BEHAVIORAL AND BIOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF SERUM URIC-ACID - A STUDY OF SELF-DEFENSE OFFICIALS IN JAPAN

Background. In Japan epidemiological data on correlates of serum uric acid are sparse. Methods. Behavioural and biological correlates of ser um uric acid were investigated in 2487 men who received a retirement h ealth examination at the Self-Defence Forces Fukuoka Hospital from Oct ober 1986 through 1990, excluding those under medication for hyperuric aemia, hypertension or hyperlipidaemia. Results. Multiple regression a nalysis demonstrated that serum creatinine was the strongest correlate followed by serum triglycerides, body mass index and diastolic blood pressure; these four variables accounted for 16% of the overall variat ion in serum uric acid. Serum total cholesterol, alcohol intake and pa st smoking were positively associated with serum uric acid levels whil e diabetes mellitus and serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholester ol were negatively related to serum uric acid; these five variables ad ditionally explained 2% of the variation. Although an independent impa ct was minimal, beer consumption was significantly associated with an elevated level of serum uric acid after allowing for the previously me ntioned correlates. Conclusions. Serum creatinine and triglycerides ar e major correlates of serum uric acid in Japanese men. Our data add to the body of evidence suggesting that weight control, avoiding excessi ve drinking and adequate control of hypertension are beneficial in the prevention of hyperuricaemia.