyde, carbonyl proteins and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities and coagulation markers [protein C, protein S, fibrinogen, prothrombin, antithrombin, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), lupus anticoagulants (LACs)] were measured. Changes in plasma urea, creatinine, uric acid, glucose and lipid levels were also determined. Results. Plasma glucose concentrations were high in obese mothers, and plasma urea, uric acid and creatinine levels were increased in hypertensive compared with healthy mothers. Obese and hypertensive mothers had low vitamin C and glutathione values, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, and high triglyceride, superoxide anion, malondialdehyde and carbonyl protein levels compared with control mothers. Plasma nitric oxide levels were enhanced in obese mothers but reduced in hypertensive mothers. Fibrinogen and prothrombin levels were significantly enhanced in obese and hypertensive mothers. Protein C, protein S, antithrombin and APTT values were significantly higher in hypertensive mothers. Only hypertensive mothers were positive for LACs. Conclusion. Obese and hypertensive mothers presented oxidative stress and a pro-thrombotic state. Their oxidative and hemostasis profile should be carefully considered and appropriate management organized.

Co-exposure to aluminum and acrylamide disturbs expression of metallothionein, proinflammatory cytokines and induces genotoxicity: Biochemical and histopathological changes in the kidney of adult rats.

The individual toxic effects of aluminum and acrylamide are known but there is no data on their combined effects. The present study investigates the toxic effects after combined exposure to these toxicants on: (i) oxidative stress during combined chronic exposure to aluminum and acrylamide on kidney function (ii) correlation of oxidative stress with metallothionein (MT) and inflammatory cytokines expression, DNA damage, and histopathological changes. Rats were exposed to aluminum (50 mg/kg body weight) in drinking water and acrylamide (20 mg/kg body weight) by gavage either individually or in combination for 3 weeks. Exposure rats to aluminum chloride or acrylamide alone and in combination induced nephrotoxicity, as evidenced by a decrease in the 24-h urine volume and uric acid levels in plasma and an increase of plasma creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen levels. Nephrotoxicity was objectified by a significant increase in malondialdehyde level, advanced oxidation protein, and protein carbonyl contents, whereas reduced glutathione, nonprotein thiol, vitamin C levels, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities showed a significant decline. Superoxide dismutase activity and its gene expression were increased. Aluminum and acrylamide co-exposure exhibited synergism in various biochemical variables and also in DNA damage. Kidney total MT levels and genes expression of MT1, MT2, and proinflammatory cytokines were increased. All these changes were supported by histopathological observations. Co-exposure to aluminum and acrylamide exhibited synergism and more pronounced toxic effects compared with their individual effects based on various biochemical variables, genotoxic, and histopathological changes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1044-1058, 2016.

Effects of oxonic acid-induced hyperuricemia on mesenteric artery tone and cardiac load in experimental renal insufficiency.

BackgroundRecent studies suggest a causal role for increased plasma uric acid in the progression of chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). However, uric acid also functions as an antioxidant with possible beneficial effects.MethodsWe investigated the influence of hyperuricemia on mesenteric arterial tone (main and second order branch) and morphology in experimental CRI. Forty-four Sprague–Dawley rats were 5/6 nephrectomized (NX) or Sham-operated and fed 2.0% oxonic acid or control diet for 9 weeks.ResultsOxonic acid feeding elevated plasma uric acid levels 2.4 and 3.6-fold in the NX and Sham groups, respectively. Plasma creatinine and urea were elevated 2-fold and blood pressure increased by 10 mmHg in NX rats, while hyperuricemia did not significantly influence these variables. Right and left ventricular weight, and atrial and B-type natriuretic peptide mRNA content were increased in NX rats, but were not affected by hyperuricemia. In the mesenteric artery, hyperuricemia did not influence vasoconstrictor responses in vitro to norepinephrine or potassium chloride. The small arteries of NX rats featured hypertrophic remodeling independent of uric acid levels: wall to lumen ratio, wall thickness and cross-sectional area were increased without changes in lumen diameter. In the main branch, vasorelaxations to acetylcholine were impaired in NX rats, but were not affected by hyperuricemia. In contrast, relaxations to the large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+-channel (BKCa) opener NS-1619 were reduced by oxonic acid feeding, whereas responses to nitroprusside were not affected.ConclusionsExperimental hyperuricemia did not influence cardiac load or vascular remodeling, but impaired BKCa -mediated vasorelaxation in experimental CRI.

Does Exurban Housing Development Affect the Physiological Condition of Forest-Breeding Songbirds? A Case Study of Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapillus) in the Largest Protected Area in the Contiguous United States.

Exurban development (low-density development in rural areas) can significantly alter wildlife community composition, but it is largely unknown whether it also affects wildlife at the individual level. We investigated individual-level impacts of exurban development in New York State's Adirondack Park by comparing the physiological condition of 62 male ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapillus) breeding in forests with low-density housing development with those in contiguous forests. We used hematocrit (HCT) volume and plasma triglyceride (TRIG) levels to compare energetic condition, plasma uric acid (UA) and total plasma protein (TPP) levels to compare diet quality, and heterophil∶lymphocyte ratios (H∶L) to compare chronic stress. HCT was the only parameter to differ, with birds near houses exhibiting lower values. The comparable TRIG, UA, and TPP that we found between treatment types suggest that ovenbird food quality and availability are unaffected by exurban development in our study area. Similar H∶L suggests that homeowner activities do not significantly change chronic stressors faced by breeding male ovenbirds. We also found no difference in body mass, body size, or age ratio to indicate that habitats in either treatment type were in higher demand or more difficult to acquire. Although our results suggest that exurban development does not reduce habitat quality for male ovenbirds in a way that affects their condition, we caution that it may still ultimately reduce fitness by attracting synanthropic predators. Further work is needed to better understand the impacts of exurban development on wildlife at all levels and provide science-based information needed to meet conservation challenges in rapidly developing exurban areas.

Correlation of Toll‐Like Receptor 4, Interleukin‐18, Transaminases, and Uric Acid in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis and Healthy Adults

Because of the potential association between periodontal disease and inflammation, the purpose of the present study is to examine the level of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and uric acid as markers of the inflammatory host response in the plasma and saliva of healthy individuals and patients with periodontitis. In addition, routine biochemical parameters such as fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were measured. The authors also wanted to check whether patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) exhibit different modulations in salivary and/or plasma concentrations of these parameters compared with clinically healthy individuals. Saliva and plasma samples were collected from 40 patients with CP and 20 healthy individuals. TLR-4 and IL-18 measurements were done using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol; triglycerides; fasting glucose; AST; and ALT levels were analyzed on a biochemistry analysis system using specific kits. Non-parametric tests were used for certain parameters in the statistical analyses because the data did not follow Gaussian distribution. Significant differences were observed in plasma and salivary TLR-4 and IL-18 levels, along with clinical measurements such as plaque index and probing depth, in patients with CP (P < 0.001). The plasma level of TLR-4 was found to be increased from 0.99 to 3.28 ng/mL in patients with CP. Salivary TLR-4 levels also showed a slightly higher increase in the diseased state (12.44 to 29.97 ng/mL). A significant increase of ≈ 46% was recorded in the plasma IL-18 level. However, salivary IL-18 levels rose up to > 5-fold in the patients with CP compared with healthy individuals. The level of plasma uric acid was found to be highly significantly increased compared with control individuals. HDL cholesterol and triglyceride also showed significant differences (P < 0.02 and P < 0.03, respectively). Plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and insulin levels did not show any significant difference. There was only a slight increase in plasma AST and ALT levels between diseased and healthy states (22.55 versus 25.50 IU/L and 12.35 versus 15.95 IU/L, respectively). However, salivary AST and ALT levels showed a ≈ 6-fold rise in the patients with CP compared with the healthy individuals. Cross-correlation analysis in the periodontitis disease group showed a significant association of plasma AST, salivary AST, and salivary ALT with uric acid level. Based on this study, the authors believe that TLR-4, IL-18, and uric acid could have a role in the inflammatory pathology of periodontitis. These parameters are suggested to be useful in the prognosis and diagnosis of CP. However, the mechanistic association of these parameters with inflammatory pathology of patients with periodontitis needs to be further elucidated in a higher number of samples.

RETRACTED: Are uric acid plasma levels different between unipolar depression with and without adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

The aim of our study is to compare uric acid plasma levels in patients with unipolar depression between those with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidity and those without. Our hypothesis is that uric acid plasma levels may be higher in unipolar depressive patients with adult ADHD than without ADHD. Sixty four patients diagnosed with MDD were investigated, among which 28 patients had been diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM5. 28 patients were ADHD. 36 patients were diagnosed as not having ADHD. One of the criteria was including cases that had not started using medication for the current depressive episode. The control group (HC) consisted of 43 healthy staff members from our hospital who had no prior psychiatric admission or treatment history and matched with the patient group in terms of age and gender. Blood samples were obtained, and plasma uric acid levels were recorded in mg/dl after being rotated for 15min in a centrifuge with 3000 rotations and kept at -80°C. Uric acid plasma levels 5.1±1.6 in unipolar depression and ADHD group, 4.6±1.8 in unipolar depression group. Uric acid plasma levels were higher in the comorbid unipolar depression and ADHD group than in the unipolar depression and healthy control (HC) groups (F= 4.367, p= 0.037). There was no correlation between ADHD (predominantly inattentive type) and uric acid plasma levels (p>0.05). The limitation of this study is the small number of sample and one of the criteria was including cases that had not started using medication for the current depressive episode. The identification of a different etiologic process of biological markers may lead to a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms involved in drive and impulsivity and may suggest different potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Effect of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) leaf extract on diabetic nephropathy in rats.

Diabetic nephropathy is a clinical syndrome characterized by albuminuria, hypertension and progressive renal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa) leaf extract on diabetic nephropathy in rats. Streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats were orally treated with three doses (50, 100 and 200mg/kg) of strawberry leaf extract for 30days. Nephropathy biomarkers in plasma and kidney were examined at the end of the experiment. The three doses of strawberry leaf extract significantly decreased the levels of blood glucose, urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine, kidney injury molecule (Kim)-1, renal malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)- 6 and caspase-3 in diabetic rats. Meanwhile, the levels of plasma insulin, albumin, uric acid, renal catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) were significantly elevated in diabetic rats treated with strawberry leaf extract. These results indicate the role of strawberry leaves extract as anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition ameliorates Western diet-induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance through hepatic lipid remodeling and modulation of hepatic mitochondrial function.

Novel therapies are needed for treating the increasing prevalence of hepatic steatosis in Western populations. In this regard, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have recently been reported to attenuate the development of hepatic steatosis, but the potential mechanisms remain poorly defined. In the current study, 4-week-old C57Bl/6 mice were fed a high-fat/high-fructose Western diet (WD) or a WD containing the DPP-4 inhibitor, MK0626, for 16 weeks. The DPP-4 inhibitor prevented WD-induced hepatic steatosis and reduced hepatic insulin resistance by enhancing insulin suppression of hepatic glucose output. WD-induced accumulation of hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG) and diacylglycerol (DAG) content was significantly attenuated with DPP-4 inhibitor treatment. In addition, MK0626 significantly reduced mitochondrial incomplete palmitate oxidation and increased indices of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, TCA cycle flux, and hepatic TAG secretion. Furthermore, DPP-4 inhibition rescued WD-induced decreases in hepatic PGC-1α and CPT-1 mRNA expression and hepatic Sirt1 protein content. Moreover, plasma uric acid levels in mice fed the WD were decreased after MK0626 treatment. These studies suggest that DPP-4 inhibition ameliorates hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance by suppressing hepatic TAG and DAG accumulation through enhanced mitochondrial carbohydrate utilization and hepatic TAG secretion/export with a concomitant reduction of uric acid production.

Plasma Levels of Uric Acid, Urea and Creatinine in Diabetics Who Visit the Clinical Analysis Laboratory (CAn-Lab) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic diseases worldwide. This metabolic disorder contributes greatly to the significant proportion of the burden of renal damage and dysfunction. The aim of the study was to investigate the renal function of the diabetic patients who visit the Clinical Analysis Laboratory (CAn-Lab) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. Demographic data as well as medical history were obtained through the administration of a questionnaire. Anthro-pometric measurements were taken and blood samples were analysed for glucose, uric acid, urea and creatinine. Data collected were analysed using SPSS version 16.0. A total of 34 diabetic patients, aged from 40-77 y were recruited, 22 (64.7%) of them were males with mean age of 57.40 ± 11.8 y (±SD), while 12 (35.3%) were females with mean age of 58.17 ± 7.47 y. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean duration of the disease, as the females had longer duration, 12.50 ± 6.95 y, as compared to 7.32 ± 4.48 y in males (p=0.033). The mean plasma creatinine level in the females was 84.17 ± 54.73 μmol/l. In the diabetic population, there was a positive correlation between age and plasma creatinine level, (r=0.375, p=0.029). In the female diabetics, there was a positive correlation between fasting blood sugar (FBS) and the measured metabolic end products (r>0.5, p<0.05), a positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and uric acid (r=0.576, p=0.005) and a positive correlation between BMI and FBS (r= 0.625, p= 0.030). Our results on the parameters measured; show that the diabetic population was experiencing mild kidney dysfunction, compared to non-diabetic controls.

Hypouricemic effect of ethanol extracts from Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma

To investigate the effect of ethanol extracts from Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma on hyperuricemic mice. The hyperuricemia was induced by gavage of hypoxanthine and subcutaneous injection of potassium oxonate (model A) or subcutaneous injection of uric acid (model B) in ICR male mice. The mice in ethanol extracts groups were administrated with Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma ethanol extracts 5.4 g/kg by gavage, the positive control groups were given with 10 mg/ml allopurinol or 5 mg/ml benzbromarone by gavage, respectively. The plasma uric acid levels were measured by using HPLC. The plasma uric acid levels of model group, control group and ethanol extract group in model A mice were (40.03±27.24), (4.08±1.47) and (18.10±8.87) g/mL (compared with model group, P <0.05), respectively. The plasma uric acid levels of model group, control group and ethanol extract group in model B mice were (18.57±3.83), (4.29±2.36) and (15.36±2.71) g/mL (compared with model group, P <0.05), respectively. The ethanol extracts from Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma have certain hypouricemic effect in hyperuricemic mice induced by hypoxanthine and potassium oxonate or by uric acid.