Hyper-homocysteinemia Inducing Hyperuricemia: What are the Mechanisms?

ABSTRACT

Hyperuricemia is related to metabolic syndrome, and is defined as an over-production or under-excretion of uric acid (UA), with increased UA serum concentration. Among other causes, Hyper-homocysteinemia (H-Hcy) can be responsible for hyperuricemia. The mechanisms underlying the association between these two conditions are unclear, but increased UA serum levels can be a consequence of renovascular atherosclerosis, with reduced UA excretion. An alternative hypothesis is the over-production of UA from adenosine (originating from S-adenosyl-homocysteine). Genetic polymorphism (C677T) of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) may contribute. A possible mechanism is purines biosyinthesis originating from this gene variant. However, the results obtained from several studies and meta-analyses of the relationship between H-Hcy and hyperuricemia are ambivalent, and broader research is needed.