Long accused of causing a metabolic syndrome, the excess uric acid in the bloodstream had not until then been directly associated with it. This is now done, since researchers from the University of Washington (USA) and Nuthetal (Germany) have obtained conclusive results on mice, published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.
They found that excess uric acid led directly to the development of markers of metabolic syndrome: hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, …
All signs of metabolic syndrome within 6 to 8 weeks
For this, the scientists used mice lacking in the transporter protein GLUT9, a transporter responsible for uric acid in the intestine.
They found that in the absence of this transporter, the mice had high levels of uric acid in the blood as early as 6 to 8 weeks. At the same time, the mice developed hyperinsulinemia (too muchinsulin in the blood),hypercholesterolemia, of the’arterial hypertension and fatty deposits in the liver, a syndrome increasingly affecting developed countries and in particular France.
All these factors are part of the metabolic syndrome, designating all the physiological signs that can cause diabetes, from cardiovascular problems or strokes (Stroke).
To avoid excess uric acid in the blood, avoid protein
In addition to establishing a direct causal link between excess uric acid and metabolic syndrome, the study could allow the development of new treatments, based on the reduction of the level of uric acid in the blood.
Allopurinol, already used in the treatment of drop (buildup of uric acid in the joints) may well reduce markers of metabolic syndrome.
Uric acid comes from the breakdown of dead cells but also from food. It is also secreted by the liver. Considered a waste, it is normally eliminated by the intestine and the kidneys, and expelled by the urine.
What has to be done : make sure you limit your protein intake (meats, game, organ meats, fish) can help reduce excess uric acid in the blood. Certain vegetables should also be avoided when there is a tendency to have too much uric acid in the blood: mushrooms, asparagus, spinach. We must also be wary of sugar, and in particular the fructose present in sodas. And avoid beer, which is rich in purine, which is metabolized into uric acid after ingestion.
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