Uric Acid (Urate)

Urate, or uric acid, is the end product of a process called purine metabolism, and is derived from both cellular turnover and dietary sources. Normally filtered by the kidneys, excess urate (called hyperuricemia) can deposit as needle-like monosodium urate crystals in and around the joints, leading to gout. Beyond its established role in gout development, hyperuricemia is increasingly recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular health, kidney health, and metabolic health, although not all individuals with elevated levels develop clinical symptoms. [62]

[62]Waheed Y, Yang F, Sun D. Role of asymptomatic hyperuricemia in the progression of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Korean J Intern Med. 2021;36(6):1281-1293. doi:10.3904/kjim.2020.340