Abstract
Abnormal levels of serum uric acid are referred as a main public health problem arising from its role in systemic diseases including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, ischemia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Although uric acid is known as an index of chronic diseases, it is also referred as an antioxidant index especially in control of cardiovascular defects. Hence, it seems that uric acid is a double-edged sword. This mini-review is aimed to clarify the pathogenic effect of uric acid on some organs and its positive influence on cardiovascular system.
Citation: Nasri H. Uric acid is an index of chronic diseases or is an index of antioxidant? A mini-review to the recent trends. J Renal Endocrinol. 2016;2:e04.
Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education
In spite of much information on uric acid level in serum, it is not clear whether the elevated uric acid concentration in serum participates in the development of diseases or it is an index of diseases? However, several studies reported that high uric acid level is linked to a possible cause of disease development. These studies have concluded that the high uric acid level is responsible for the outbreak and development of diseases.