Association of Serum Uric Acid Levels with Components of Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in a Saudi Adult Population

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the possible relations between serum uric acid (UA) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in a Saudi adult population sample. Methods and Results: This cross-sectional study enrolled consecutive adult MetS and non-MetS subjects (90 subjects in each group). Glycemic control indices (fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c, insulin, HOMA-IR index), lipid profile/ratios, and renal function tests were also evaluated. Findings showed that serum UA was significantly higher in the MetS group (322±98.9) than non-MetS group (286±61.2) μmol/L. The fourth quartile of serum UA showed a higher frequency of MetS (73.3%) and central obesity (82.2%), and higher mean values of TG and FBS as well as lower mean values for HDL-C relative to the first quartiles. Data stratification by sex showed consistent associations of BMI, abdominal obesity, HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and serum creatinine levels with serum UA in both men and women. Serum UA at 310 μmol/L concentration might be a good predictor for MetS/its components in men. In contrast, at a cut-off level of 275.0 μmol/L, it could significantly predict only obesity and high FBS in women. Conclusion: Serum UA levels are associated with MetS and may predict MetS and/or its components at specific levels in a sex-dependent pattern in the study population.

Keywords

• metabolic syndrome
• uric acid
• lipid profile
• insulin resistance
• saudi adults