Metabolic aspects and complications of hyperuricemia

Abstract

The results of epidemiological observations have led to a revaluation of uric acid role in different metabolic, cardiovascular and renal illnesses. The role of hyperuricemia as an independent cardiovascular risk factor is difficult to evaluate even in multivariate models analysis, since there are inconclusive and weak results in most studies. This difficulty is observed due to the strong association of uric acid with other classic cardiovascular risk factors which do not allow its distinction as an independently risk factor. For many years it was considered a biologically inert substance, but later, it was found that it has many biological properties which could be beneficial or harmful for human beings. Nowadays there is a controversial discussion about its role, whether it is protective for having anti-oxidant properties or harmful due to its pro-oxidants in the atherosclerotic plaque and in adipose tissue which could determine that it is not only a risk marker, but also a causal factor for metabolic illnesses as diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular and/or renal illnesses. In this consensus we have updated these concepts trying to clarify the mentioned role, so that in the future, regulations could be introduced, which are not established so far, in order to decide whether hyperuricemia must be treated, in which cases, which cut-off levels must be used and which should be the therapeutic objectives in each circumstance