Beyond gout: uric acid and cardiovascular diseases

Objectives: This article discusses the results of clinical and experimental studies that examine the association of hyperuricemia and gout with cardiovascular (CV) disease. Methods: Key papers for inclusion were identified by a PubMed search, and articles were selected for their relevance to the topic, according to the authors' judgment. Results and conclusions: Significant progress has been made in confirming an association, possibly causal, between hyperuricemia and CV outcomes. Xantine-oxidase (XO) inhibitors appear to be the most promising agents for prevention and treatment of CV consequences associated with hyperuricemia. Several small and medium sized studies have examined the effect of these agents on CV function in a variety of patient populations. Improvements in measures of endothelial function, oxidative stress, cardiac function, hemodynamics, and certain inflammatory indices have been demonstrated. Compounds for XO inhibition with more specific clinical effects and fewer s...