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The role of uric acid in the pathogenesis of human cardiovascular disease
  1. Mehmet Kanbay1,
  2. Mark Segal2,
  3. Baris Afsar3,
  4. Duk-Hee Kang4,
  5. Bernardo Rodriguez-Iturbe5,
  6. Richard J Johnson6
  1. 1Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Medeniyet University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
  2. 2Division of Nephrology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
  3. 3Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Konya Numune State Hospital, Konya, Turkey
  4. 4Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
  5. 5Renal Service, Hospital Universitario, Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
  6. 6Division of Nephrology, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, USA
  1. Correspondence to Dr Mehmet Kanbay, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Medeniyet University School of Medicine, Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey; 03460. drkanbay{at}yahoo.com

Abstract

Hyperuricaemia is common in subjects with cardiovascular disease, but is not commonly considered a true risk factor. Recent studies suggest that uric acid is biologically active and can stimulate oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and vasoconstriction. Epidemiological studies have found that uric acid can independently predict the development of hypertension, as well as stroke and heart failure. Experimentally raising uric acid in animals increases blood pressure, and pilot studies suggest that lowering uric acid in humans can reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. Uric acid may also have emerging roles in the pathogenesis of kidney disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. More studies need to be performed on the pathophysiology and clinical consequences of hyperuricaemia in cardiovascular disease.

  • Heart Failure
  • Coronary Artery Disease

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