Serum uric acid: relationships with biomarkers in adolescents and changes over 1 year

OBJECTIVES: To (1) elucidate the range of serum uric acid (UA) levels in adolescent sample; (2) examine the relationships of serum UA and 1-year change with gender, anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Measurements (anthropometrics, fasting venipuncture and blood pressure) were performed at the beginning of the seventh and eighth grades. Descriptive data, differences according to weight, correlations and changes over time were examined. FINDINGS: In 77 adolescents, BMI and serum UA had relationships with several cardiometabolic measures. Males had higher serum UA at follow-up compared to baseline; female change was minimal. Time-by-gender interaction was significant, as were the main effects of gender and BMI classification. Males had lower HDL-C at follow-up than at baseline; females had higher HDL-C at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Serum UA has importance in cardiometabolic examination of youth risk factors. It should be examined in youth with elevated BMI and/or hypertension. Early adolescence is the period when gender-related metabolic changes occur.