Metabolic Syndrome and Hyperuricemia Show a Strong Bidirectional Link, confirms study
Researchers have established in a new study that hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are strongly connected and that their presence significantly predisposes a person to develop the other condition. A recent meta-analysis was conducted by Jihuan F. and fellow researchers published in the American Journal of Hypertension. The findings of the study highlight the importance of specific interventions to avoid and manage the two disorders.
A systematic search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science, up to December 9, 2023, was undertaken. Studies were evaluated using Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) to appraise their quality. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata v14 software to establish correlation between MetS and hyperuricemia.
Key Findings
• The analysis also established a robust correlation between MetS and hyperuricemia, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.25 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.19–4.26, p<0.001).
• Patients who were metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese (MUHOWO) had a significantly higher risk of developing hyperuricemia (OR = 3.54, 95% CI: 2.66–4.71, p=0.002).
• Hyperuricemia was found to raise the risk of MetS development, OR 2.13 (95% CI: 1.63–2.79, p<0.001).
• Gender-stratified analysis showed hyperuricemia was an independent risk factor of MetS for men (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.43–2.58, P<0.001) and women (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.62–2.8, p<0.001).
The study authors validate a strong bidirectional association between hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome. The increased risk by gender and metabolic status underscores the need for integrated clinical strategies in managing these diseases. Prevention of metabolic syndrome can be an important step in averting hyperuricemia, and focused interventions can decrease the cardiometabolic burden of these two disorders.
Reference:
Fan J, Bian C, Wang J, Wang X, Cheng Y, Lei J. Correlation between metabolic syndrome and hyperuricemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Hypertens. 2025 Mar 11:hpaf031. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpaf031. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40068943.
