Uric acid and neurological disease: a narrative review

Abstract

Hyperuricemia often accompanies hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and chronic renal disease; it is also closely related to cardiovascular disease. Moreover, several epidemiological studies have linked hyperuricemia and ischemic stroke. However, uric acid may also have neuroprotective effects because of its antioxidant properties. An association between low uric acid levels and neurodegenerative diseases has been suggested, which may be attributed to diminished neuroprotective effects as a result of reduced uric acid. This review will focus on the relationship between uric acid and various neurological diseases including stroke, neuroimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. When considering both the risk and pathogenesis of neurological diseases, it is important to consider the conflicting dual nature of uric acid as both a vascular risk factor and a neuroprotective factor. This dual nature of uric acid is important because it may help to elucidate the biological role of uric acid in various neurological diseases and provide new insights into the etiology and treatment of these diseases.

Sex difference in the associations among hyperuricemia with self-reported peptic ulcer disease in a large Taiwanese population study

“…Whereas, another study discussing the relationship between uric acid and osteoporosis suggested that hyperuricemia could have a protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases and may reduce the risk of bone fractures by affecting bone mineral density ( 24 ). In the narrative review by Otani et al ( 36 ), the authors investigate the complex role of uric acid in neurological disorders. It details how uric acid’s antioxidant properties might confer neuroprotection by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation ( 36 ).…”

“…In the narrative review by Otani et al ( 36 ), the authors investigate the complex role of uric acid in neurological disorders. It details how uric acid’s antioxidant properties might confer neuroprotection by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation ( 36 ). Notably, the review presents evidence indicating that higher uric acid levels might be linked to a decreased risk and slower progression of Parkinson’s disease ( 36 ).…”

“…It details how uric acid’s antioxidant properties might confer neuroprotection by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation ( 36 ). Notably, the review presents evidence indicating that higher uric acid levels might be linked to a decreased risk and slower progression of Parkinson’s disease ( 36 ). High uric acid levels might have contributed to the development of higher intelligence and better neurological health in humans by providing significant antioxidant capacity ( 36 , 37 ).…”

“…Notably, the review presents evidence indicating that higher uric acid levels might be linked to a decreased risk and slower progression of Parkinson’s disease ( 36 ). High uric acid levels might have contributed to the development of higher intelligence and better neurological health in humans by providing significant antioxidant capacity ( 36 , 37 ). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 24 participants, the effects of intravenously administered uric acid on endothelial function were explored ( 38 ).…”

Exploring the Multifaceted Nexus of Uric Acid and Health: A Review of Recent Studies on Diverse Diseases

“…The effects of uric acid in neurological diseases are likely to vary greatly between stroke, a vascular disease, and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, which are neurodegenerative diseases [156]. A systematic review of umbrella reviews revealed a significant association of high serum uric acid levels with a decreased risk of several neurological diseases (i.e., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) [157].…”