The Impact of Uric Acid Levels on the Risk of Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Analysis of Age and Gender Differences

This study aims to investigate the role of serum uric acid and urea as potential risk factors for chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma. Uric acid, as the end product of purine metabolism, has dual properties: at normal concentrations, it acts as an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress, but at elevated levels, it becomes a pro-oxidant, potentially enhancing inflammatory processes and tissue damage. The study analyzed data from patients with obstructive respiratory diseases, including levels of uric acid, and lung function indicators (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC). It also examined gender and age differences, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to create a more homogeneous sample. The main findings indicate that elevated uric acid levels are associated with reduced lung function and may serve as an indicator of disease severity. Additionally, a significant link was found between hyperuricemia and inflammatory processes, supported by the activation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. Uric acid levels were found to be higher in men, suggesting a higher predisposition to respiratory diseases.