Test Uric Acid Levels

Multiple Sclerosis / Risk

Reports from researchers suggest that low uric acid levels are associated with increased frequency and longer bouts of multiple sclerosis. Uric acid levels should be monitored and, if low, raised by supplemental molybdenum and reducing any copper toxicity.

Hypertension

New research shows that higher levels of uric acid are strongly associated with high blood pressure in blacks, suggesting that a simple blood test could predict risk and that treatments to lower uric acid may be a novel way to reduce hypertension-related complications in this population.

Uric acid levels are influenced by dietary factors, such as high levels of protein, and by the breakdown of the body’s cells. Most uric acid is eliminated in urine. However, if excess uric acid is being produced or if the kidneys cannot remove enough of it, levels build up in the blood.

Very high levels of uric acid cause gout, but recent animal and human studies suggest that modest elevations of uric acid are one cause of hypertension. Currently, studies are under way to evaluate whether lowering uric acid prevents hypertension.

“If these studies show that lowering uric acid is an effective treatment, our research suggests that it may be especially appropriate for blacks,” said Mellen.

Uric acid can be lowered by medications such as allopurinol and newer agents under development. [Hypertension Nov 7, 2006]