Contemporary Prevalence of Gout and Hyperuricemia in the United States and Decadal Trends: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2016

Correlation between the bacterial community succession and purine compound changes during Huangjiu fermentation

Purine is mainly culprit of hyperuricemia (HUA) and gout, which is widely present in Huangjiu in the form of free bases. Bacterial succession plays an important role in quality control in Huangjiu. The correlation between the purine compound content and the bacterial communities during the fermentation process has not yet been evaluated. In this study, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology was used to monitor the bacterial community composition of Huangjiu at different fermentation stages. The correlation between the bacterial community and the contents of physicochemical properties and purine compounds were evaluated using the Spearman analysis method. The key enzymes of purine metabolism pathway in the microbial community were analyzed by bioinformatics using Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt). The results showed that the purine content in Huangjiu increased gradually in 0∼9d of fermentation (21.05-65.71 mg/L), and stabilized gradually in 12∼18d (65.63-69.55 mg/L), while the abundance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of bacterial microbial flora were increased (0∼9d) and then stabilized (12∼18d). Moreover, Lactobacillus acetotolerans and Lactobacillus helveticus were highly correlated positively with purine contents, while Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were correlated negatively. In addition, the dominant strains of bacteria were involved in the metabolism of purine, and the key enzymes for purine compound synthesis were more abundant than that for purine degradation. This study is helpful to scientifically understand the formation mechanism of purines, providing a basis for screening functional strains of purine degrading to accurately regulate purine level in Huangjiu.

Kidney function decline mediates the adverse effects of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on uric acid levels and hyperuricemia risk

Previous studies indicated per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were related to uric acid and hyperuricemia risk, but evidence for the exposure-response (E-R) curves and combined effect of PFAS mixture is limited. Moreover, the potential mediation effect of kidney function was not assessed. Hence, we conducted a national cross-sectional study involving 13,979 US adults in NHANES 2003-2018 to examine the associations of serum PFAS with uric acid and hyperuricemia risk, and the mediation effects of kidney function. Generalized linear models and E-R curves showed positive associations of individual PFAS with uric acid and hyperuricemia risk, and nearly linear E-R curves indicated no safe threshold for PFAS. Weighted quantile sum regression found positive associations of PFAS mixture with uric acid and hyperuricemia risk, and PFOA was the dominant contributor to the adverse effect of PFAS on uric acid and hyperuricemia risk. Causal mediation analysis indicated significant mediation effects of kidney function decline in the associations of PFAS with uric acid and hyperuricemia risk, with the mediated proportion ranging from 19 % to 57 %. Our findings suggested that PFAS, especially PFOA, may cause increased uric acid and hyperuricemia risk increase even at low levels, and kidney function decline plays a crucial mediation effect.

Narrative literature review of antidiabetic drugs' effect on hyperuricemia: elaborating actual data and mechanisms

To optimize the treatment plan for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hyperuricemia, this narrative literature review summarizes the effect of antidiabetic drugs on serum uric acid (SUA) levels using data from observational studies, prospective clinical trials, post hoc analyses, and meta-analyses. SUA is an independent risk factor for T2DM, and evidence has shown that patients with both gout and T2DM exhibit a mutually interdependent effect on higher incidences. We find that insulin and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) except linagliptin could increase the SUA and other drugs including metformin, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), linagliptin, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), and α-glucosidase inhibitors have a reduction effect on SUA. We explain the mechanisms of different antidiabetic drugs above on SUA and analyze them compared with actual data. For sulfonylureas, meglitinides, and amylin analogs, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We think the usage of linagliptin and SGLT2i is the most potentially effective treatment of patients with T2DM and hyperuricemia currently. Our review is a comprehensive summary of the effects of antidiabetic drugs on SUA, which includes actual data, the mechanisms of SUA regulation, and the usage rate of drugs.

Association between exposure to a mixture of organochlorine pesticides and hyperuricemia in U.S. adults: A comparison of four statistical models

The association between the exposure of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and serum uric acid (UA) levels remained uncertain. In this study, to investigate the combined effects of OCP mixtures on hyperuricemia, we analyzed serum OCPs and UA levels in adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2016). Four statistical models including weighted logistic regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS), quantile g-computation (QGC), and bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to assess the relationship between mixed chemical exposures and hyperuricemia. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential modifiers. Among 6,529 participants, the prevalence of hyperuricemia was 21.15%. Logistic regression revealed a significant association between both hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and trans-nonachlor and hyperuricemia in the fifth quintile (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.08-2.19; OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.05-2.39, respectively), utilizing the first quintile as a reference. WQS and QGC analyses showed significant overall effects of OCPs on hyperuricemia, with an OR of 1.25 (95% CI: 1.09-1.44) and 1.20 (95% CI: 1.06-1.37), respectively. BKMR indicated a positive trend between mixed OCPs and hyperuricemia, with HCB having the largest weight in all three mixture analyses. Subgroup analyses revealed that females, individuals aged 50 years and above, and those with a low income were more vulnerable to mixed OCP exposure. These results highlight the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations from OCPs and to properly evaluate the health effects of multiple exposures on hyperuricemia using mutual validation approaches.

Nonlinear association of triglyceride-glucose index with hyperuricemia in US adults: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Despite abundant evidence on the epidemiological risk factors of metabolic diseases related to hyperuricemia, there is still insufficient evidence regarding the nonlinear relationship between triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and hyperuricemia. Thus, the purpose of this research is to clarify the nonlinear connection between TyG and hyperuricemia.

METHODS

From 2011 to 2018, a cross-sectional study was carried out using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This study had 8572 participants in all. TyG was computed as Ln [triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. The outcome variable was hyperuricemia. The association between TyG and hyperuricemia was examined using weighted multiple logistic regression, subgroup analysis, generalized additive models, smooth fitting curves, and two-piecewise linear regression models.

RESULTS

In the regression model adjusting for all confounding variables, the OR (95% CI) for the association between TyG and hyperuricemia was 2.34 (1.70, 3.21). There is a nonlinear and reverse U-shaped association between TyG and hyperuricemia, with a inflection point of 9.69. The OR (95% CI) before the inflection point was 2.64 (2.12, 3.28), and after the inflection point was 0.32 (0.11, 0.98). The interaction in gender, BMI, hypertension, and diabetes analysis was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Additional prospective studies are required to corroborate the current findings, which indicate a strong positive connection between TyG and hyperuricemia among adults in the United States.

Nonlinear relationship between oxidative balance score and hyperuricemia: analyses of NHANES 2007-2018

BACKGROUND

Limited data regarding the correlation between oxidative balance score (OBS) and hyperuricemia highlights the necessity for thorough investigations. This study aims to examine the link between OBS, which incorporates dietary and lifestyle factors, and the occurrence of hyperuricemia.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 13,636 participants from the 2007-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The oxidative balance score (OBS) was determined based on four lifestyle factors and sixteen dietary nutrients. We assessed the levels of serum uric acid (SUA) and the occurrence of hyperuricemia as outcomes. Weighted logistic regression and linear models were used for statistical analysis, using Restricted Cubic Splines (RCS) to examine potential nonlinear associations. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity assessments were performed to identify any variations and ensure the robustness of the findings.

RESULTS

Higher OBS was consistently correlated with decreased SUA levels and a reduced prevalence of hyperuricemia. RCS highlighted a significant negative nonlinear association, particularly in females. Subgroup analysis revealed gender-based differences and interactive correlation, providing additional insights regarding OBS and hyperuricemia relationship.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores a robust negative correlation between OBS and SUA levels as well as the incidence of hyperuricemia, emphasizing the importance of dietary and lifestyle factors. Incorporating RCS, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity assessments enhances the depth of our findings, providing valuable insights for further research.

Hyperuricemia and intravenous fat emulsion are risk factors for gout flares during active gastrointestinal bleeding: a case control study

OBJECTIVE

It is well-established that patients with a history of gout are more susceptible to experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding. Gout flare during active gastrointestinal bleeding poses a significant challenge due to the gastrointestinal side effects of anti-inflammatory therapy. This study sought to investigate the risk factors associated with gout flares during episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study involving 94 patients who experienced active gastrointestinal bleeding and had a history of gout. This study was conducted at Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital from January 2019 to October 2022. We collected and recorded demographic information and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Among the gout flare patients, hyperuricemia and intravenous fat emulsion therapy were more prevalent compared to those who remained stable (81.6% vs. 57.8% and 46.9% vs. 24.4%, p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that both hyperuricemia (odds ratio 2.741, 95% CI 1.014-7.413, p = 0.047) and intravenous fat emulsion therapy (odds ratio 2.645, 95% CI 1.046-6.686, p = 0.040) were independent predictors of gout flares. Furthermore, gout attacks occurred sooner in patients receiving intravenous fat emulsion therapy compared to those not receiving it (median: 4 days (interquartile range: 2) vs. median: 5 days (interquartile range: 2.25), p = 0.049).

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed a high incidence of gout flares during episodes of active gastrointestinal bleeding, with patients undergoing intravenous fat emulsion therapy and those with hyperuricemia being at increased risk.

Association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and serum uric acid to serum creatinine ratio in Chinese male gout patients

This study aimed to evaluate the association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and serum uric acid to serum creatinine (SUA/SCr) ratio in male gout patients at different BMIs. This real-world study included 956 male gout patients aged 18-83 years. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of Chinese male gout patients from 2017 to 2019. The correlation between LDL-C and SUA/SCr was tested after adjusting for confounding factors. We found a nonlinear relationship between LDL-C and SUA/SCr in the whole study population. Stratification analysis showed that there was actually a nonlinear relationship between LDL-C and SUA/SCr in men with a BMI of 24-28, the inflection point of LDL-C was 1.8 mmol/L, when LDL-C was greater than 1.8 mmol/L, there was a positive correlation between LDL-C levels and SUA/SCr (β = 0.67, 95% CI 0.35-0.98, P < 0.001). Moreover, LDL-C showed a significant positive correlation with SUA/SCr with a BMI of 28 or greater (β = 0.30, 95% CI 0.05-0.55, P = 0.019). However, no association was found between LDL-C and SUA/SCr with a BMI of less than 24 (β = 0.42, 95% CI - 0.03-0.86, P = 0.070). LDL-C levels were associated with SUA/SCr in Chinese male gout patients, but this correlation appeared inconsistent among different BMIs. Our findings suggest that LDL-C levels may be more noteworthy in overweight and/or obese male gout patients.

Unclosing Premature Mortality Gap Among Patients With Gout in the US General Population, Independent of Serum Urate and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE

Gout flares are followed by transient major cardiovascular (CV) risk, implicating the role of inflammation; the aim of this study was to determine whether premature mortality rates in patients with gout and CV risk are independent of serum urate (SU) and atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD) risk factors.

METHODS

Using serial US nationwide prospective cohorts, we evaluated the independent association of prevalent gout with all-cause and CV mortality, adjusting for SU, ASCVD risk factors, comorbidities, medications, and kidney function and compared mortality rates between the early (1988-1994 baseline) and late cohorts (2007-2016 baseline). We replicated late cohort findings among patients with gout in a nationwide UK cohort (2006-2010 baseline).

RESULTS

Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality rates in patients with prevalent gout were similar in early and late US cohorts (1.20 [1.03-1.40] and 1.19 [1.04-1.37], respectively); HRs with further adjustment for SU were 1.19 (1.02-1.38) and 1.19 (1.03-1.37), respectively. Adjusted HR among patients with gout from the UK late cohort was 1.61 (1.47-1.75); these associations were larger among women (P = 0.04) and prominent among Black individuals. Adjusted HR for CV mortality rates in the late US cohort was 1.39 (1.09-1.78); those for circulatory, CV, and coronary heart disease deaths among UK patients with incident gout were 1.48 (1.24-1.76), 1.49 (1.20-1.85), and 1.59 (1.26-1.99), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with gout experience a persistent mortality gap in all-cause and CV deaths, even adjusting for SU and ASCVD risk factors, supporting a role for gout-specific pathways (eg, flare inflammation). These findings suggest gaps in current care, particularly in women and possibly among Black patients.

Dietary anthocyanin is associated with a lower prevalence of hyperuricemia independently of metabolic syndrome among females: Results from NHANES 2007-2010 and 2017-2018

OBJECTIVE

Known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, flavonoid has phytoestrogenic effects, but it is unclear whether its role in hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome (MetS) differs by gender. Moreover, given the strong association between hyperuricemia and MetS, we aimed to explore whether flavonoid is a protective factor for hyperuricemia, independently of MetS, in different genders.

METHODS

Data for 2007-2010 and 2017-2018 were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS). To assess the association among flavonoid, hyperuricemia, and MetS, multivariate logistic regression and subgroup analyses were conducted. Besides, to investigate whether the association between flavonoid and hyperuricemia was independent of MetS, multivariate logistic regression models were further conducted to explore the association between flavonoid and MetS among females with hyperuricemia and to investigate the association between flavonoid and hyperuricemia among females after excluding MetS.

RESULT

Among 5356 females, anthocyanin intake was inversely associated with the prevalence of hyperuricemia (Q4 vs. Q1: OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.76), and MetS (Q4 vs. Q1: OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.93). Furthermore, subgroup analyses showed the beneficial association between anthocyanin and hyperuricemia among females aged 40 to 59 years and menopausal. However, among 5104 males, no significant association was observed after adjustment for covariates (Q4 vs. Q1: OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.18). While in 372 females with hyperuricemia, no significant association was found between MetS and anthocyanin (Q4 vs. Q1: OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.31 to 2.49). Meanwhile, among 3335 females after excluding MetS, there was still a significant association between anthocyanin and a lower prevalence of hyperuricemia (Q4 vs. Q1: OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.85).

CONCLUSION

Dietary anthocyanin is associated with a lower prevalence of hyperuricemia independently of MetS among females. Foods rich in anthocyanin should be emphasized for females, especially those aged 40 to 59 years and menopausal, which may be of potential significance in the prevention of hyperuricemia.

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei JS-3 Isolated from "Jiangshui" Ameliorates Hyperuricemia by Regulating Gut Microbiota and iTS Metabolism

Background: A diet high in purines can impair the function of the gut microbiota and disrupt purine metabolism, which is closely associated with the onset of hyperuricemia. Dietary regulation and intestinal health maintenance are key approaches for controlling uric acid (UA) levels. Investigating the impacts of fermented foods offers potential dietary interventions for managing hyperuricemia. Methods: In this study, we isolated a strain with potent UA-degrading capabilities from "Jiangshui", a fermented food product from Gansu, China. We performed strain identification and assessed its probiotic potential. Hyperuricemic quails, induced by a high-purine diet, were used to assess the UA degradation capability of strain JS-3 by measuring UA levels in serum and feces. Additionally, the UA degradation pathways were elucidated through analyses of the gut microbiome and fecal metabolomics. Results: JS-3, identified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, was capable of eliminating 16.11% of uric acid (UA) within 72 h, rapidly proliferating and producing acid within 12 h, and surviving in the gastrointestinal tract. Using hyperuricemic quail models, we assessed JS-3's UA degradation capacity. Two weeks after the administration of JS-3 (2 × 108 cfu/d per quail), serum uric acid (SUA) levels significantly decreased to normal levels, and renal damage in quails was markedly improved. Concurrently, feces from the JS-3 group demonstrated a significant degradation of UA, achieving up to 49% within 24 h. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed JS-3's role in gut microbiota restoration by augmenting the probiotic community (Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides unclassified_f-Lachnospiraceae, and norank_fynorank_o-Clostridia_UCG-014) and diminishing the pathogenic bacteria (Macrococus and Lactococcus). Corresponding with the rise in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, JS-3 significantly increased SCFA levels (p < 0.05, 0.01). Additionally, JS-3 ameliorated metabolic disturbances in hyperuricemic quails, influencing 26 abnormal metabolites predominantly linked to purine, tryptophan, and bile acid metabolism, thereby enhancing UA degradation and renal protection. Conclusions: For the first time, we isolated and identified an active probiotic strain, JS-3, from the "Jiangshui" in Gansu, used for the treatment of hyperuricemia. It modulates host-microbiome interactions, impacts the metabolome, enhances intestinal UA degradation, reduces levels of SUA and fecal UA, alleviates renal damage, and effectively treats hyperuricemia without causing gastrointestinal damage. In summary, JS-3 can serve as a probiotic with potential therapeutic value for the treatment of hyperuricemia.

The association between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk for gout in hyperuricemia patients in China - A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been reported to be associated with multiple metabolic diseases. However, the connection between H. pylori infection and gout has not been explored previously. Our study aimed to investigate the association of gout and H. pylori infection in hyperuricemia population in China.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed among the subjects who underwent health checkup in our health promotion center from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. A total of 53,629 subjects with a mean age of 44.2 years were included in this study. H. pylori infection was defined as a positive [13]C-urea breath test. The effect of H. pylori infection on gout was assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

720 subjects with gout and 15,077 subjects with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (> 420 µmol/L in male and > 360 µmol/L in female) were enrolled. The prevalence rates of H. pylori infection, hyperuricemia and gout were 26.3%, 29.5%, 1.3%, respectively. The prevalence rate of H. pylori infection was significantly higher in subjects with gout than in those with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (35.0% vs. 27.2%; P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that H. pylori infection was associated with an increased risk of gout independent of serum uric acid level in hyperuricemia population (odds ratio [OR]: 1.320, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.124-1.550, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

H. pylori infection is positively associated with higher risk of gout in hyperuricemia population. The causal relationship and potential mechanism between H. pylori infection and gout warrants further investigation.

The association between monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio and hyperuricemia: Results from 2009 to 2018

Previous research has suggested that the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), an emerging inflammatory biomarker, holds promise in predicting the prevalence of various cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, earlier investigations were constrained by the relatively modest sample sizes. This study endeavored to expand the sample size and conduct a more comprehensive exploration of the potential relationship between MHR and hyperuricemia. This cross-sectional study incorporated data from participants of the 2009 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with complete and qualifying information. MHR was determined by calculating the ratio between monocyte count and high-density lipoprotein levels. Various statistical methodologies such as weighted multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, smoothed curve fitting, and threshold analysis, have been used to explore the correlation between hyperuricemia and MHR. The study included a cohort of 17,694 participants, of whom 3512 were diagnosed with hyperuricemia. MHR levels were notably higher in the hyperuricemia group than in the normal group, aligning with an elevated body mass index (BMI). A comprehensive multivariate logistic analysis, accounting for all relevant adjustments, revealed a notable positive correlation between MHR and hyperuricemia (P < .001, OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.54-2.54). Subgroup analysis indicated that the MHR exhibited an enhanced predictive capacity for identifying hyperuricemia risk, particularly in females (P < .05). Curvilinear and threshold analyses revealed a nonlinear association between MHR and hyperuricemia prevalence, with a notable inflection point at 0.826. In the US population, a clear positive correlation was observed between the MHR and prevalence of hyperuricemia. Importantly, the MHR is a more robust predictor of hyperuricemia risk in females. Further investigations are required to confirm these findings.

Correlation analysis of serum TLR4 protein levels and TLR4 gene polymorphisms in gouty arthritis patients

OBJECTIVE

The Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-mediated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway regulates the production of inflammatory factors and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of gouty arthritis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the link among TLR4 gene polymorphisms at various loci, protein expression, and gouty arthritis susceptibility.

METHODS

Between 2016 and 2021, a case-control study was used to collect a total of 1207 study subjects, including 317 male patients with gouty arthritis (gout group) and 890 healthy males (control group). The association between gout susceptibility and different genetic models was analyzed by typing three loci of the TLR4 gene (rs2149356, rs2737191, and rs10759932) using a multiplex point mutation rapid assay, and the association between protein expression and gout was confirmed by measuring TLR4 protein concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).

RESULTS

In a codominant models AA and AG, the rs2737191 polymorphism in the gout group increased the risk of gout compared to the AA genotype (OR = 2.249, 95%CI 1.010~5.008), and the risk of gout was higher for those carrying the G allele compared to the A allele (OR = 2.227, 95%CI 1.006~4.932). TLR4 protein expression was different between the two groups with different locus genotypes. The differences in TLR4 protein expression between the gout group and control group were statistically significant between the following genotypes: the GG and GT genotypes of the rs2149356 polymorphism; the AA and AG genotypes of the rs2737191 polymorphism; and the TT and TC genotypes of the rs10759932 polymorphism(P<0.05). The TLR4 protein level in the gout group (19.19±3.09 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that in the control group (15.85±4.75 ng/ml).

CONCLUSION

The AG genotype of the TLR4 gene rs2737191 polymorphism may be correlated with the development of gouty arthritis. The level of TLR4 protein expression is significantly higher in patients with gouty arthritis than in controls, and there is a correlation between high TLR4 protein expression and the development of gouty arthritis.

L-shaped association between lean body mass to visceral fat mass ratio with hyperuricemia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Insufficient attention has been given to examining the correlation between body composition and hyperuricemia, leading to inconsistent findings. The primary objective of this research is to explore the association between lean body mass index (LMI), visceral fat mass index (VFMI), and hyperuricemia. A specific emphasis will be placed on assessing the link between the ratio of lean body mass to visceral fat mass (LMI/VFMI) and hyperuricemia.

METHODS

The present study employed a cross-sectional design and involved a total of 9,646 individuals who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). To explore the associations among the variables, logistic and linear regressions were employed. Additionally, subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted based on various characteristics.

RESULTS

The results showed that LMI was positively associated with hyperuricemia (for Per-SD: OR = 1.88, 95%CI: 1.75, 2.01; for quartiles [Q4:Q1]: OR = 5.37, 95%CI: 4.31, 6.69). Meanwhile, VFMI showed a positive association with hyperuricemia (for Per-SD: OR = 2.02, 95%CI: 1.88, 2.16; for quartiles [Q4:Q1]: OR =8.37, 95%CI: 6.70, 10.47). When considering the effects of In LMI/VFMI, an L-shaped negative association with hyperuricemia was observed (for Per-SD: OR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.42, 0.49; for quartiles [Q4:Q1]: OR = 0.16, 95%CI: 0.13, 0.20). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses demonstrated the robustness of this association across different subgroups. Additionally, the segmented regression analysis indicated a saturation effect of 5.64 for the In LMI/VFMI with hyperuricemia (OR = 0.20, 95%CI: 0.17, 0.24). For every 2.72-fold increase of In LMI/VFMI, the risk of hyperuricemia was reduced by 80%.

CONCLUSION

The LMI/VFMI ratio is non-linearly associated with serum uric acid. Whether this association is causal needs to be confirmed in further longitudinal studies or Mendelian randomization.

The Clinical Significance of Serum Interleukin-36α Levels in Patients with Gout

BACKGROUND

Gout is a chronic inflammatory diseases caused by monosodium urate crystal deposition. However, the role of interleukin (IL)-36 in gout has not dbeen elucidated.

METHODS

We enrolled 75 subjects, including 20 healthy controls (HC), 30 patients with acute gout attack and 25 patients in remission. Baseline data were obtained through clinical interrogation and laboratory data were obtained through tests of blood samples. Serum levels of IL-36α were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of IL-36α with other parameters. The diagnostic value of IL-36α was demonstrated using a receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

The serum IL-36α level of gout patients in acute attack and remission stage was significantly higher than that of HC. Serum IL-36α was positively correlated with alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Serum amyloid A (SAA) levels positively correlated with C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates. Glutamyl transpeptidase levels positively correlated with AST and ALT levels.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, serum IL-36α levels were elevated in patients with gout and correlated with the clinical markers of inflammation. Our findings suggest that IL-36α may be a novel inflammatory indicator for gout.

Preventive effect of Lactobacillus johnsonii YH1136 against uric acid accumulation and renal damages

Background

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a prevalent metabolic disorder whose development is associated with intestinal microbiota. Therefore, probiotics have emerged as a potential and safe approach for lowering uric acid (UA) levels. However, the underlying mechanisms of many effective probiotic strains remain unknown.

Methods and results

C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups: control and model groups. The model group received 12 weeks of potassium oxonate. Through 16s sequencing we found that HUA resulted in a significant decrease in the total diversity of all intestinal segments. When each intestinal segment was analyzed individually, the reduction in diversity was only significant in the cecum and colon sections. RDA analysis showed that lactobacilli in the rat colon exhibited a strong correlation with model group, suggesting that Lactobacillus may play an important role in HUA. Consequently, the preventive effects of Lactobacillus johnsonii YH1136 against HUA were investigated. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, model and YH1136 groups. The results showed that administering Lactobacillus johnsonii YH1136 effectively reduced serum UA levels in vivo by inhibiting hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity and promoting renal ABCG2 transporter expression. Moreover, supplementation with Lactobacillus johnsonii YH1136 significantly ameliorated pathological damage in the kidney and liver, thereby reducing UA accumulation.

Conclusion

Hyperuricemia is accompanied by an altered composition of multiple gut bacteria, of which Lactobacillus is a key genus. Lactobacillus johnsonii YH1136 may ameliorate renal involvement in HUA via the gut-kidney axis.

Fractional Excretion of Urate is Positively Associated with Type 2 Diabetes in HUA Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

People with hyperuricemia (HUA) are often related to metabolic disorders such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and obesity. However, the correlation between excretion of uric acid and these diseases is unclear. Our study aimed to explore the relationship between uric acid excretion and type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

A total of 228 HUA patients from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from 2022 to 2023 were included in this study. We collected demographic, biochemical, and anthropometric data on each subject. Urine uric acid excretion (UUAE) was calculated enzymatically from a single urine collection that lasted 24 hours. And fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) was calculated from serum uric acid and creatinine and uric acid and creatinine. Binary logistic regression modeling assessed the association between uric acid excretion and T2D.

Results

Of the 228 subjects, 13.4% had T2D and 48.7% had obesity. The obesity group had a lower FEUA (p<0.05) and a higher UUAE compared to the control group (p<0.05). And FEUA had a stronger correlation with the risk of T2D (p<0.001). Also, there was a negative association between BMI and FEUA and a positive link between BMI and UUAE in the outpatients.

Conclusion

Increased FEUA levels were significantly associated with T2D in HUA patients. Therefore, routine calculating of FEUA is essential for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment T2D of in HUA patients.

Association between sex hormones and gout: An analysis of the UK Biobank cohort

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the associations between sex hormones and gout.

METHODS

A total of 448,836 individuals free of gout at baseline were included from the UK Biobank. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for gout. Besides, we investigated the causal relationship between bioavailable testosterone (BAT) and gout using mendelian randomization (MR).

RESULTS

There were differential effects in different testosterone active states in gout. One-unit higher log-transformed total testosterone (TT) was associated with a 52 % [95 % CI, 0.39-0.58] lower risk of gout in males. In contrast, free testosterone (FT) and BAT were associated with a 74 % [95 % CI, 1.38-2.20] and a 78 % [95 % CI, 1.41-2.25] higher risk of gout in males respectively. For MR, the weighted median [OR, 1.70; 95 % CI, 1.14-2.56;] and inverse variance-weighted [OR, 1.25; 95 % CI, 0.96-1.62; P = 0.09] method revealed significant and approximately significant positive effect of genetic liability to BAT levels on the risk of gout respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Sex hormones were potentially associated with gout. Notably, we were the first to explore different testosterone states on gout and found that FT and BAT may increase the risk of gout in males, which is opposite to TT. And the former are active states of androgens, may be more accurately reflect the association between androgens and gout.

The agreement of low lean mass with obesity using different definitions and its correlation with hyperuricemia

Background

The agreement on the identification of sarcopenic obesity remains elusive, and its association with hyperuricemia remains unestablished. This study sought to evaluate the agreement of low lean mass (LLM) with obesity and its correlation with hyperuricemia.

Methods

A total of 25,252 study participants, comprising 4,597 individuals with hyperuricemia, were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning the years 1999-2006 and 2011-2018. LLM with obesity was characterized by the coexistence of LLM, determined by the ratio of appendicular lean mass to body mass index (BMI), and three categories of obesity including BMI, body fat percentage (BF%), and waist circumference (WC). We employed Cohen's kappa to evaluate the agreement among the different diagnostic criteria and implemented survey multiple logistic regression and stratified analyses to explicate the connection between LLM with obesity and the risk of hyperuricemia.

Results

When defining obesity using BF%, BMI, and WC, the prevalence of LLM with obesity varied from 6.6 to 10.1%, with moderate-to-strong agreement. In the fully adjusted model, individuals with LLM or any of the three types of obesity exhibited notably elevated odds of developing hyperuricemia. Likewise, participants with LLM and obesity had 2.70 (LLM + BMI), 2.44 (LLM + BF%), and 3.12 (LLM + WC) times the risk of hyperuricemia, respectively, compared with healthy individuals. The association between LLM with obesity and hyperuricemia remained stable and significant across different age and sex subgroups.

Conclusion

When employing the three definitions of obesity, the incidence of LLM with obesity was not high, and the diagnostic agreement was relatively good. The participants with LLM and obesity exhibited an increased risk of hyperuricemia.

The COMPARE head-to-head, randomized controlled trial of SEL-212 (pegadricase plus rapamycin-containing nanoparticle, ImmTOR™) versus pegloticase for refractory gout

OBJECTIVES

Serum urate (SU) lowering with PEGylated uricases in gout can reduce flares and tophi. However, treatment-emergent anti-drug antibodies adversely affect safety and efficacy and the currently approved PEGylated uricase pegloticase requires twice-monthly infusions. Investigational SEL-212 therapy aims to promote uricase-specific tolerance via monthly sequential infusions of a proprietary rapamycin-containing nanoparticle (ImmTOR) and pegadricase.

METHODS

COMPARE was a randomized, phase 2, open-label trial of SEL-212 vs pegloticase in adults with refractory gout. SEL-212 [ImmTOR (0.15 mg/kg) and pegadricase (0.2 mg/kg)] was infused monthly or pegloticase (8 mg) twice monthly for 6 months. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants with SU <6 mg/dl for ≥80% of the time during 3 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes were mean SU, gout flares, number of tender and/or swollen joints and safety.

RESULTS

During months 3 and 6 combined, numerically more participants achieved and maintained a SU <6 mg/dl for ≥80% of the time with SEL-212 vs pegloticase (53.0% vs 46.0%, P = 0.181). The percentage reductions in SU levels were statistically greater during months 3 and 6 with SEL-212 vs pegloticase (-73.79% and -47.96%, P = 0.0161). Reductions in gout flare incidence and number of tender and/or swollen joints were comparable between treatments. There were numerical differences between the most common treatment-related adverse events of interest with SEL-212 and pegloticase: gout flares (60.2% vs 50.6%), infections (25.3% vs 18.4%) and infusion-related reactions (15.7% vs 11.5%), respectively. Stomatitis (and related terms) was experienced by eight participants (9.6%) with SEL-212 and none with pegloticase. Stomatitis, a known event for rapamycin, was associated with ImmTOR only.

CONCLUSIONS

SEL-212 efficacy and tolerability were comparable to pegloticase in refractory gout. This was associated with a substantial reduction in treatment burden with SEL-212 due to decreased infusion frequency vs pegloticase.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03905512.

Social Listening in Gout: Impact of Proactive vs. Reactive Management on Self-Reported Emotional States

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to characterize patient-reported outcomes from social media conversations in the gout community. The impact of management strategy differences on the community's emotional states was explored.

METHODS

We analyzed two social media sources using a variety of natural language processing techniques. We isolated conversations with a high probability of discussing disease management (score > 0.99). These conversations were stratified by management type: proactive or reactive. The polarity (positivity/negativity) of language and emotions conveyed in statements shared by community members was assessed by management type.

RESULTS

Among the statements related to management, reactive management (e.g., urgent care) was mentioned in 0.5% of statements, and proactive management (e.g., primary care) was mentioned in 0.6% of statements. Reactive management statements had a significantly larger proportion of negative words (59%) than did proactive management statements (44%); "fear" occurred more frequently with reactive statements, whereas "trust" predominated in proactive statements. Allopurinol was the most common medication in proactive management statements, whereas reactive management had significantly higher counts of prednisone/steroid mentions.

CONCLUSIONS

A unique aspect of examining gout-related social media conversations is the ability to better understand the intersection of clinical management and emotional impacts in the gout community. The effect of social media statements was significantly stratified by management type for gout community members, where proactive management statements were characterized by more positive language than reactive management statements. These results suggest that proactive disease management may result in more positive mental and emotional experiences in patients with gout.

Antihyperuricemic activity and inhibition mechanism of xanthine oxidase inhibitory peptides derived from whey protein by virtual screening

Xanthine oxidase (XO), a rate-limiting enzyme in uric acid production, is the pivotal therapeutic target for gout and hyperuricemia. In this study, 57 peptides from α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin were obtained via virtual enzymatic hydrolysis, and 10 XO inhibitory peptides were virtually screened using molecular docking. Then toxicity, allergenicity, solubility, and isoelectric point of the obtained 10 novel peptides were evaluated by in silico tools. The XO activity of these synthetic peptides was tested using an in vitro assay by high-performance liquid chromatography. Their inhibitory mechanism was further explored by molecular docking. The results showed that 4 peptides GL, PM, AL, and AM exhibited higher inhibitory activity, and their half maximal inhibitory concentration in vitro was 10.20 ± 0.89, 23.82 ± 0.94, 34.49 ± 0.89, and 40.45 ± 0.92 mM, respectively. The peptides fitted well with XO through hydrogen bond, hydrophobic interaction, and van der Waals forces, and amino acid residues Glu802, Leu873, Arg880, and Pro1076 played an important role in this process. Overall, this study indicated 4 novel peptides GL, PM, AL, and AM from whey protein exhibited XO inhibitory activity, and they might be useful and safe XO inhibitors for hyperuricemia prevention and treatment.

Exploring the causal associations of micronutrients on urate levels and the risk of gout: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Growing evidence has indicated a potential association between micronutrient levels, urate levels, and the risk of gout. However, the causal association underlying these associations still remains uncertain. Previous observational studies and randomized controlled trials investigating the association between micronutrients, urate levels, and the risk of gout have been limited in their scope and depth. The aim of this study was to utilize Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal associations between genetically predicted micronutrient levels, urate levels, and the risk of gout.

METHODS

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of 10 specific micronutrients (vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, folate, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium) as potential exposures. Two-sample MR analyses were performed to explore their causal associations with urate levels and the risk of gout. In these analyses, gout data were collected from the Global Biobank Meta-Analysis Initiative (N = 1,069,839, N cases = 30,549) and urate levels data from CKDGen Consortium (N = 288,649) by utilizing publicly available summary statistics from independent cohorts of European ancestry. We performed inverse-variance weighted MR analyses as main analyses, along with a range of sensitivity analyses, such as MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, Steiger filtering, MR-PRESSO, and Radial MR analysis, to ensure the robustness of our findings.

RESULTS

The results of our study indicate that there were negative associations between serum vitamin B12 and urate levels, as well as serum folate and the risk of gout. Specifically, we found a negative association between vitamin B12 levels and urate levels, with a β coefficient of -0.324 (95% CI -0.0581 to -0.0066, P = 0.0137) per one standard deviation (SD) increase. Similarly, a negative association was observed between folate levels and gout risk, with an odds ratio of 0.8044 (95% CI 0.6637 to 0.9750, P = 0.0265) per one SD increase. On the other hand, we identified positive associations between serum calcium levels and both urate levels and the risk of gout. Specifically, there was a positive association between serum calcium levels and urate levels (β coefficient: 0.0994, 95% CI 0.0519 to 0.1468, P = 4.11E-05) per one SD increase. Furthermore, a positive association was found between serum calcium levels and the risk of gout, with an odds ratio of 1.1479 (95% CI 1.0460 to 1.2598, P = 0.0036) per one SD increase. These findings were robust in extensive sensitivity analyses. By employing MR-PRESSO and Radial MR to eliminate outliers, the observed associations have been reinforced. No clear associations were found between the other micronutrients and the urate levels, as well as the risk of gout.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provided evidence that there were negative associations between serum vitamin B12 and urate levels, as well as serum folate and the risk of gout, while positive associations existed between the serum calcium levels and urate levels, as well as the risk of gout.

The gout epidemic in French Polynesia: a modelling study of data from the Ma'i u'u epidemiological survey

BACKGROUND

Gout is the most common cause of inflammatory arthritis worldwide, particularly in Pacific regions. We aimed to establish the prevalence of gout and hyperuricaemia in French Polynesia, their associations with dietary habits, their comorbidities, the prevalence of the HLA-B*58:01 allele, and current management of the disease.

METHODS

The Ma'i u'u survey was epidemiological, prospective, cross-sectional, and gout-focused and included a random sample of adults from the general adult population of French Polynesia. It was conducted and data were collected between April 13 and Aug 16, 2021. Participants were randomly selected to represent the general adult population of French Polynesia on the basis of housing data collected during the 2017 territorial census. Each selected household was visited by a research nurse from the Ma'i u'u survey who collected data via guided, 1-h interviews with participants. In each household, the participant was the individual older than 18 years with the closest upcoming birthday. To estimate the frequency of HLA-B*58:01, we estimated HLA-B haplotypes on individuals who had whole-genome sequencing to approximately 5× average coverage (mid-pass sequencing). A subset of individuals who self-reported Polynesian ancestry and not European, Chinese, or other ancestry were used to estimate Polynesian-ancestry specific allele frequencies. Bivariate associations were reported for weighted participants; effect sizes were estimated through the odds ratio (OR) of the association calculated on the basis of a logistic model fitted with weighted observations.

FINDINGS

Among the random sample of 2000 households, 896 participants were included, 140 individuals declined, and 964 households could not be contacted. 22 participants could not be weighted due to missing data, so the final weighted analysis included 874 participants (449 [51·4%] were female and 425 [48·6%] were male) representing the 196 630 adults living in French Polynesia. The estimated prevalence of gout was 14·5% (95% CI 9·9-19·2), representing 28 561 French Polynesian adults, that is 25·5% (18·2-32·8) of male individuals and 3·5% (1·0-6·0) of female individuals. The prevalence of hyperuricaemia was estimated at 71·6% (66·7-76·6), representing 128 687 French Polynesian adults. In multivariable analysis, age (OR 1·5, 95% CI 1·2-1·8 per year), male sex (10·3, 1·8-60·7), serum urate (1·6, 1·3-2·0 per 1 mg/dL), uraturia (0·8, 0·8-0·8 per 100 mg/L), type 2 diabetes (2·1, 1·4-3·1), BMI more than 30 kg/m2 (1·1, 1·0-1·2 per unit), and percentage of visceral fat (1·7, 1·1-2·7 per 1% increase) were associated with gout. There were seven heterozygous HLA-B*58:01 carriers in the full cohort of 833 individuals (seven [0·4%] of 1666 total alleles) and two heterozygous carriers in a subset of 696 individuals of Polynesian ancestry (two [0·1%]).

INTERPRETATION

French Polynesia has an estimated high prevalence of gout and hyperuricaemia, with gout affecting almost 15% of adults. Territorial measures that focus on increasing access to effective urate-lowering therapies are warranted to control this major public health problem.

FUNDING

Variant Bio, the French Polynesian Health Administration, Lille Catholic University Hospitals, French Society of Rheumatology, and Novartis.

The anti-hyperuricemic and gut microbiota regulatory effects of a novel purine assimilatory strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum X7022

PURPOSE

Probiotics have been reported to effectively alleviate hyperuricemia and regulate the gut microbiota. The aim of this work was to study the in vivo anti-hyperuricemic properties and the mechanism of a novel strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum X7022.

METHODS

Purine content and mRNA expression of purine assimilation related enzymes were determined by HPLC and qPCR, respectively. Hyperuricemic mice were induced by potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine. Uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and renal inflammation were examined by kits. The expression of renal UA transporters was subjected to western blotting. Kidney tissues were sectioned for histological analysis. The fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined by HPLC, and gut microbiota was investigated using the 16S rDNA metagenomic sequencing.

RESULTS

L. plantarum X7022 possesses a complete purine assimilation pathway and can exhaust xanthine, guanine, and adenine by 82.1%, 33.1%, and 12.6%, respectively. The strain exhibited gastrointestinal viability as 44% at the dose of 109 CFU/mL in mice. After four-week administration of the strain, a significant decrease of 35.5% in the serum UA level in hyperuricemic mice was achieved. The diminished contents of fecal propionate and butyrate were dramatically boosted. The treatment also alleviated renal inflammation and restored renal damage. The above physiological changes may due to the inhibited xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, as well as the expressional regulation of UA transporters (GLUT9, URAT1 and OAT1) to the normal level. Notably, gut microbiota dysbiosis in hyperuricemic mice was improved with the inflammation and hyperuricemia related flora depressed, and SCFAs production related flora promoted.

CONCLUSION

The strain is a promising probiotic strain for ameliorating hyperuricemia.

Arthroscopic surgery for ankle gouty arthritis: a retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes at six month follow-up based on a novel classification system

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, and recurrence rate of patients diagnosed with ankle gouty arthritis who underwent arthroscopic surgery based on the new classification.

METHODS

A total of 51 patients diagnosed with ankle gouty arthritis were included in this retrospective study. A new classification was proposed based on the location and extent of MSU crystal deposition under an arthroscopy view. Patients are classified into different types and underwent arthroscopic surgery accordingly. The primary outcome measure was the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score. The secondary outcomes included the visual analog pain scale (VAS), serum uric acid levels, and the recurrence rate of ankle gouty arthritis at one year postoperatively.

RESULTS

Based on the new classification, five patients were Type I, 24 patients were Type II, five were Type III A, six were Type III B, and 11 were Type IV. The average follow-up time was 23.5 ± 10.9 months. The AOFAS hindfoot-ankle score improved significantly from 70.3 ± 15.9 to 85.6 ± 13.0 (p < 0.01). The mean serum uric acid level was significantly decreased from 442.0 ± 109.2 to 540.5 ± 132.4 (p < 0.01). The average VAS scale decreased from 3.8 ± 1.9 to 1.4 ± 1.7 (p < 0.01). The median of recurrences in one year postoperatively was significantly decreased from 1.5 (1, 3.75) to 0 (0, 0.75) (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

A new classification strategy for ankle gouty arthritis based on arthroscopic view was proposed. Patients with ankle gouty arthritis showed significant improvement in ankle function and pain relief after undergoing arthroscopic surgery driven by the new classification.

Prevalence and Associations Between Metabolic Syndrome Components and Hyperuricemia by Race: Findings From US Population, 2011-2020

OBJECTIVE

We explored the trend in prevalence of hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome in US populations and investigated associations between components of metabolic syndrome and hyperuricemia by race.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the four most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles (2011 to March 2020), comprising 10,175 participants. Hyperuricemia is defined as serum urate >7.0 mg/dL (men) or >5.7 mg/dL (women), following the NHANES-III guideline. The definition of metabolic syndrome follows the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III guideline. We estimated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and hyperuricemia in each cycle and performed subgroup analyses with logistic regression to investigate the patterns of associated components of metabolic syndrome with hyperuricemia.

RESULTS

In the most recent cycle (2017 to March 2020), the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 45.9% and that of hyperuricemia was 20.7%. Over the 2011 to 2020 period, a significant rise in metabolic syndrome prevalence was observed among Hispanic and Asian populations, and the prevalence of hyperuricemia has increased significantly only in the Hispanic population. After adjustment for confounding factors, patients with metabolic syndrome exhibited a higher hyperuricemia in women than in men. Elevated blood pressure was the strongest factor with hyperuricemia. The association was the weakest in the Asian population. Waist circumference was the only significant factor associated with hyperuricemia in the Asian population.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has an increasing pattern, but there was no specific decadal trend in prevalence of hyperuricemia. There is an ethnicity-specific association of metabolic syndrome and hyperuricemia, especially among Asians.

The association between gout flares and monosodium urate burden assessed using musculoskeletal ultrasound in patients with gout

Background

Ultrasound (US) has a high sensitivity in detecting monosodium urate (MSU) deposition in gout patients. However, the value of US in predicting gout flares has been reported only in a few monocentric studies.

Objective

To investigate the association between gout flares in the previous year and US-detected MSU burden using two different US scores.

Design

A retrospective study.

Methods

Patients with gout were consecutively recruited to undergo musculoskeletal US examinations of their knees, ankles, and feet. The score derived from Outcome Measure in Rheumatology (hereinafter referred to as MSU score) and musculoskeletal US features-based (hereinafter referred to as MSKF score) were used to quantify the MSU burden of gout. Odds ratios for frequent gout flares were calculated.

Results

We enrolled 1894 patients with gout (mean age: 45 years; gout duration: 5 years; males: 96.1%), experiencing a median of three flares over the past year. Of these, 428 (22.6%) patients reported frequent (⩾7) gout flares. The MSU and MSKF median scores were 6 and 9, respectively. For each five-point increase in MSU and MSKF score, the odds ratio of frequent gout flares increased 1.13-fold and 1.24-fold, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) for the MSU and MSKF score was 0.635 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.604-0.665] and 0.688 (95% CI: 0.659-0.718), respectively, (AUC difference 0.054, p value for AUC difference < 0.001).

Conclusion

The MSU and MSKF scores were significantly associated with the number of gout flares in the previous year. The MSKF score outperformed the MSU score in terms of frequent gout flare discrimination.

Associations of Bisphenols Exposure and Hyperuricemia Based on Human Investigation and Animal Experiments

Hyperuricemia is characterized by elevated blood uric acid (UA) levels, which can lead to certain diseases. Epidemiological studies have explored the association between environmental contaminant exposure and hyperuricemia. However, few studies have investigated the role of chemical exposure in the development of hyperuricemia. Here, we sought to investigate the effects of bisphenol exposure on the occurrence of hyperuricemia. Fifteen bisphenol chemicals (BPs) were detected in human serum and urine samples collected from an area with a high incidence of hyperuricemia in China. Serum UA levels positively correlated with urinary bisphenol S (BPS), urinary bisphenol P (BPP), and serum bisphenol F (BPF). The effects of these three chemicals on UA levels in mice were explored at various exposure concentrations. An increase in serum UA levels was observed in BPS- and BPP-exposed mice. The results showed that BPS exposure increased serum UA levels by damaging the structure of the kidneys, whereas BPP exposure increased serum UA levels by disturbing purine metabolism in the liver. Moreover, BPF did not induce an increase in serum UA levels owing to the inhibition of guanine conversion to UA. In summary, we provide evidence of the mechanisms whereby exposure to three BPs disturbs UA homeostasis. These findings provide new insights into the risks of exposure to bisphenol chemicals.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri HCS02-001 Attenuates Hyperuricemia through Gut Microbiota-Dependent Regulation of Uric Acid Biosynthesis and Excretion

Hyperuricemia is a prevalent metabolic disorder that arises from abnormal purine metabolism and reduced excretion of uric acid (UA). The gut microbiota plays a significant role in the biosynthesis and excretion of UA. Probiotics capable of purine degradation possess the potential to prevent hyperuricemia. Our study aimed to screen probiotics in areas with abundant dairy products and longevity populations in China, which could attenuate the level of UA and explore the underlying mechanism. In this study, twenty-three lactic acid bacteria isolated from healthy Chinese infant feces and traditional fermented foods such as hurood and lump milk were evaluated for the ability to tolerance acid, bile, artificial gastric juice, and artificial intestinal juice to determine the potential of the candidate strains as probiotics. Eight strains were identified as possessing superior tolerance to simulated intestinal conditions and were further analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), revealing that Limosilactobacillus reuteri HCS02-001 (Lact-1) and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei HCS17-040 (Lact-2) possess the most potent ability to degrade purine nucleosides. The effect of Lact-1 and Lact-2 on hyperuricemia was evaluated by intervening with them in the potassium oxonate and adenine-induced hyperuricemia Balb/c mice model in vivo. Our results showed that the level of serum UA in hyperuricemic mice can be efficiently reduced via the oral administration of Lact-1 (p < 0.05). It significantly inhibited the levels of liver inflammatory cytokines and hepatic xanthine oxidase through a TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway across the gut-liver axis. Furthermore, UA transporters ABCG2 and SLC2A9 were substantially upregulated by the intervention of this probiotic. Fecal ATP levels were significantly induced, while fecal xanthine dehydrogenase and allantoinase levels were increased following probiotics. RNA sequencing of HT-29 cells line treated with Lact-1 and its metabolites demonstrated significant regulation of pathways related to hyperuricemia. In summary, these findings demonstrate that Limosilactobacillus reuteri HCS02-001 possesses a capacity to ameliorate hyperuricemia by inhibiting UA biosynthesis via enhancing gastrointestinal barrier functions and promoting UA removal through the upregulation of urate transporters, thereby providing a basis for the probiotic formulation by targeting the gut microbiota.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ameliorates hyperuricemia in a novel model

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic syndrome caused by abnormal purine metabolism. Although recent studies have noted a relationship between the gut microbiota and gout, whether the microbiota could ameliorate HUA-associated systemic purine metabolism remains unclear. In this study, we constructed a novel model of HUA in geese and investigated the mechanism by which Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) could have beneficial effects on HUA. The administration of antibiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments were used in this HUA goose model. The effects of LGG and its metabolites on HUA were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. Heterogeneous expression and gene knockout of LGG revealed the mechanism of LGG. Multi-omics analysis revealed that the Lactobacillus genus is associated with changes in purine metabolism in HUA. This study showed that LGG and its metabolites could alleviate HUA through the gut-liver-kidney axis. Whole-genome analysis, heterogeneous expression, and gene knockout of LGG enzymes ABC-type multidrug transport system (ABCT), inosine-uridine nucleoside N-ribohydrolase (iunH), and xanthine permease (pbuX) demonstrated the function of nucleoside degradation in LGG. Multi-omics and a correlation analysis in HUA patients and this goose model revealed that a serum proline deficiency, as well as changes in Collinsella and Lactobacillus, may be associated with the occurrence of HUA. Our findings demonstrated the potential of a goose model of diet-induced HUA, and LGG and proline could be promising therapies for HUA.

The role of body mass index on the association between the energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index and hyperuricemia: a mediation analysis based on NHANES (2007-2016)

BACKGROUND

The Energy-Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII) is related to both body mass index (BMI) and hyperuricemia. However, the association among BMI, hyperuricemia and DII is yet to be fully elucidated. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of BMI in the relationship between E-DII and hyperuricemia in the American population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2007 to 2016, with a sample size of 10,571 participants. The study used a weighted logistic regression model and a generalized additive model (GAM) to explore the associations among BMI, hyperuricemia and E-DII. Furthermore, mediation analysis was utilized to illustrate the mediating relationships among these variables.

RESULTS

The results of the study indicated that a higher E-DII was related to an increased risk of hyperuricemia. The association between E-DII and hyperuricemia was partially mediated by BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

E-DII is associated with hyperuricemia. BMI mediates the relationship between E-DII and hyperuricemia among Americans, which provides crucial information for the prevention of hyperuricemia.

Influence of Aging on Outcomes of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Hypertensive Patients with Heart Failure: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of aging on the effectiveness and tolerance of sacubitril/valsartan (sac/val) among hypertensive patients complicated with heart failure in a real-world setting.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective study included patients (≥18 years old) admitted with a diagnosis of hypertension and heart failure, starting sac/val therapy between January 2020 and December 2021 from 3 medical centers. Patients were grouped by the cutoff age of 65 years. Outcomes were collected 31-365 days after the initiation of sac/val and were compared in a matched cohort after 1: 1 propensity score matching (PSM).

RESULTS

A total of 794 patients were finally analyzed. Blood pressure and cardiac functions improved significantly compared with values at baseline. There were 269 patients in each cohort (<65 years and ≥65 years) after PSM. After PSM, the incidence of hyperuricemia and hypotension in the elderly patients (≥65 years) was significantly higher than in those <65 years of age. Kaplan-Meier estimate suggested that the cumulative incidence of new or recurrent cardiovascular events increased significantly at the age of ≥65 years after the point of 3 months (log-rank P =.00087).

CONCLUSION

Sac/val benefited patients in both cohorts by improving blood pressure and cardiac function. Elderly patients (≥65 years) were susceptible to hypotension, low diastolic blood pressure, hyperuricemia, and underwent cardiac-related readmissions more frequently.

Zerumbone reduces TLR2 stimulation-induced M1 macrophage polarization pattern via upregulation of Nrf-2 expression in murine macrophages

Hyperuricemia contributes significantly to gout arthritis pathogenesis, which promotes urate crystal deposition in the joints and activates joint-resident macrophages and circulating monocytes to initiate a state of inflammatory arthritis. In the joint, macrophages have an immune defense role where the presence of urate crystals results in the inflammatory mediators secretion, inflammatory cells recruitment to the joint, and shift macrophage population toward M1 pro-inflammatory phenotypes. Current treatment modalities of gout arthritis have side effects that limit their use in the elderly. A novel treatment that targets macrophage polarization to re-establish homeostasis may initiate a drug discovery program of novel disease-modifying agents for gout. Zerumbone (Zer) is a sesquiterpenoid bioactive compound found in the rhizome of Zingiberaceae family and possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative activity. Our study hypothesized that soluble uric acid (sUA) and Pam3CSK4 (TLR2 agonist) reduce the anti-inflammatory function of murine M2 bone marrow-derived macrophages and change the expression of M2 genetic markers toward M1 phenotypes. We observed that priming of M2 macrophages with sUA and Pam3CSK4 significantly decreased M2 specific markers expression, e.g., Arg-1, Ym-1, and Fizz-1, enhanced mRNA expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, CXCL2, and iNOS and increased oxidative stress in M2 macrophages, as exhibited by a reduction in Nrf2 expression. We also aimed to study the impact of Zer on reducing the pro-inflammatory effect of sUA in TLR2-stimulated M2 macrophages. We noticed that Zer treatment significantly reduced L-1β and TNF-α production following Pam3CSK4 + sUA treatment on M2 macrophages. Furthermore, Zer reduced the caspase-1 activity without altering cytosolic NLRP3 content in challenged M2 BMDMs. We also observed that Zer significantly enhanced M2-associated marker's expression, e.g., Arg-1, Ym-1, and Fizz-1, and augmented Nrf-2 and other antioxidant proteins, including HMOX1 and srxn1expression following Pam3CSK4 + sUA treatment. We draw the conclusion that Zer is a potentially effective anti-inflammatory treatment for gout arthritis linked to hyperuricemia.

Health disparities in gout

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Gout, the most common type of inflammatory arthritis in the world, is characterized by painful episodes of arthritis linked by asymptomatic intercritical periods of hyperuricemia. Once characterized as a disease of wealthy white men, contemporary evidence demonstrates gout disproportionately afflicts racial/ethnic minorities, Indigenous populations and other underrepresented groups leading to significant health disparities.

RECENT FINDINGS

Herein, we review the current literature reporting a higher incidence and prevalence of gout in racial/ethnic minorities and Indigenous populations, in addition to a growing gout burden reported in females. We also examine how these population are more likely to receive suboptimal treatment for flares and chronic phases of gout. Additionally, we examine biologic and social health determinants that may be contributing to these findings.

SUMMARY

Racial/ethnic minorities, Indigenous populations, and females have experienced a disproportionate rise in the prevalence and incidence of gout in recent years, are more likely to seek acute medical care and are less likely to receive optimal long-term care for gout with urate lowering therapy. Mechanisms underpinning these findings appear to be multifactorial and include differences in social determinants of care and in some cases may be due to population differences in select biologic factors such as differences in age, sex, genetics.

Association between anthropometric indices and hyperuricemia: a nationwide study in China

This article explored the relationship between anthropometric indices and hyperuricemia in Chinese adults. The ability of each anthropometric index to predict hyperuricemia was also compared in this article. This is a cross-sectional study containing 69,842 samples from 31 provinces and cities in China. Anthropometric indices included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), waist circumference-triglyceride index (WTI), and weight-adjusted waist index (WWI). The survey data obtained were disaggregated and analyzed according to sex and age. BMI, WC, BRI, WHtR, LAP, VAI, TyG, WTI, and WWI were all significantly associated with hyperuricemia (P < 0.001). In the total population, WTI (AUC 0.7015, P < 0.001) had the highest predictive power, and WWI (AUC 0.5417, P < 0.001) had the lowest. In addition, after dividing the male and female populations, LAP (AUC 0.6571, P < 0.001 for men; AUC 0.7326, P < 0.001 for women) had the highest predictive power among both men and women. The ABSI (AUC 0.5189, P < 0.001 for men; AUC 0.5788, P < 0.001 for women) had the lowest predictive power among both men and women. BMI, WC, BRI, WHtR, LAP, VAI, TyG, and WTI were positively correlated with the risk of hyperuricemia and serum uric acid concentrations in both sexes. Among the general population, WTI had the highest predictive power. After dividing the population by sex, LAP had the highest predictive power in both men and women. Key Points • Anthropometric indices are highly correlated with hyperuricemia. Waist circumference-triglyceride index (WTI) is first found to be associated with hyperuricemia, and it has high predictive power. • The predictive power of anthropometric indices for hyperuricemia is more useful in women. • The restricted cubic splines visually shows the ratio of anthropometric indices to hyperuricemia ratio and the patient's serum uric acid concentration.

Changes in alcohol intake and serum urate changes: longitudinal analyses of annual medical examination database

INTRODUCTION

Despite the established cross-sectional association between alcohol intake and serum urate (SU), its longitudinal association remains unknown. This study aimed to determine whether changes in alcohol intake have a clinically relevant association with SU change.

METHOD

We conducted retrospective analyses using systematically collected annual medical examination data from October 2012 to October 2022 in a Japanese preventive medicine centre. The exposure was changes in alcohol intake between two consecutive visits. The association of SU changes with alcohol intake changes was estimated by mixed-effect linear regression with adjustment for relevant covariates.

RESULTS

We analysed 63 486 participants (median age, 47.0 years; 55% women; 58.6% regular alcohol drinkers with a median of 1.4 drinks/day) with 370 572 visits. The median SU level was 5.3 mg/dL, and 506 (0.8%) participants had diagnoses of gout or hyperuricemia without medication use during the study period. Decreasing one daily alcohol intake had a clinically small association with SU changes (-0.019 (95% CI: -0.021 to -0.017) mg/dL). Beer had the largest association with SU (-0.036 (95% CI: -0.039 to -0.032) mg/dL for one beer decrease). Complete discontinuation of any alcohol from a mean of 0.8 drinks/day was associated with -0.056 mg/dL (95% CI: -0.068 to -0.043) decrease in SU; the association became larger in hyperuricemic participants (-0.110 mg/dL (95% CI: -0.154 to -0.066) for alcohol discontinuation from a mean of 1.0 drinks/day).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed changes in alcohol intake had small associations with SU change at the general Japanese population level. Complete discontinuation of alcohol in hyperuricemic participants had only modest improvement in SU.

Effects of uric acid-lowering therapy (ULT) on renal outcomes in CKD patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

It is well known that asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout play an important role in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the effect of uric acid-lowering therapy (ULT) on the prognosis of CKD patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia remains controversial. Therefore, we aim to investigate the influence of ULT on renal outcomes in these patients.

METHODS

Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), and the Cochrane Library, up until January 2024. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of ULT on renal outcomes in CKD patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo or no treatment, ULT preserved the loss of estimated glomerular filtrating rate (eGFR) (Weighted mean difference [WMD] and its 95% confidence intercal(CI): 2.07 [0.15,3.98] mL/min/1.73m2) at long-term subgroup. At the same time, short-term subgroup also proved the preserved loss of eGFR (WMD 5.74[2.09, 9.39] mL/min/1.73m2). Compared with placebo or no treatment, ULT also reduced the increase in serum creatinine (Scr) at short-term (WMD -44.48[-84.03,-4.92]μmol/L) subgroup and long-term (WMD -46.13[-65.64,-26.62]μmol/L) subgroup. ULT was associated with lower incidence of the events of doubling of Scr without dialysis (relative risk (RR) 0.32 [0.21, 0.49], p < 0.001). However, no difference was found for lower incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) (p = 0.943).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our study, ULT is beneficial for slowing CKD progression both in short to long-term follow-ups. Additionally, in patients younger than 60 years old, the protective effect of ULT on renal outcome is more pronounced. However, it showed no significant difference in the incidence of AKI. These findings underscore the importance of considering ULT in clinical strategies for CKD patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

Association between asymptomatic hyperuricemia and risk of arthritis, findings from a US National Survey 2007-2018

BACKGROUND

Arthritis is thought to be closely related to serum uric acid. The study aims to assess the association between asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AH) and arthritis.

METHODS

A multistage, stratified cluster was used to conduct a cross-sectional study of adult US civilians aged≥20 years from the 2007-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants with hyperuricemia and without hyperuricemia prior to gout were included. A questionnaire was used to determine whether participants had arthritis and the type of arthritis. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between hyperuricemia and arthritis.

RESULT

During the past 12 years, the percentage of participants with arthritis changed from 25.95% (22.53%-29.36%) to 25.53% (21.62%-29.44%). The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) increased from 8.70% (95% CI: 6.56% to 10.85%) to 12.44% (95% CI: 9.32% to 15.55%), the prevalence of AH changed from 16.35% (95% CI: 14.01% to 18.40%) to 16.39% (95% CI: 13.47% to 19.30%). Participants with AH were associated with onset of arthritis (OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.69), but the association was muted after adjusting demographic and socioeconomic factors. For participants aged 40-49 years, AH is associated with incident arthritis (OR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.23 to 2.99) and the relationship remained after adjusting for education level, income to poverty ratio, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension and smoking (OR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.94 to 3.36). Compared with male, female participants with AH are more likely to develop arthritis, especially in OA (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.60).

CONCLUSION

Our data identified AH as the risk factor for incident arthritis, especially for OA, which might be exaggerated in aged population and female population.

Early-onset gout

Early-onset gout (EOG) is characterized by the occurrence of the first symptoms of gout at an unusually young age, usually <40 years. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the epidemiology, clinical presentation and prognosis, association with comorbidities and specific management of EOG. A particularly high proportion of patients with EOG come from ethnic groups with stronger genetic factors, such as populations in the Pacific and Taiwan, who therefore have the highest prevalence of gout overall. The clinical presentation and severity of gout are broadly similar between EOG and common gout, although a longer disease duration exacerbates the disease, which more often tends to become polyarticular. Patients suffering from EOG develop metabolic comorbidities commonly associated with gout earlier in life, although those tend to be less frequent at the time of diagnosis. Some international guidelines recommend early treatment of EOG patients with urate-lowering therapies.

Metabolomics of human umbilical vein endothelial cell-based analysis of the relationship between hyperuricemia and dyslipidemia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hyperuricemia frequently accompanies dyslipidemia, yet the precise mechanism remains elusive. Leveraging cellular metabolomics analyses, this research probes the potential mechanisms wherein hyperuricemia provokes endothelial cell abnormalities, inducing disordered bile metabolism and resultant lipid anomalies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We aimed to identify the differential metabolite associated with lipid metabolism through adopting metabolomics approach, and thereafter adequately validating its protective function on HUVECs by using diverse assays to measure cellular viability, reactive oxygen species, migration potential, apoptosis and gene and protein levels of inflammatory factors. Taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) (the differential metabolite of HUVECs) and the TCDCA-involved primary bile acid synthesis pathway were found to be negatively correlated with high UA levels based on the results of metabolomics analysis. It was noted that compared to the outcomes observed in UA-treated HUVECs, TCDCA could protect against UA-induced cellular damage and oxidative stress, increase proliferation as well as migration, and decreases apoptosis. In addition, it was observed that TCDCA might protect HUVECs by inhibiting UA-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (p38MAPK/NF-κB p65) pathway gene and protein levels, as well as the levels of downstream inflammatory factors.

CONCLUSION

The pathogenesis of hyperuricemia accompanying dyslipidemia may involve high uric acid levels eliciting inflammatory reactions and cellular damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), mediated through the p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, subsequently impinging on cellular bile acid synthesis and reducing bile acid production.

Association of serum uric acid with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease stages 3-5

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The role of serum uric acid (SUA) in the prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is inconclusive. To explore the association of SUA level with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in patients with CKD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Leveraging data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) and linked national death records up to December 31 2019, we explored the association of SUA with all-cause and CVD mortality using weighted cox proportional hazards regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models in patients with CKD stages 3-5. The study finally included 2644 patients with CKD stages 3-5, with a median SUA level of 6.5 mg/dL. After a median follow-up of 55 months, a total of 763 deaths were recorded, with 279 of them attributed to CVD. In the fully adjusted model, per 1 mg/dL increment in SUA concentration was found to be associated with increased HRs (95% CIs) of 1.07 (1.00, 1.14) for all-cause mortality and 1.11 (1.00, 1.24) for CVD mortality. Compared to Q2 (reference), those in Q4 had adjusted HRs of 1.72 (1.36, 2.17) for all-cause mortality and 2.17 (1.38, 3.41) for CVD mortality, while those in Q1 had adjusted HRs of 1.49 (1.19, 1.85) for all-cause mortality and 1.93 (1.26, 2.98) for CVD mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Both higher and lower SUA levels were associated with increased risks of all-cause and CVD mortality in patients with CKD stages 3-5.

Bisphenol A and its alternatives bisphenol S and F exposure with serum uric acid levels, hyperuricemia, and gout prevalence among US adults: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggested inconclusive associations between bisphenols exposure and hyperuricemia risk. Our objective was to assess the potential association of bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitutes bisphenol S and F (BPS and BPF) exposure with serum uric acid (SUA) levels, hyperuricemia, and gout prevalence among US adults within the NHANES 2013-2016 datasets.

METHODS

Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of urinary bisphenols concentrations with SUA levels, hyperuricemia, and gout prevalence, in total population and different sex groups. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was used to explore the dose-response relationship.

RESULTS

In total population, doubling of urinary BPS and ∑BPs concentrations showed associations with an increase of 2.64 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.54, 4.74) and 3.29 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.59, 5.99) in SUA levels, respectively. The RCS model indicated a significantly "J"-shaped dose-response relationship between BPS exposure and SUA levels. Compared to the reference group of urinary BPS, males in the highest quartile displayed a 13.06 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.75, 25.37) rise in SUA levels. For females, doubling of urinary BPS concentrations was associated with a 3.30 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.53, 6.07) increase in SUA levels, with a significant linear dose-response relationship. In total population, doubling of urinary BPA concentrations showed a 1.05-fold (95% CI: 0.97, 1.14) adjusted risk of having hyperuricemia, with an inverted "U" curve. Doubling of urinary ∑BPs concentrations was associated with a 1.05-fold (95% CI: 0.96, 1.14) adjusted risk of hyperuricemia in total population, with a significant monotonic dose-response relationship. In females, doubling of urinary BPS concentrations was associated with a 1.45-fold (95% CI: 1.01, 2.08) adjusted increased risk of having gout, with a "J" shaped relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

BPA and BPS exposure to some extent were associated with elevated SUA levels and increased risk of hyperuricemia, with different dose-response relationships and sex differences.

Comparative Assessment of In Vitro Xanthine Oxidase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Cultured Cambial Meristematic Cells, Adventitious Roots, and Field-Cultivated Ginseng

Panax ginseng, a traditional Chinese medicine with a history spanning thousands of years, faces overexploitation and challenges related to extended growth periods. Tissue-cultured adventitious roots and stem cells are alternatives to wild and field-cultivated ginseng. In this study, we assessed the in vitro xanthine oxidase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of saponin extracts among cultured cambial meristematic cells (CMC), adventitious ginseng roots (AGR), and field-cultivated ginseng roots (CGR). The xanthine oxidase (XO) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were determined by uric acid estimation and the p-NPG method, respectively. Spectrophotometry and the Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum nitrate, and Bradford methods were employed to ascertain the total saponins and phenolic, flavonoid, and protein contents. The calculated IC50 values for total saponin extracts against XO and α-glucosidase were 0.665, 0.844, and >1.6 mg/mL and 0.332, 0.745, and 0.042 mg/mL for AGR, CMC, CGR, respectively. Comparing the total saponin, crude protein, and total phenolic contents revealed that AGR > CMC > CGR. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first report on the in vitro comparison of xanthine oxidase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities among AGR, CMC, and CGR. The findings offer valuable insights into the development of hypoglycemic and antihyperuricemic medicinal, nutraceutical, and functional products utilizing AGR and CMC.

Enzyme-functionalized hydrogel film for extracorporeal uric acid reduction

Enzyme replacement therapy for hyperuricemia treatment has been proven effective for critical state hyperuricemia patients. Still, direct administration of recombinant uricase can induce several fatal side effects. To circumvent this drawback, hydrogel protein carriers can be used in platforms for extracorporeal treatment such as microscale-based devices. In this work, calcium alginate and poly-(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel films were studied for their urate oxidase immobilization and uric acid reduction, which could be implemented in microscale-based extracorporeal devices. A mathematical model was developed in conjunction with uric acid reduction experiments to evaluate the influence of mass transfer and reaction parameters in the Michaelis-Menten kinetic expression. Alginate hydrogels prepared with crosslinker 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-(hydroxysuccinimide) offered superior diffusivity of uric acid in the gel matrix at the maximum value ofD g , UA ≈ $$ {D}_{\mathrm{g},\mathrm{UA}}\approx $$ 1.98 × 10-11  m2 /s compared with alginate prepared solely from ionic crosslinking withD g , UA ≈ $$ {D}_{\mathrm{g},\mathrm{UA}}\approx $$  5.31 × 10-12  m2 /s at the same alginate concentration. The maximum value of νmax was experimentally determined at 7.78 × 10-5  mol/(m3 s). A 3% sodium alginate hydrogel with crosslinkers yielded the highest reduction of uric acid at 92.70%. The mathematical model demonstrated an excellent prediction of uric acid conversion suggesting potential use of the model for formulation and maximizing the therapeutic performance of functionalized hydrogels.

Data mining-guided alleviation of hyperuricemia by Paeonia veitchii Lynch through inhibition of xanthine oxidase and regulation of renal urate transporters

BACKGROUND

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disease characterized by a high level of uric acid (UA). The extensive historical application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a range of herbs and prescriptions used for the treatment of HUA-related disorders. However, the core herbs in the prescriptions and their mechanisms have not been sufficiently explained.

PURPOSE

Our current investigation aimed to estimate the anti-HUA effect and mechanisms of Paeonia veitchii Lynch, an herb with high use frequency identified from data mining of TCM prescriptions.

METHODS

Prescriptions for HUA/gout treatment were statistically analyzed through a data mining approach to determine the common nature and use frequency of their composition herbs. The chemical constituents of Paeonia veitchii extract (PVE) were analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, while its UA-lowering effect was further evaluated in adenosine-induced liver cells and potassium oxonate (PO) and hypoxanthine (HX)-induced HUA mice.

RESULTS

A total of 225 prescriptions involving 246 herbs were sorted out. The properties, flavors and meridians of the appearing herbs were mainly cold, bitter and liver, respectively, while their efficacy was primarily concentrated on clearing heat and dispelling wind. Further usage frequency analysis yielded the top 20 most commonly used herbs, in which PVE presented significant inhibitory activity (IC50 = 131.33 µg/ml) against xanthine oxidase (XOD), and its constituents showed strong binding with XOD in a molecular docking study and further were experimentally validated through XOD enzymatic inhibition and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). PVE (50 to 200 μg/ml) dose-dependently decreased UA levels by inhibiting XOD expression and activity in BRL 3A liver cells. In HUA mice, oral administration of PVE exhibited a significant UA-lowering effect, which was attributed to the reduction of UA production by inhibiting XOD activity and expression, as well as the enhancement of UA excretion by regulating renal urate transporters (URAT1, GLUT9, OAT1 and ABCG2). Noticeably, all doses of PVE treatment did not cause any liver injury, and displayed a renal protective effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results first comprehensively clarified the therapeutic effect and mechanisms of PVE against HUA through suppressing UA production and promoting UA excretion with hepatic and renal protection, suggesting that PVE could be a promising UA-lowering candidate with a desirable safety profile for the treatment of HUA and prevention of gout.

A System for Discovering Novel Uricosurics Targeting Urate Transporter 1 Based on In Vitro and In Vivo Modeling

Hyperuricemia has become a global burden with the increasing prevalence and risk of associated metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Uricosurics act as a vital urate-lowering therapy by promoting uric acid excretion via the kidneys. However, potent and safe uricosurics are still in urgent demand for use in the clinic. In this study, we aimed to establish in vitro and in vivo models to aid the discovery of novel uricosurics, and to search for potent active compounds, especially targeting urate transporter 1 (URAT1), the major urate transporter in the kidney handling uric acid homeostasis. As a result, for preliminary screening, the in vitro URAT1 transport activity was assessed using a non-isotopic uric acid uptake assay in hURAT1-stably expressed HEK293 cells. The in vivo therapeutic effect was evaluated in a subacute hyperuricemic mouse model (sub-HUA) and further confirmed in a chronic hyperuricemic mouse model (Ch-HUA). By utilizing these models, compound CC18002 was obtained as a potent URAT1 inhibitor, with an IC50 value of 1.69 μM, and favorable uric acid-lowering effect in both sub-HUA and Ch-HUA mice, which was comparable to that of benzbromarone at the same dosage. Moreover, the activity of xanthine oxidoreductase, the key enzyme catalyzing uric acid synthesis, was not altered by CC18002 treatment. Taken together, we have developed a novel screening system, including a cell model targeting URAT1 and two kinds of mouse models, for the discovery of novel uricosurics. Utilizing this system, compound CC18002 was investigated as a candidate URAT1 inhibitor to treat hyperuricemia.