Colorimetric array sensor based on bimetallic nitrogen-doped carbon-based nanozyme material to detect multiple antioxidants.

Copper-cobalt bimetallic nitrogen-doped carbon-based nanoenzymatic materials (CuCo@NC) were synthesized using a one-step pyrolysis process. A three-channel colorimetric sensor array was constructed for the detection of seven antioxidants, including cysteine (Cys), uric acid (UA), tea polyphenols (TP), lysine (Lys), ascorbic acid (AA), glutathione (GSH), and dopamine (DA). CuCo@NC with peroxidase activity was used to catalyze the oxidation of TMB by H2O2 at three different ratios of metal sites. The ability of various antioxidants to reduce the oxidation products of TMB (ox TMB) varied, leading to distinct absorbance changes. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) results showed that the sensor array was capable of detecting seven antioxidants in buffer and serum samples. It could successfully discriminate antioxidants with a minimum concentration of 10 nM. Thus, multifunctional sensor arrays based on CuCo@NC bimetallic nanoenzymes not only offer a promising strategy for identifying various antioxidants but also expand their applications in medical diagnostics and environmental analysis of food.

The association between uric acid and erectile dysfunction in US adults: NHANES 2001-2004.

BACKGROUND: -Recent evidence suggests that hyperuricemia may act as independent risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED), in addition to the already established factors. The current evidence supporting this relationship remains insufficient. METHODS AND RESULTS: -A total of 3,810 participants from the NHANES pool between 2001 and 2004 were included in our study, comprising 1,093 individuals with ED and 2,717 individuals without ED. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between uric acid (UA) and the prevalence of ED. In the fully adjusted model, no significant association was observed between UA and ED (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.84-1.24), and no significant differences were noted among the various UA levels (p = 0.5). In our sensitivity analyses, employing a stricter definition for ED, no significant results were found in the fully adjusted model (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.60-1.19). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed among the various UA levels (p = 0.083). CONCLUSIONS: -Our study did not establish a correlation between UA levels and ED. Nonetheless, further research with larger sample cohorts is required to verify these findings.

[Uric acid, cognitive disorders, neurodegeneration].

This article examines the role of uric acid (UA) in cognitive changes and neurodegeneration, focusing on its functions as an antioxidant and prooxidant. Research suggests that changes in serum UA levels may be associated with the development or delay of cognitive impairment, especially in the context of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. It was revealed that there is a relationship between the level of UA and the dynamics of cognitive functions, indicating the potential neuroprotective properties of UA. Particular attention is paid to the balance between the antioxidant and prooxidant properties of UA, which may play a key role in protecting neurons from damage. However, research results are not clear-cut, highlighting the need for further research to more fully understand the role of UA in cognitive processes. Determining the optimal serum UA level may be an important step in developing strategies for the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment associated with neurodegeneration. Overall, these studies advance the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the interaction between uric acid metabolism and brain health.

The Simultaneous Detection of Dopamine and Uric Acid In Vivo Based on a 3D Reduced Graphene Oxide-MXene Composite Electrode.

Dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) are essential for many physiological processes in the human body. Abnormal levels of DA and UA can lead to multiple diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and gout. In this work, a three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide-MXene (3D rGO-Ti3C2) composite electrode was prepared using a simple one-step hydrothermal reduction process, which could separate the oxidation potentials of DA and UA, enabling the simultaneous detection of DA and UA. The 3D rGO-Ti3C2 electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards both DA and UA. In 0.01 M PBS solution, the linear range of DA was 0.5-500 µM with a sensitivity of 0.74 µA·µM-1·cm-2 and a detection limit of 0.056 µM (S/N = 3), while the linear range of UA was 0.5-60 µM and 80-450 µM, with sensitivity of 2.96 and 0.81 µA·µM-1·cm-2, respectively, and a detection limit of 0.086 µM (S/N = 3). In 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) solution, the linear range of DA was 0.5-500 µM with a sensitivity of 0.41 µA·µM-1·cm-2 and a detection limit of 0.091 µM (S/N = 3). The linear range of UA was 2-500 µM with a sensitivity of 0.11 µA·µM-1·cm-2 and a detection limit of 0.6 µM (S/N = 3). The modified electrode exhibited advantages such as high sensitivity, a strong anti-interference capability, and good repeatability. Furthermore, the modified electrode was successfully used for DA measurement in vivo. This could present a simple reliable route for neurotransmitter detection in neuroscience.

Dietary anthocyanin is associated with a lower prevalence of hyperuricemia independently of metabolic syndrome among females: Results from NHANES 2007-2010 and 2017-2018.

OBJECTIVE: Known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, flavonoid has phytoestrogenic effects, but it is unclear whether its role in hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome (MetS) differs by gender. Moreover, given the strong association between hyperuricemia and MetS, we aimed to explore whether flavonoid is a protective factor for hyperuricemia, independently of MetS, in different genders. METHODS: Data for 2007-2010 and 2017-2018 were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS). To assess the association among flavonoid, hyperuricemia, and MetS, multivariate logistic regression and subgroup analyses were conducted. Besides, to investigate whether the association between flavonoid and hyperuricemia was independent of MetS, multivariate logistic regression models were further conducted to explore the association between flavonoid and MetS among females with hyperuricemia and to investigate the association between flavonoid and hyperuricemia among females after excluding MetS. RESULT: Among 5356 females, anthocyanin intake was inversely associated with the prevalence of hyperuricemia (Q4 vs. Q1: OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.76), and MetS (Q4 vs. Q1: OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.93). Furthermore, subgroup analyses showed the beneficial association between anthocyanin and hyperuricemia among females aged 40 to 59 years and menopausal. However, among 5104 males, no significant association was observed after adjustment for covariates (Q4 vs. Q1: OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.18). While in 372 females with hyperuricemia, no significant association was found between MetS and anthocyanin (Q4 vs. Q1: OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.31 to 2.49). Meanwhile, among 3335 females after excluding MetS, there was still a significant association between anthocyanin and a lower prevalence of hyperuricemia (Q4 vs. Q1: OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.85). CONCLUSION: Dietary anthocyanin is associated with a lower prevalence of hyperuricemia independently of MetS among females. Foods rich in anthocyanin should be emphasized for females, especially those aged 40 to 59 years and menopausal, which may be of potential significance in the prevention of hyperuricemia.

Serum urate levels and neurodegenerative outcomes: a prospective cohort study and mendelian randomization analysis of the UK Biobank.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on the associations between serum urate levels and neurodegenerative outcomes have yielded inconclusive results, and the causality remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether urate levels are associated with the risks of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and neurodegenerative deaths. METHODS: This prospective study included 382,182 participants (45.7% men) from the UK Biobank cohort. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the associations between urate levels and risk of neurodegenerative outcomes. In the Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, urate-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified through a genome-wide association study. Both linear and non-linear MR approaches were utilized to investigate the potential causal associations. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 12 years, we documented 5,400 ADRD cases, 2,553 PD cases, and 1,531 neurodegenerative deaths. Observational data revealed that a higher urate level was associated with a decreased risk of ADRD (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90, 0.96), PD (HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.91), and neurodegenerative death (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.94). Negative linear associations between urate levels and neurodegenerative events were observed (all P-values for overall < 0.001 and all P-values for non-linearity > 0.05). However, MR analyses yielded no evidence of either linear or non-linear associations between genetically predicted urate levels and the risk of the aforementioned neurodegenerative events. CONCLUSION: Although the prospective cohort study demonstrated that elevated urate levels were associated with a reduced risk of neurodegenerative outcomes, MR analyses found no evidence of causality.

Current updates for hyperuricemia and gout in age-related macular degeneration.

The escalating prevalence of metabolic syndrome poses a significant public health challenge, particularly among aging populations, with metabolic dysfunctions contributing to pro-inflammatory states. In this review, we delved into the less recognized association between hyperuricemia (HUA), a manifestation of metabolic syndrome and a primary risk factor for gout, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a sight-threatening ailment predominantly affecting the elderly. In recent years, inflammation, particularly its involvement in complement pathway dysregulation, has gained prominence in AMD pathophysiology. The contradictory role of uric acid (UA) in intercellular and intracellular environments was discussed, highlighting its antioxidant properties in plasma and its pro-oxidant effects intracellularly. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between elevated serum uric acid levels and choroid neovascularization in AMD, providing insights into the role of HUA in retinal pathologies. Various pathways, including crystal-induced and non-crystal-induced mechanisms, were proposed to indicate the need for further research into the precise molecular interactions. The implication of HUA in AMD underscores its potential involvement in retinal pathologies, which entails interdisciplinary collaboration for a comprehensive understanding of its impact on retina and related clinical manifestations.

Fangyukangsuan granules ameliorate hyperuricemia and modulate gut microbiota in rats.

Hyperuricaemia (HUA) is a metabolic disorder characterised by high blood uric acid (UA) levels; moreover, HUA severity is closely related to the gut microbiota. HUA is also a risk factor for renal damage, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia; however, current treatments are associated with detrimental side effects. Alternatively, Fangyukangsuan granules are a natural product with UA-reducing properties. To examine their efficacy in HUA, the binding of small molecules in Fangyukangsuan granules to xanthine oxidase (XOD), a key factor in UA metabolism, was investigated via molecular simulation, and the effects of oral Fangyukangsuan granule administration on serum biochemical indices and intestinal microorganisms in HUA-model rats were examined. Overall, 24 small molecules in Fangyukangsuan granules could bind to XOD. Serum UA, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and XOD levels were decreased in rats treated with Fangyukangsuan granules compared to those in untreated HUA-model rats. Moreover, Fangyukangsuan granules restored the intestinal microbial structure in HUA-model rats. Functional analysis of the gut microbiota revealed decreased amino acid biosynthesis and increased fermentation of pyruvate into short-chain fatty acids in Fangyukangsuan granule-treated rats. Together, these findings demonstrate that Fangyukangsuan granules have anti-hyperuricaemic and regulatory effects on the gut microbiota and may be a therapeutic candidate for HUA.

Risk factors for cardio-cerebrovascular events among patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and their association with serum magnesium.

Serum magnesium levels exceeding 0.9 mmol/L are associated with increased survival rates in patients with CKD. This retrospective study aimed to identify risk factors for cardio-cerebrovascular events among patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and to examine their correlations with serum magnesium levels. Sociodemographic data, clinical physiological and biochemical indexes, and cardio-cerebrovascular event data were collected from 189 patients undergoing CAPD. Risk factors associated with cardio-cerebrovascular events were identified by univariate binary logistic regression analysis. Correlations between the risk factors and serum magnesium levels were determined by correlation analysis. Univariate regression analysis identified age, C-reactive protein (CRP), red cell volume distribution width standard deviation, red cell volume distribution width corpuscular volume, serum albumin, serum potassium, serum sodium, serum chlorine, serum magnesium, and serum uric acid as risk factors for cardio-cerebrovascular events. Among them, serum magnesium ≤0.8 mmol/L had the highest odds ratio (3.996). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that serum magnesium was an independent risk factor, while serum UA (<440 µmol/L) was an independent protective factor for cardio-cerebrovascular events. The incidence of cardio-cerebrovascular events differed significantly among patients with different grades of serum magnesium (χ2 = 12.023, p = 0.002), with the highest incidence observed in patients with a serum magnesium concentration <0.8 mmol/L. High serum magnesium levels were correlated with high levels of serum albumin (r = 0.399, p < 0.001), serum potassium (r = 0.423, p < 0.001), and serum uric acid (r = 0.411, p < 0.001), and low levels of CRP (r = -0.279, p < 0.001). In conclusion, low serum magnesium may predict cardio-cerebrovascular events in patients receiving CAPD.

Nonlinear relationship between oxidative balance score and hyperuricemia: analyses of NHANES 2007-2018.

BACKGROUND: Limited data regarding the correlation between oxidative balance score (OBS) and hyperuricemia highlights the necessity for thorough investigations. This study aims to examine the link between OBS, which incorporates dietary and lifestyle factors, and the occurrence of hyperuricemia. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 13,636 participants from the 2007-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The oxidative balance score (OBS) was determined based on four lifestyle factors and sixteen dietary nutrients. We assessed the levels of serum uric acid (SUA) and the occurrence of hyperuricemia as outcomes. Weighted logistic regression and linear models were used for statistical analysis, using Restricted Cubic Splines (RCS) to examine potential nonlinear associations. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity assessments were performed to identify any variations and ensure the robustness of the findings. RESULTS: Higher OBS was consistently correlated with decreased SUA levels and a reduced prevalence of hyperuricemia. RCS highlighted a significant negative nonlinear association, particularly in females. Subgroup analysis revealed gender-based differences and interactive correlation, providing additional insights regarding OBS and hyperuricemia relationship. CONCLUSION: This study underscores a robust negative correlation between OBS and SUA levels as well as the incidence of hyperuricemia, emphasizing the importance of dietary and lifestyle factors. Incorporating RCS, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity assessments enhances the depth of our findings, providing valuable insights for further research.

Oxidative balance score: a potential tool for reducing the risk of colorectal cancer and its subsites incidences.

Background: The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) is commonly used to assess oxidative stress and provides a comprehensive evaluation of dietary and lifestyle-related exposures. However, there is limited research on the association between OBS and colorectal cancer (CRC), its subsites, and complications. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between OBS and the risk of CRC, its subsites, and common complications in a large prospective cohort study. Methods: We included data from 175,808 participants in the UK Biobank data sample repository from 2006 to 2010. We evaluated OBS using a scoring system based on 22 dietary and lifestyle factors. Multiple adjustments, including multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression, gender stratification, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis, were performed to fully explore the relationship between OBS and CRC, its subsites, and complications. The mediation analysis was conducted to investigate whether serum albumin, uric acid, and neutrophil levels mediate the relationship between OBS and CRC. Results: After adjusting for potential confounding factors, a significant negative correlation was found between OBS and the risk of CRC and its subsites (proximal colon cancer, distal colon cancer, and rectal cancer). This correlation was particularly pronounced in male CRC patients. Serum albumin, uric acid, and neutrophil count, which are biomarkers, were found to have a significant mediating effect between OBS and CRC. Conclusion: Our study suggests that higher exposure to antioxidants assessed through OBS (diet and lifestyle rich in antioxidants) may decrease the occurrence of CRC and its subsites.

Sex difference in the associations among risk factors with gastroesophageal reflux disease in a large Taiwanese population study.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common global health issue. Previous studies have revealed a higher prevalence of GERD in females than in males, however few studies have investigated sex differences in the risk factors associated with GERD. Therefore, the aim of this population-based study was to examine sex differences in the risk factors for GERD in a large cohort of over 120,000 Taiwanese participants. METHODS: We enrolled 121,583 participants (male: 43,698; female: 77,885; mean age 49.9 ± 11.0 years) from the Taiwan Biobank. The presence of GERD was ascertained using self-reported questionnaires. Sex differences in the risk factors associated with GERD were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of GERD was 13.7%, including 13.0% in the male participants and 14.1% in the female participants (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that older age, hypertension, smoking history, alcohol history, low fasting glucose, and low uric acid were significantly associated with GERD in the male participants. In the female participants, older age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking history, alcohol history, low systolic blood pressure, low fasting glucose, high hemoglobin, high total cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low uric acid were significantly associated with GERD. Significant interactions were found between sex and age (p < 0.001), diabetes (p < 0.001), smoking history (p < 0.001), fasting glucose (p = 0.002), triglycerides (p = 0.001), HDL-C (p = 0.001), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.002) on GERD. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed a higher prevalence of GERD among females compared to males. Furthermore, sex differences were identified in the risk factors associated with GERD, and older age, diabetes, smoking history, and low HDL-C were more closely related to GERD in females than in males.

No role of the third-trimester inflammatory factors in the association of gestational diabetes mellitus with postpartum cardiometabolic indicators.

BACKGROUND: The influence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on postpartum cardiometabolic indicators is primarily restricted to glucose and lipid metabolism, however the indicators for liver and kidney function have been rarely explored, and the role of the third-trimester inflammatory factors in these associations has never been investigated. METHODS: Based on the Ma'anshan birth cohort (MABC), women with or without GDM history were selected and invited to participate in a 6-year postpartum follow-up. The fasting blood samples were collected to measure 16 comprehensive metabolic indicators during a 6-year postpartum follow-up: fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCR), etc. Seven inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, and IL-17 A, were measured with serum samples collected during the third trimester of pregnancy. Linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between GDM and 6-year postpartum metabolic indicators, GDM and third-trimester inflammatory factors, and the third-trimester inflammatory factors and 6-year postpartum metabolic indicators. Mediating and moderating effect analyses were further performed to explore if the third-trimester inflammatory factors mediate or modify the association between GDM and postpartum cardiometabolic indicators. RESULTS: From July 2021 to August 2022, 307 participants have been followed up, with 99 women with a prior GDM history. Compared with those without GDM, individuals with a prior history of GDM had significantly elevated levels of FPG (ß = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.62, PFDR < 0.001), HbA1c (ß = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.34, PFDR = 0.009), TyG (ß = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.37, PFDR = 0.024) at 6 years postpartum, and the association between GDM and SCR (ß = 2.43, 95% CI: 0.02 to 4.85, PFDR = 0.144) reached nominal significance level. GDM history was associated with a decreased level of third-trimester IL-17 A (ß = -0.58, 95% CI: -0.99 to -0.18, PFDR = 0.035). No significant association between third-trimester inflammatory factors and 6-year postpartum metabolic indicators was observed. And no mediating or moderating effect of third-trimester inflammatory factors was observed in those associations. CONCLUSION: A prior history of GDM was significantly associated with elevated FPG, HbA1c, and TyG in women at 6 years postpartum, whereas third-trimester inflammatory factors had no role in mediating or moderating these associations.

The experiences and perspectives of people with gout on urate self-monitoring.

INTRODUCTION: Gout management remains suboptimal despite safe and effective urate-lowering therapy. Self-monitoring of urate may improve gout management, however, the acceptability of urate self-monitoring by people with gout is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of urate self-monitoring in people with gout. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with people taking urate-lowering therapy (N = 30) in a 12-month trial of urate self-monitoring in rural and urban Australia. Interviews covered the experience of monitoring and its effect on gout self-management. Deidentified transcripts were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Participants valued the ability to self-monitor and gain more understanding of urate control compared with the annual monitoring ordered by their doctors. Participants indicated that self-monitoring at home was easy, convenient and informed gout self-management behaviours such as dietary modifications, hydration, exercise and medication routines. Many participants self-monitored to understand urate concentration changes in response to feeling a gout flare was imminent or whether their behaviours, for example, alcohol intake, increased the risk of a gout flare. Urate concentrations were shared with doctors mainly when they were above target to seek management support, and this led to allopurinol dose increases in some cases. CONCLUSION: Urate self-monitoring was viewed by people with gout as convenient and useful for independent management of gout. They believed self-monitoring achieved better gout control with a less restricted lifestyle. Urate data was shared with doctors at the patient's discretion and helped inform clinical decisions, such as allopurinol dose changes. Further research on implementing urate self-monitoring in routine care would enable an evaluation of its impact on medication adherence and clinical outcomes, as well as inform gout management guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: One person with gout, who was not a participant, was involved in the study design by providing feedback and pilot testing the semistructured interview guide. In response to their feedback, subsequent modifications to the interview guide were made to improve the understandability of the questions from a patient perspective. No additional questions were suggested.

The Inverted U-Shaped Association between Serum Vitamin D and Serum Uric Acid Status in Children and Adolescents: A Large Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Serum vitamin D is associated with hyperuricemia. However, previous studies have been controversial, with limited focus on children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between serum vitamin D and serum uric acid (SUA) levels in children and adolescents. METHODS: The cross-sectional survey comprised 4777 participants aged 6 to 18 years, while the longitudinal survey involved 1641 participants aged 6 to 12 years, all derived from an ongoing cohort study in Shenzhen, China. Restricted cubic splines were used to visualize the dose-response relationship between vitamin D and SUA and the risk of higher SUA status. Two-segment generalized linear models (GLM) and logistic models were used to assess the association between vitamin D and SUA and higher SUA status, respectively. The longitudinal analysis used GLM. RESULTS: We observed an inverted U-shaped relationship between vitamin D and SUA (p-overall < 0.0001, p-nonlinear = 0.0002), as well as the risk of higher SUA status (p-overall = 0.0054, p-nonlinear = 0.0015), with the vitamin D inflection point at 24.31 and 21.29 ng/mL, respectively. A 10 ng/mL increment in 25(OH)D3 levels, when below 20.92 ng/mL, was associated with a 68% rise in the risk of higher SUA status (OR: 1.68, 95%CI: 1.07-2.66). Conversely, when 25(OH)D3 levels were above or equal to 20.92 ng/mL, a 10 ng/mL increment was associated with a 45% reduction risk of higher SUA status (OR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.36-0.84). Longitudinal analysis indicated that the annual change of SUA was from -4.80 (ß, 95%CI: -10.74, 1.13) to -9.00 (ß, 95%CI: -15.03, -2.99) and then to -6.77 (ß, 95%CI: -12.83, -0.71, p for trend = 0.0212) µmol/L when increasing the quartile of vitamin D3. CONCLUSIONS: An inverse U-shaped relationship was observed between vitamin D and SUA as well as the risk of higher SUA status. Sufficient vitamin D levels appear to play a preventative role against the age-related increase in SUA. Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels may be beneficial in improving uric acid metabolism.

Quercetin decreases fructose drinking in model of fructose-induced insulin resistance. Unexpected uric acid and TBARS lowering effect of methyl cellulose vehicle and fructose combination.

The aim of this study was to improve insulin sensitivity in fructose-treated animals by ingestion of flavonoid quercetin. Several signs of insulin resistance have been developed in rats by drinking 10% fructose solution for 9 weeks. The effect of 6-week-gavage-administrated quercetin (20 mg/kg/day in 1% methyl cellulose solution) was monitored. Rats of the control groups received methyl cellulose vehicle as well. The most striking result of the quercetin treatment was the normalization of the fructose solution drinking to the level of drinking water intake. In addition, quercetin supplementation considerably decreased the plasma glucose and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index in rats consuming fructose. Surprisingly, fructose ingestion did not elevate plasma uric acid, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, nitrotyrosine, or advanced glycation end products fluorescence. Instead, a reduction of the above parameters was observed. In summary, these results indicate that quercetin supplementation reduces fructose drinking and decreases plasma glucose and the HOMA-IR index. Furthermore, methyl cellulose, in combination with fructose, causes uric acid - lowering, antioxidant and anti-glycation effects. Thus, methyl cellulose possibly shifts fructose metabolism in favor of the utilization of antioxidant features of fructose. Our results call for using methyl cellulose in sweetened beverages and other sweetened food.

Comparison of the therapeutic effects of febuxostat combined with a low-purine diet and allopurinol combined with a low-purine diet on the improvement of gout patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of febuxostat combined with a low-purine diet versus allopurinol combined with a low-purine diet in the treatment of gout. METHODS: In this prospective controlled trial, 98 gout patients admitted to our hospital from February 2021 to December 2022 were enrolled as study subjects. Patients were randomly assigned to the study group (febuxostat combined with a low-purine diet) and the control group (allopurinol combined with a low-purine diet), with 49 patients in each group. The therapeutic effect was evaluated based on joint function and serum uric acid levels after treatment, and classified into three levels: markedly effective, effective, and ineffective. The levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), and interleukin (IL)-18 (IL-18), were collected. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used to assess the degree of pain in patients. Clinical indicators before and 6 months after treatment were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in age and gender between the two groups. After 6 months of treatment, the effective rate in the study group (48 cases, 97.96%) was higher than that in the control group (42 cases, 85.71%), with a statistically significant difference (p = .027). At the same time, the study group had significantly lower levels of serum uric acid (162.39 µmol/L ± 17.23 µmol/L vs. S198.32 µmol/L ± 18.34 µmol/L, p < .001), creatinine (87.39 mmol/L ± 9.76 mmol/L vs. 92.18 mmol/L ± 9.27 mmol/L, p = .014), total cholesterol (3.65 mmol/L ± 0.65 mmol/L vs. 4.76 mmol/L ± 0.73 mmol/L, p < .001), and triglycerides (1.76 mmol/L ± 0.32 mmol/L vs. 2.28 mmol/L ± 0.41 mmol/L, p < .001) compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences (p < .05). After treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors and degree of pain in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all p < .05). During the treatment process, the incidence of adverse reactions in the study group (2 cases, 4.08%) was lower than that in the control group (9 cases, 18.37%), with a statistically significant difference (p = .025). CONCLUSION: Febuxostat combined with a low-purine diet can reduce inflammatory factors and alleviate the degree of pain in gout patients, significantly improving their clinical symptoms.