The relationship between uric acid and carotid plaques in a non-obese population

Serum uric acid (SUA) is associated with carotid atherosclerotic plaque, but there are few studies in middle-aged and elderly non-obese population. In order to explore the relationship between serum uric acid levels and the prevalence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in non-obese middle-aged and elderly populations. This study included participants who underwent questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, blood tests, and carotid artery ultrasound. Excluding BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m 2 and waist circumference > 90 cm for men and > 85 cm for women, a total of 2926 middle-aged and elderly people over 45 years old were analyzed. Bivariate correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between carotid atherosclerotic plaque and the risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between SUA levels and carotid atherosclerotic plaques. The prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques in the male carotid artery is signifi cantly higher than that in females. The rate of carotid atherosclerotic plaque increased gradually as SUA quartile increased in men, women, and all participants. Whether it is men, women or the entire population, the SUA levels in the group with carotid atherosclerotic plaques are higher than that in the control group. Spearman's correlation analysis indicated that in males, SUA levels were positively correlated with creatinine, urea nitrogen, WC, BMI, blood pressure, TC, TG, FPG, and hs-CRP. However, younger age and higher HDL-C were also associated with high SUA. In females, SUA levels were positively correlated with age, creatinine, urea nitrogen, BMI, WC, blood pressure, TC, TG, LDL-C, and FPG, whereas HDL-C levels were negatively associated with SUA levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, in men, the odds ratios (OR) values of Q4 and Q1 were 2.746, and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.001). In women, after adjusting for risk factors, ORs for Q4, Q3, Q2, and Q1 were 6.211, 4.176, and 2.284, respectively. These differences were statistically significant. Higher SUA levels are associated with elevated metabolic syndrome components. Serum uric acid levels may correlate with an increased risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation.