Elevated serum uric acid was associated with pre-inflammatory state and impacted the role of HDL-C on carotid atherosclerosis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:

Uric acid (UA) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are positively and negatively associated with atherosclerosis, respectively. UA and HDL-C are involved in the balance of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes in atherosclerosis. However, it is still unclear whether UA affects the effect of HDL-C on atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS:

In this retrospective study, we enrolled 1437 patients with multiple risk factors for atherosclerosis. Patients were categorized into two groups according to their baseline UA level. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline curves were used to assess the relationship between HDL-C and carotid atherosclerosis (abnormal carotid intima-media thickness [cIMT] and carotid artery plaque) at different UA levels. Compared to patients with normouricemia, patients with hyperuricemia were older and had a more extensive history of disease and unhealthy behavior. In the normouricemia group, multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) for HDL-C were 0.55 (0.33-0.92) for abnormal mean cIMT, 0.59 (0.35-1.00) for abnormal maximum cIMT, and 0.53 (0.29-0.94) for the occurrence of carotid artery plaque, while the correlation between each of these three indicators with HDL-C were not significant in those with hyperuricemia. Spline regression models yielded similar results. The effect of UA on the association between HDL-C and carotid atherosclerosis remained in the subset of patients with optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

CONCLUSION:

Elevated UA marks a pre-inflammatory state and impacts the role of HDL-C on carotid atherosclerosis.

• Authors: Xiangming Hu, Jieliang Liu, Wei Li, Chenyang Wang, Guang Li, Yingling Zhou, Haojian Dong
• Journal: Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD (Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis) Vol. 32 Issue 7 Pg. 1661-1669 (07 2022) ISSN: 1590-3729 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 35469728 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Cholesterol, HDL
• Uric Acid

Topics

• Atherosclerosis
• Carotid Artery Diseases (diagnostic imaging, epidemiology)
• Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
• Carotid Stenosis
• Cholesterol, HDL
• Humans
• Hyperuricemia (diagnosis)
• Retrospective Studies
• Risk Factors
• Uric Acid