Associations of serum uric acid with markers of inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis

Background: We examined the associations of serum uric acid (UA) with indices of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, including the 10-year probability of CHD (10y-CHDr), metabolic syndrome (MS), inflammation (Creactive protein [CRP] and fibrinogen), and the presence and quantity of coronary artery calcium (CAC). Methods: Subjects (n = 1107, mean age 58 years, 59% women) belonged to sibships with >= 2 individuals with hypertension diagnosed before age 60 years. UA was measured by a colorimetric method, CAC by electron beam computed tomography, and CAC score calculated using the method of Agatston. The correlation of UA with 10y-CHDr, MS components, log CRP, and fibrinogen was assessed after adjustment for age and gender. Multivariable regression was used to assess whether UA was associated with CAC presence and quantity after (1) adjustment for age and gender, and (2) additional adjustment for CHD risk factors. Results: Most subjects (71%) had hypertension and 14% had diabetes. Mean (+/- SID) UA level was 5.97 +/- 1.6 mg/dL, and CAC was detectable in 63% of patients. After adjustment for age and gender, UA was significantly correlated with 10y-CHDr, number of MS components, log CRP, and fibrinogen. UA was associated with CAC presence and quantity after adjustment for age and gender but not after further adjustment for systolic blood pressure (BP), diabetes, total and HDL-cholesterol, smoking, and body mass index (BMI). Conclusions: Serum UA was significantly correlated with several indices of CHD risk. UA was associated with presence and quantity of CAC, but not independently of conventional risk factors.