Uric Research Articles

Association of uremic toxins and systemic inflammation with depression and anxiety among hemodialysis patients in Montenegro.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between uremic toxins, inflammation, depression and anxiety among hemodialysis patients in Montenegro. The cross-sectional study included 88 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The standard laboratory methods were used to measure uremic toxins and systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR)). Clinically significant depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and anxiety (BAI ≥16) were found in 55.7% and 27.2%, respectively. Logistic regression analyses revealed that serum urea, beta 2-microglobulin (B2M), and systemic inflammation (CRP, NLR, PLR) were significantly and independently associated with depressive symptoms, whereas serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, B2M, and systemic inflammation (CRP nad NLR) were associated with anxiety symptoms. Depressive symptoms and anxiety are common among hemodialysis patients in Montenegro, and are associated with increased levels of systematic inflammation, serum urea, and beta 2-microglobulin.

Impact of Overweight on Renal Prognosis in Malignant Hypertension Patients With Thrombotic Microangiopathy.

Overweight and obesity is a risk factor for hypertension. Malignant hypertension (MHT) is the most severe form of hypertension, and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), one of its complications, has been linked to significant renal outcomes. However, the impact of overweight and obesity on renal prognosis in MHT patients with TMA is not well understood. This was a prospective cohort enrolled 288 MHT patients with renal TMA from 2008 to 2023. The clinical and histopathological characteristics were recorded based on body mass index (BMI, < 25 and ≥ 25 kg/m2). The outcome was the incidence of kidney failure. The associations of BMI with kidney failure were examined in logistic regression models. Among 288 patients, 180 (62.5%) progressed to kidney failure, including 113 (68.5%) patients with BMI < 25 kg/m2. Participants with obesity had higher levels of hemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate and C3, but lower levels of serum creatinine and IgA nephropathy. BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 was associated with a better outcome of kidney failure in MHT patients with TMA (odd ratios [ORs]: 0.49 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.27-0.91], p = 0.025). Male, uric acid, onion skin lesions, and global sclerosis ratio were correlated with higher risk of kidney failure; serum albumin and treatment with renin-angiotensin system blockers were related to lower risk of kidney failure. In MHT patients with renal TMA, normal-weight rather than overweight was found to associate with a worse renal prognosis. Management efforts for MHT may be directed toward controlling body weight within a reasonable range for patients.

Lipid-core nanocapsules containing simvastatin do not affect the biochemical and hematological indicators of toxicity in rats.

Our research group previously studied the effectiveness of lipid-core nanocapsules (LNC) containing simvastatin (SV-LNC) in treating cognitive impairment in rats. While our results were promising, we needed to evaluate the potential toxicity of the nanoparticles themselves. This study aimed to compare the biochemical and hematological parameters of adult Wistar rats receiving LNC or SV-LNC to those receiving low doses of simvastatin crystals dispersed in a saline solution over 45days. We discovered that LNC and SV-LNC, which are both nanometers in size with low polydispersity index, negative zeta potential, and high SV encapsulation efficacy, were not more toxic than SV crystals based on various biochemical markers of hepatic, pancreatic, renal, mineral, bony, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and uric acid damage. Furthermore, LNC exhibited no toxicity for hematological parameters, including red and white blood cell counts. Based on this animal model of toxicological study, our findings suggest that long-term administration of LNC is a safe and promising nanocarrier.

Black Garlic Supplementation and Glomerular Protection in Hyperuricemic Rats: A Study on Kidney Health Prevention

Introduction: Hyperuricemia is a significant risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease. Excessive uric acid can deposit in the kidneys, triggering inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress, leading to structural damage in the glomeruli. Black garlic, with its antioxidant and bioactive compounds, has the potential to protect the kidneys from hyperuricemia-induced damage. Our objective is to evaluate the effect of black garlic supplementation on the histopathological features of glomeruli in a hyperuricemic rat model. Methods: This study was an analytical observational study using Biological Remnant Materials (BRM) from a previous study. The sample consisted of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 5 groups: disease control, drug control (allopurinol), and 3 black garlic dose groups (240 mg/day, 480 mg/day, and 960 mg/day). Data were collected through histopathological examination of kidney tissue using the glomerular damage scoring method (0-3). Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD tests. Results: Black garlic demonstrated protective effects on the histopathological features of glomeruli in hyperuricemic rats. The 240 mg/day dose showed the most significant improvement in kidney health, reducing glomerular damage scores compared to the disease control group (p &lt; 0.05). These findings suggest that black garlic can serve as a preventive agent against kidney complications caused by hyperuricemia. Conclusion: Black garlic provides protective effects on glomerular histopathology in hyperuricemic rats, with the 240 mg/day dose being the most effective. These results suggest potential use for black garlic in preventing kidney complications in hyperuricemia.

A Multi-Enzyme Nanocascade to Target Disease-Relevant Metabolites.

Metabolic processes in living organisms depend on the synergistic actions of enzymes working in proximity and in concert, catalyzing reactions effectively while regulating the formation of metabolites. This enzyme synergy offers promising therapeutic application for diseases such as alcohol intoxication, cancer, and hyperinflammation. Despite their potential, the clinical translation of enzyme cascades is restricted by challenges including poor enzyme stability, short half-life, and a lack of delivery strategies that maintain enzyme proximity. In this study, multi-enzyme nanocascades synthesized are developed through in situ atom transfer radical polymerization using a zwitterionic monomer. This method markedly enhances enzyme stability and proximity, thereby prolonging their circulation half-life after systemic administration. It is demonstrated that the nanocascades of uricase and catalase effectively reduce uric acid levels without excessive hydrogen peroxide production, providing a potential antidote for hyperuricemia. Moreover, in a murine breast cancer model, the nanocascades of glucose oxidase and catalase inhibited tumor progression and enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin. The prolonged circulation and promoted reaction efficacy of these nanocascades underscore their substantial potential in enzyme replacement therapy and the treatment of various diseases.

Gut commensal Parabacteroides distasonis exerts neuroprotective effects in acute ischemic stroke with hyperuricemia via regulating gut microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Hyperuricemia is considered as an independent risk factor for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and some AIS patients are accompanied by an increase in serum uric acid. Recent studies have highlighted the important role of gut microbiota in both hyperuricemia and AIS, but there is little available data on the relationship between gut microbiota and the pathogenesis of AIS with hyperuricemia (HAS). Here we profiled the gut microbiota composition in 63 HAS patients and 269 non-HAS patients through 16s rRNA sequencing. Male rat with hyperuricemia were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to establish HAS model and were then treated with Parabacteroides distasonis. Subsequently, the neurological deficit, pathological damages and blood-brain barrier disruption were evaluated. Moreover, the levels of ROS, inflammatory cytokines, NF-𝜿B pathway related protein, and vascular density markers were determined. There were significant differences of gut microbiota composition between HAS patients and non-HAS patients, and a significant decrease in the abundance of Parabacteroides in HAS patients compared to non-HAS patients. Animal experiments showed that supplementation with P. distasonis increased beneficial commensal bacteria, significantly improved neurological deficits, pathological damages and BBB disruption, as well as reduced the level of serum uric acid in HAS rats. We further demonstrated that P. distasonis treatment decreased ROS level and increased SOD2 level, thereby reducing oxidative stress. Meanwhile, P. distasonis effectively inhibited NF-𝜿B signal pathway and reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-1β, alleviating the inflammatory response. Notably, P. distasonis treatment increased the levels of vascular density markers including cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), ameliorating vascular damage in HAS rats. Together, these findings highlighted the important role of P. distasonis in the pathogenesis of HAS, and its mechanism was involved in the regulation of gut microbiota-gut-brain axis, which implied a novel strategy against HAS.

Association of oxidative balance score with hyperuricemia and gout: NHANES 2009-2018

IntroductionOxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hyperuricemia/gout. This study aims to explore the relationship between the Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) and hyperuricemia/gout.MethodsThe study utilized complete data from adult participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2009 to 2018. OBS, composed of scores for 20 dietary and lifestyle factors, served as the exposure variable. Multivariable linear regression model was applied to evaluate the association between OBS and uric acid (UA). Multivariable logistic regression, subgroup analyses, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were conducted to explore the relationship between OBS and hyperuricemia/gout.ResultsA total of 18,998 participants were included. In the fully adjusted model, compared to the lowest quartile, the highest quartiles of OBS, dietary OBS, and lifestyle OBS were negatively correlated with UA (β=-0.31 (-0.36,-0.25), β=-0.18 (-0.24,-0.12), and β=-0.64 (-0.69,-0.59), respectively) and hyperuricemia (OR=0.63 (0.55,0.71), OR=0.76 (0.67,0.86), OR=0.37 (0.33,0.42), respectively). Moreover, the highest quartiles of OBS and lifestyle OBS exhibited a negative correlation with gout (OR=0.72(0.58,0.91), OR=0.54 (0.43,0.67), respectively). Subgroup analyses revealed differences in the negative association between OBS and hyperuricemia concerning hypertension (p for interaction =0.002) and diabetes (p for interaction= 0.004), while gender-related disparities were observed in the negative association between OBS and gout (p for interaction =0.008). RCS analysis demonstrated a linear negative association between hyperuricemia and OBS (p for non-linearity &amp;gt;0.05), while gout exhibited a non-linear negative association (p for non-linearity&amp;lt;0.05).ConclusionThe study found that a higher OBS was associated with a decreased risk of developing hyperuricemia/gout, underscoring its potential in the prevention and management of these conditions.

Association of serum uric acid with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in cardiovascular disease patients

The relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains controversial. We aimed to explore the relationship between SUA and all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiovascular mortality (CVM) in adult patients with CVD. This cohort study included 3977 patients with CVD from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2018). Death outcomes were determined by linking National Death Index (NDI) records through December 31, 2019. We explored the association of SUA with mortality using weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models, subgroup analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, weighted restricted cubic spline (RCS) models, and weighted threshold effect analysis among patients with CVD. During a median follow-up of 68 months (interquartile range, 34–110 months), 1,360 (34.2%) of the 3,977 patients with cardiovascular disease died, of which 536 (13.5%) died of cardiovascular deaths and 824 (20.7%) died of non-cardiovascular deaths. In a multivariable-adjusted model (Model 3), the risk of ACM (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.16–1.64) and the risk of CVM (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.04–1.86) for participants in the SUA Q4 group were significantly higher. In patients with CVD, RCS regression analysis revealed a nonlinear association (p < 0.001 for all nonlinearities) between SUA, ACM, and CVM in the overall population and in men. Subgroup analysis showed a nonlinear association between ACM and CVM with SUA in patients with CVD combined with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with thresholds of 5.49 and 5.64, respectively. Time-dependent ROC curves indicated areas under the curve of 0.61, 0.60, 0.58, and 0.55 for 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival for ACM and 0.69, 0.61, 0.59, and 0.56 for CVM, respectively. We demonstrate that SUA is an independent prognostic factor for the risk of ACM and CVM in patients with CVD, supporting a U-shaped association between SUA and mortality, with thresholds of 5.49 and 5.64, respectively. In patients with CVD combined with CKD, the association of the ACM and the CVM with SUA remains nonlinear.

Association between neutrophil-percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) and metabolic syndrome risk: insights from a large US population-based study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the association between Neutrophil-Percentage-to-Albumin Ratio (NPAR) and MetS in a large, nationally representative US population. We analyzed data from 28,178 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2018. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between NPAR and MetS. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were employed to assess the dose-response relationship. Mediation analyses were conducted to explore potential mediating effects of serum uric acid and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index. After adjusting for confounders, participants in the highest NPAR quartile had a 14% higher risk of MetS compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR 1.14, 95%CI 1.03–1.27, P = 0.010). RCS models revealed a monotonic increasing trend between NPAR and MetS risk (P for overall association = 0.002). Mediation analyses showed that serum uric acid and TyG index mediated 14.93% and 29.45% of the total effect of NPAR on MetS, respectively. Subgroup analyses indicated that the positive association between NPAR and MetS was more pronounced in Mexican Americans, individuals aged 20–65 years, those with lower income, males, current smokers, and moderate drinkers. Higher NPAR is associated with increased risk of MetS in the US adult population. This association is partially mediated by serum uric acid and TyG index. These findings suggest that NPAR may serve as a novel biomarker for MetS risk assessment and provide insights into potential mechanisms linking inflammation and metabolic disorders.

Uric acid mediates kidney tubular inflammation through the LDHA/ROS/NLRP3 pathway

ABSTRACT Purpose Hyperuricemia (HUA) is an important factor leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The kidney tubular inflammatory response is activated in HUA. This study aimed to investigate whether lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) is involved in mediating uric acid-induced kidney tubular inflammatory response. Methods In vivo, an HUA mouse model was established by continuous intraperitoneal injection of potassium oxonate (PO) for one week. A total of 18 C57BL/6J male adult mice were divided into three groups: control group, HUA group, and HUA+oxamate group, with six mice in each group. Oxamate was intraperitoneally injected into the mice one hour after PO injection. In vitro, an HUA model was simulated by stimulating HK-2 cells with uric acid. Oxamate and tempol inhibited LDHA and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HK-2 cells. Results In HUA mice, blood uric acid levels were significantly elevated. LDHA in kidney tubular cells was significantly increased in both in vivo and in vitro HUA models, accompanied by an increase in kidney tubular inflammation and ROS. Mechanistically, LDHA mediates uric acid-induced inflammation to kidney tubular cells through the ROS/NLRP3 pathway. Pharmacologic inhibition of LDHA or ROS in kidney tubular cells can significantly ameliorate inflammation response caused by uric acid. Conclusions LDHA in kidney tubular cells significantly was increased in HUA models. LDHA mediates kidney inflammation response induced by uric acid through the ROS/NLRP3 pathway. This study may provide a new intervention target for preventing kidney tubular inflammation caused by uric acid.

Metal–Organic Framework-Derived CeO2/Gold Nanospheres in a Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Uric Acid Quantification in Milk

In this work, CeBTC (a cerium(III) 1,3,5-benzene-tricarboxylate), was used as a precursor for obtaining CeO2 nanoparticles (nanoceria) with better sensor performances than CeO2 nanoparticles synthesized by the solvothermal method. Metal–organic framework-derived nanoceria (MOFdNC) were functionalized with spheric gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to further improve non-enzymatic electrode material for highly sensitive detection of prominent biocompound uric acid (UA) at this modified carbon paste electrode (MOFdNC/AuNPs&amp;CPE). X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis were used for morphological structure characterization of the obtained nanostructures. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, both in an [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− redox system and uric acid standard solutions, were used for the characterization of material electrocatalytic performances, the selection of optimal electrode modifier, and the estimation of nature and kinetic parameters of the electrode process. Square-wave voltammetry (SWV) was chosen, and the optimal parameters of technique and experimental conditions were established for determining uric acid over MOFdNC/AuNPs&amp;CPE. Together with the development of the sensor, the detection procedure was optimized with the following analytical parameters: linear operating ranges of 0.05 to 1 µM and 1 to 50 µM and a detection limit of 0.011 µM, with outstanding repeatability, reproducibility, and stability of the sensor surface. Anti-interference experiments yielded a stable and nearly unchanged current response with negligible or no change in peak potential. After minor sample pretreatment, the proposed electrode was successfully applied for the quantification of UA in milk.

Gambaran Kadar Asam Urat pada Wanita Usia Menopause di Desa Rancapanggung Kecamatan Cililin

gout attacks women who are generally women at the age of menopause. During menopause, women experience a decrease in the function of the ovaries, resulting in a decrease in the function of the hormone estrogen, so that during menopause, women are susceptible to an increase in uric acid levels in the blood. To find out the description of uric acid levels in menopausal women in the Rancapanggung Village area, Cililin District, West Bandung Regency. The research method used was descriptive observational, the sample consisted of 32 menopausal women in the Rancapanggung Village area, Cililin District, West Bandung Regency. The data collection technique uses a frequency distribution table with direct uric acid examination of menopausal women. The results of the study showed the frequency distribution of uric acid levels in menopausal women, most of the respondents had high uric acid levels because previously most of the respondents had a history of gout. Most respondents had high uric acid levels in the age range 50 years and above.The high levels of uric acid in menopausal women in the Rancapanggung Village area, Cililin District, West Bandung Regency are mostly in the age range 50 years and above.

Investigation of resveratrol as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications for gout and hyperuricemia.

Gout predominantly stems from hyperuricemia, precipitating the accumulation of urate crystals and consequent joint inflammation, swelling, and pain, thereby compromising the quality of life and presenting a formidable medical dilemma. Although conventional treatments like allopurinol and febuxostat target uric acid reduction via xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition, they often entail adverse effects, prompting the exploration of safer alternatives. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound abundant in fruits and vegetables, has emerged as a potential XO inhibitor. However, its precise inhibitory mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aims to comprehensively investigate resveratrol's XO inhibition through mechanistic insights, molecular docking simulations, animal model experiments, and biochemical analysis, contributing valuable insights to the development of novel therapeutics for hyperuricemia and gout.

Uric acid mediates the association between testosterone and α-Klotho among males: results from the NHANES 2013-2016.

This study initially conducted a cross-sectional analysis to examine the association between total testosterone (TT), uric acid, and Klotho. The investigation examined whether uric acid mediates the association between TT and Klotho in males. Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2016, this study performed weighted multivariable-adjusted linear regression to evaluate the association between TT, uric acid, and α-Klotho. Then, mediation analysis was conducted to delineate the potential mediating role of uric acid in the TT-Klotho association. Multivariable linear regression analyses revealed inverse relationships between TT and uric acid (β = -2.75, 95% CI: -4.21, 1.28, p < 0.001) and between uric acid and α-Klotho (β = -4.80, 95% CI: -6.47, -3.13, p < 0.001). Conversely, a positive correlation existed between TT and α-Klotho (β = 5.38, 95% CI: 2.23, 8.53, p < 0.001). Updated subgroup analyses show that the association strength between α-Klotho, TT, and uric acid levels was consistent across various population settings without significant variations. Restricted cubic spline analysis identified a non-linear association between TT and uric acid with an inflection point at 201ng/mL. Mediation analysis confirmed uric acid-mediated 18.59% of the association between TT and α-Klotho (p < 0.001), highlighting its significant intermediary role. This study elucidates the complex interrelationship between TT, uric acid, and α-Klotho, highlighting uric acid's significant mediating role. These findings provide novel insights into the hormonal and metabolic mechanisms underlying age-related processes and longevity.

Effects of ertugliflozin on uric acid and gout-related outcomes in persons with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: Post hoc analyses from VERTIS CV.

To conduct post hoc analyses of the VERTIS CV (NCT01986881) trial to explore the effects of ertugliflozin on serum uric acid (UA) and gout-related outcomes. Participants with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were randomised (1:1:1) to placebo, ertugliflozin 5 mg or ertugliflozin 15 mg. Mean UA over time (260 weeks) was evaluated for pooled ertugliflozin versus placebo overall, and by baseline quintile of UA (≤4.3 mg/dL [≤255.8 µmol/L], >4.3-5.1 mg/dL [>255.8-303.4 µmol/L], >5.1-5.8 mg/dL [>303.4-345.0 µmol/L], >5.8-6.9 mg/dL [>345.0-410.4 µmol/L] and >6.9 mg/dL [>410.4 µmol/L]), glycated haemoglobin level, albuminuria status, estimated glomerular filtration rate and KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease) risk category. The effect of ertugliflozin on a composite of gout onset or initiation of anti-gout medication was assessed. The mean UA levels at baseline were 5.67 and 5.62 mg/dL in the placebo and ertugliflozin groups, respectively. Ertugliflozin reduced UA over Weeks 6-260 compared with placebo, with least squares mean (LSM) changes (95% confidence interval [CI]) from baseline at Week 260 of 0.07 mg/dL (-0.02, 0.15) and -0.19 mg/dL (-0.25, -0.13) in the placebo and pooled ertugliflozin groups, respectively. At Week 260, placebo-adjusted LSM change (95% CI) from baseline in UA was -0.26 mg/dL (-0.36, -0.16) with ertugliflozin. Ertugliflozin was associated with reductions in UA across baseline UA quintiles compared with placebo. The incidence of the composite of gout-related outcomes was 84/2539 (3.3%) for placebo and 133/5091 (2.6%) for ertugliflozin (hazard ratio for the composite 0.76 [95% CI 0.580, 1.002]). Ertugliflozin was generally associated with lowering UA overall and across subgroups compared with placebo, and numerically reduced rates of gout-related outcome events.

Structural basis of transcriptional regulation by UrtR in response to uric acid.

Uric acid (UA)-responsive transcriptional regulators (UrtRs), which belong to the multiple antibiotic resistance regulator (MarR) superfamily, transcriptionally coordinate virulence and metabolism in bacteria by modulating interactions with operator DNA in response to UA. To elucidate the transcriptional regulatory mechanism of UrtR, we structurally analyzed UrtR proteins, including PecS, MftR, and HucR, alone and in complex with UA or DNA. UrtR contains a dimerization domain (DD) and a winged helix-turn-helix domain (wHTHD) and forms a homodimer primarily via the DD, as observed for other MarR superfamily proteins. However, UrtRs are characterized by a unique N-terminal α-helix, which contributes to dimerization and UA recognition. In the absence of UA, the UrtR dimer symmetrically binds to the operator double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) by inserting its α4 recognition helix and β-stranded wing within the wHTHD into the major and minor grooves of dsDNA, respectively. Upon exposure to UA, UrtR accommodates UA in the intersubunit pocket between the DD and wHTHD. UA binding induces a conformational change in the major groove-binding core element of the UrtR wHTHD, generating a DNA binding-incompatible structure. This local allosteric mechanism of UrtR completely differs from that generally observed in other MarR superfamily members, in which the entire wHTHD undergoes effector-responsive global shifts.

Carbon dots modified hydrange-shaped ZnCo(OH)F used as a flexible electrode for sensitive detection of dopamine and uric acid

Dopamine (DA), widely recognized as the most prevalent catecholamine neurotransmitter in the brain, functions as a vital regulator of various physiological processes within the central nervous system. Meanwhile, uric acid (UA) serves as the terminal product of purine metabolism, and hyperuricemia emerges as a significant risk factor for gout, with a steep escalation in risk as blood uric acid levels surge. Consequently, monitoring the concentrations of DA and UA in biological fluids is crucial not only for the treatment of related disorders but also for enhancing disease prevention strategies. In this work, the blooming hydrangea shaped ZnCo(OH)F/carbon dots (CDs) composite was grown on carbon cloth (CC) substrate by a simple hydrothermal method, which was used as a flexible sensor for the detection of DA and UA. The unique open structure and morphologic adjustment strategy of ZnCo(OH)F/CDs/CC provided a large surface area and highly exposed active site. After screening the experimental variables that affect the sensor performance, the optimal ZnCo(OH)F/CDs/CC flexible electrode achieved individual and simultaneous detection for DA and UA in the concentration ranges of 1.0220.0µM and 1.0500.0µM, the detection limits (LOD) of DA and UA were 0.0129 and 0.044μM, respectively (S/N=3). In addition, the sensor exhibited good repeatability, stability and selectivity, realizing the detection of DA and UA in human serum with recovery rate of 95.20% 105.3%. Also, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to explore the interaction between electrode material and detected substrate. A simple hydrothermal method was utilized to grow the ZnCo(OH)F/CDs composite onto the CC substrate. The presence of F− in ZnCo(OH)F can increase the charge mobility and improve the conductivity. ZnCo(OH)F/CDs/CC as flexible electrode material can determine DA and UA simultaneously in human serum with a satisfactory recovery rate. This flexible sensor has a broad application prospect in the manufacture of wearable devices.

Association of serum uric acid levels with glycated haemoglobin in diabetic patients and healthy controls

ABSTRACT Introduction: Uric acid is formed from purine degradation. Hyperuricemia has emerged as a risk factor for various metabolic diseases including Diabetes mellitus (DM). Uric acid may act as a glucometabolic indicator for Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is an indicator of long-term glycaemic control used for diagnosing and monitoring T2DM. However, the association between HbA1c and uric acid is controversial. The present study aimed to study the association of serum uric acid (SUA) levels with HbA1c. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern India after permission from the institutional Ethical committee. The study included patients attending the Outpatient Department of the hospital during the study period. Diagnosed cases of DM as per World Health Organization criteria were included as cases. Controls comprised of apparently healthy subjects of the age group 18–50 years attending OPD Patients and Health Care workers. Both cases and control were divided into two groups those with normal uric acid levels and the hyperuricemia group in both males and females to study the association between HbA1c and uric acid levels. Results: The study constituted 1460 participants of which 880 control and 580 DM. The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia was 17.8%. HUA prevalence was 17.04%–18.9% in the control and diabetic population, respectively. SUA levels in T2DM patients were negatively correlated with glycated HbA1c, and FBS whereas positively correlated with glycated HbA1c in controls. Conclusion: While non-diabetic individuals tend to exhibit higher SUA levels, a decreasing trend has been observed in diabetic individuals. A negative association was observed between SUA level and HbA1c in DM in contrast to controls. Therefore, the utilization of SUA as a marker for assessing glucose metabolism should be approached with careful consideration taking care of these complex dynamics.

Biomimetic nanozyme-based electrochemical sensor integrated with microfluidic cell for on-site uric acid detection

Uric acid (UA) is the key indicator highly associated with gout, and on-site UA detection is of great significance for personalized health management. Herein, we propose an integrated microfluidic electrochemical sensing platform for real-time UA detection. The platform mainly consists of a biomimetic nanozyme-based electrochemical sensor and a microfluidic cell. The biomimetic nanozyme with desirable catalytic activity can effectively promote UA oxidation, and the corresponding working mechanism is clarified through density functional theory calculation. Besides, the well-designed microfluidic cell is capable of impurity removal and sample storage. Based on these designs, the whole process of sample pretreatment and target detection can all be achieved on one integrated platform, allowing for user-friendly test. This developed platform shows satisfactory sensing performance for UA with a detection limit of 4.2 μM. In addition, it is successfully applied to UA determination in artificial saliva and serum samples, showing desirable application prospects in clinical diagnosis.

Enhanced enzyme-like DNAzyme@MOFs for non-enzymatic uric acid detection in interstitial fluid

The increased uric acid (UA) level is closely related to many diseases. However, the detection of UA remains great challenges due to the pain of blood testing and the complexity of common methods. Therefore, the detection of UA is of great significance for public health. In this paper, a new method for UA detection is proposed. The swellable hydrogel microneedles (hydrogel MNs) can be used for minimally invasive extraction of skin interstitial fluid (ISF). The colorimetric detection of trace UA in ISF can be successfully achieved by virtue of DNAzyme@MOFs with enhanced peroxidase activity. This study provides a powerful tool for minimally invasive, painless, rapid and convenient detection of UA in clinical applications. This study not only avoids the use of expensive and unstable natural enzymes but also expands the applications of DNAzyme@MOFs in biomedical detection.