Prevalence of Hyperuricemia and the Relationship between Serum Uric Acid and Metabolic Syndrome in the Asian Mongolian Area

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of hyperuricemia and the association between the serum uric acid (SUA) levels and incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the Mongolian area of China. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was based on a population of 1,426 subjects (809 men and 617 women) 20-80 years of age who were recruited from Inner Mongolia, China. Metabolic and anthropometric indicators were measured according to standard methods. Hyperuricemia was defined as an SUA level of >= 7.0 mg/dL for men and >= 6.0 mg/dL for women. MetS was diagnosed based on the consensus criteria released in 2009 from a joint collaboration organization. Results: The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 17.7% in men and 5.2% in women. The prevalence of MetS in men was higher than that observed in women (36.7% vs 17.8%). Waist circumference, BMI and the level of triglycerides were most strongly correlated with the SUA level in both sexes. Men with hyperuricemia had an increased risk of MetS [OR (95% CI)= 2.95 (2.00-4.35)], while men with a normal SUA level (> 5.0 mg/dL and < 6.3 mg/dL) had a higher risk of MetS, central obesity and hypertriglyceridemia than men in the lower level group (<= 5 mg/dL). Women with a higher SUA level (>= 4.3 mg/dL) had an increased risk of MetS, central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension compared with women in the lowest tertile SUA group (<= 3.5 mg/dL). Conclusions: The SUA level is significantly associated with various metabolic indicators. In this study, waist circumference and the level of triglycerides were most strongly correlated with the SUA level in both sexes. Individuals with a normal level of SUA had an increased risk of MetS and other metabolic disorders. Further research on appropriate cut-off values for pre-hyperuricemia is expected, and the early detection of hyperuricemia is essential for the prevention of MetS.