Raised natriuretic peptides, Big-endothelin-1 and improved beta-cell function in type 2 diabetic males with hyperuricaemia

Urate, a naturally-occurring antioxidant, is a marker/factor for cardiovascular disease. Hyperuricaemia is associated with IR, MetS and endothelial dysfunction. We characterised the associations between neurohormones, uricaemia, and glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) males. Cross-sectional; 705 T2DM males divided into two groups: uric acid < 7.0 mg/dl (normouricaemic; n=476) versus uric acid >or= 7.0 mg/dl (hyperuricaemic; n=229). HOMA beta-cell function (B), insulin sensitivity (S), hyperbolic product (BxS), and (BxS) loss rate were determined alongside neurohormones (Nt-proANP, BNP, Big ET-1 and UII). Mean age and diabetes duration were not different between groups. Hyperuricaemics had more macroangiopathy, total/central adiposity, IR, hypertension, dyslipidemia and MetS prevalence. Nt-proANP and BNP levels were more than twice as high in hyperuricaemics, whereas Big ET-1 and UII were higher by 46% and 14%, respectively. HOMA (BxS) was higher in hyperuricaemics: 31 (16)% vs. 26 (18)% (p=0.0004). BxS loss rate was faster in normouricaemics: 1.36 (0.54)% vs. 1.20 (0.43)%/year(-1) (p<0.0001 ). The proportion with HbA(1C) < 7.0% was 39% (normouricaemics) vs. 49% (hyperuricaemics; p=0.0091). In T2DM males, hyperuricaemia is associated with raised neurohormones together with better beta-cell indices. Urate's dual properties may translate into beneficial (glucose homeostasis) and detrimental (raised neurohormones) effects.