Analysis of the relationship between fasting serum uric acid and the insulin sensitivity index in a population-based sample of 380 young healthy Caucasians

Aim: To determine whether fasting serum uric acid is associated with the insulin sensitivity index or with other anthropometric, metabolic or environmental features of the insulin resistance syndrome in a population- based sample of young healthy Caucasians. Methods: The protocol included 380 unrelated Caucasian subjects (age 18-32 years) who had their insulin sensitivity index and glucose effectiveness measured during a combined intravenous glucose (0.3 g/kg body weight) and tolbutamide (3 mg/kg body weight) tolerance test. A number of anthropometric and biochemical tests, including the level of fasting serum uric acid, were carried out. Results: In univariate analyses the concentration of fasting serum uric acid was negatively correlated to the insulin sensitivity index in both men (r² = ~0.25, P = 0.001) and women (r² = -0.25, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis controlling for age, gender, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, maximal aerobic capacity, fasting serum triglyceride and creatinine, daily intake of alcohol, smoking, use of oral contraceptives, and disposition for non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, the insulin sensitivity index was not significantly associated with fasting serum uric acid. However, 51% of the variation in the fasting serum uric acid level could be explained, and fasting serum triglyceride was the most important determinant of fasting serum uric acid. Conclusion: The major determinant of the fasting serum uric acid level in young healthy Caucasians is the fasting concentration of serum triglyceride, which has been shown to be a biochemical feature of the insulin resistance syndrome. Thus, hyperuricaemia appears to be an indirect part of the insulin resistance syndrome through its association with fasting hypertriglyceridaemia.