Correlation between salivary uric acid values and risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome

Introduction: The fast pace of modern life contributes to an increased prevalence of metabolism-related diseases. Since these diseases can be prevented through lifestyle modification, a new approach in medicine is needed, i.e. one that focuses on the early identification of individuals at higher risk. A promising noninvasive monitoring tool is the use of salivary biomarkers. Of particular interest is salivary uric acid, as a linear association between its serum and salivary concentrations has been demonstrated. Aim: To determine the correlation between various risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome and the salivary concentration of uric acid. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 156 students (aged 20–25 years) from the Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, and Faculty of Pharmacy at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. In the Biochemical Laboratory of the Faculty of Dentistry, body weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, and pulse were measured. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected using the spitting method. Uric acid concentration was determined spectrophotometrically using the enzymatic URICASE/PEROXIDASE method. The obtained data were statistically analyzed and correlated with anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, pulse, and body mass index. Results: The results showed a significant correlation between salivary uric acid levels and body weight, systolic blood pressure, and waist circumference. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that salivary uric acid may serve as a reliable noninvasive biomarker for detecting cardiometabolic risk factors.