Reduced Uric Acid from Weight Loss Tied to Triglycerides Save

Weight loss is one of several nonpharmaceutical interventions to reduce serum urate (SUA) levels and control gout. French researchers examined the role of xanthine oxidase (XO), low-grade inflammation, and weight loss on SUA levels in obese patients.

They examined 154 consecutive patients with severe obesity involved in a bariatric surgery program. Their mean body mass index [BMI] was 47.8 kg/m2 and had a mean 6 month weight loss of 31.3 kg. Weight loss was associated with a modest reduction in SUA levels (-10%) or roughtly a mean loss of 5.5 kg over 6 months. 

The decrease in SUA levels was greatest (-18%) for hyperuricemic patients (n=48). Decreased SUA levels associated with decreased triglycerides levels (p=0.0001) and BMI (p=0.02) but not XO activity, adipokine levels (leptin or adiponectin), insulin resistance, or levels of inflammatory markers.

Weight loss in obese patients was associated with a decrease in both SUA levels and XO activity. However, reductions in SUA levels are partly due to reduction in triglycerides levels. This association strengthens the link between hyperuricemia, gout and the metabolic syndrome.