Lowering Uric Acid Is Not Just For Preventing Gout! Check Out The 9 Major Dangers Of Hyperuricemia

When it comes to hyperuricemia (HUA), the first thing that comes to mind is gout. But in fact, long-term high uric acid levels may also cause erectile dysfunction, male hair loss, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease.

Click to Cistanche for kidney disease

1. The hidden meaning of HUA and "men"

A study published in the journal Andrology evaluated the relationship between HUA and erectile dysfunction in men. After screening, the researchers conducted a systematic review of 8 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The analysis found that 1/3 of men with HUA will develop erectile dysfunction, and in individual studies, this number is even as high as 76%.

Researchers believe that hyperuricemia is one of the common features of metabolic syndrome, and patients may also be accompanied by visceral obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and blood sugar disorders. Considering that these are risk factors for endothelial dysfunction/injury, comprehensive Factors may lead to vasogenic erectile dysfunction, although a direct pathogenic role of uric acid in promoting endothelial dysfunction cannot be ruled out.

2. HUA and male hair loss

Researchers from my country have evaluated the relationship between HUA and androgenic alopecia (AGA) among 3,936 male subjects aged 18-50. The study found that uric acid levels in AGA patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.001), and men with AGA had a higher risk of developing HUA (OR=1.72, P<0.001).

In the analysis of patients of different age groups, it was found that the relationship between the two is particularly close among those aged 18-30 with early-onset AGA:

➤Among subjects aged 18-30 years old, the uric acid level of the AGA group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.001), and the prevalence of hyperuricemia was also significantly higher than that of the control group (26.2% vs. 15.4%, OR=1.95, P<0.001).

In conclusion, this study on the Chinese population showed that there is a significant correlation between hyperuricemia and AGA in men, especially among patients with early-onset AGA (<30 years old).

3. HUA and gout

HUA is the main risk factor for gout. In the "Standardized Aging" study, researchers divided the population into groups according to blood uric acid levels, which were <7.0mg/dL, 7.0-8.9mg/dL, and ≥9.0mg/dL, respectively. The incidence rates of gout were 0.1%, 0.5%, and 4.9% respectively. That is, as the blood uric acid level increases, the incidence rate of gout increases significantly.

In another retrospective study, when the blood uric acid level was ≥6 mg/dL, as the blood uric acid level increased, gout attacks increased compared with when the blood uric acid value was <6.0 mg/dL. As the uric acid content increased, the risk value increased. also increased significantly. Among people with asymptomatic HUA, 5%-12% will eventually develop gout.

4. HUA is an independent risk factor for hypertension

HUA is an independent risk factor for hypertension. Studies have shown that for every increase in blood uric acid level of 59.5umol/L, the relative risk of hypertension increases by 25%.

HUA may promote the occurrence and development of hypertension by activating the renin-angiotensin system, reducing nitric oxide synthesis in vascular endothelial cells, stimulating vascular smooth muscle proliferation, and leading to vascular remodeling. In addition, long-term hypertension also affects uric acid metabolism through glomerular arteriosclerosis and other pathways, aggravating HUA.

5. HUA is closely related to heart failure

Heart failure is the final destination of most cardiovascular diseases, and hyperuricemia is a risk factor for heart failure and is closely related to its occurrence, development, and prognosis.

The prevalence of hyperuricemia in patients with heart failure is as high as 55%-60%, and the more severe the heart failure, the higher the patient's blood uric acid level.

6. HUA is closely related to atherosclerosis

Soluble uric acid can directly damage vascular endothelial cells. The higher the concentration of uric acid, the greater the impact on the endothelium. In patients with HUA, urate crystals can precipitate and deposit on the blood vessel wall and damage the vascular endothelium by inducing an inflammatory response.

In addition, HUA is associated with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia to jointly promote the formation of atherosclerosis. Some studies have found that urate-lowering therapy can slow the progression of atherosclerosis.

7. HUA is closely related to kidney damage

Meta-analysis shows that gout is an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney stones. Related studies have also shown that HUA may cause kidney damage, thereby accelerating the progression of CKD.

In addition, urate-lowering drugs have a protective effect on renal function in asymptomatic HUA patients, but the corresponding mechanism of action requires further study. The incidence of gout in CKD patients is also higher than that in the general population. In CKD patients, HUA is a risk factor for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. The uric acid levels in these patients also deserve attention.

8. HUA is closely related to abnormal blood lipid metabolism

Hyperuricemia is closely related to various components of metabolic syndrome and is particularly related to abnormal lipid metabolism. The study found that the incidence of high triglycerides and high low-density lipoprotein in patients with hyperuricemia was significantly higher than that of the control group. It was also found that the incidence of hyperuricemia in patients with hyperlipidemia was also higher.

There is an interactive relationship between uric acid metabolism and lipid metabolism. Hyperuricemia will lead to a decrease in lipase activity, thereby affecting lipid metabolism. In addition, HUA and hyperlipidemia are independent risk factors for arteriosclerosis and hypertension.

9. HUA is closely related to diabetes

People with HUA are about twice as likely to develop diabetes as normal people. HUA can not only directly damage the function of pancreatic beta cells, affect insulin secretion, and lead to diabetes, but also aggravate metabolic disorders and insulin resistance in diabetic patients, and promote the occurrence of macrovascular and microvascular complications in diabetic patients. At the same time, diabetic nephropathy and insulin resistance can also lead to exacerbation of hyperuricemia.

How Does Cistanche Treat Kidney Disease?

Cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including kidney disease. It is derived from the dried stems of Cistanche deserticola, a plant native to the deserts of China and Mongolia. The main active components of cistanche are phenylethanoid glycosides, echinacoside, and acteoside, which have been found to have beneficial effects on kidney health.

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to a condition in which the kidneys are not functioning properly. This can result in a buildup of waste products and toxins in the body, leading to various symptoms and complications. Cistanche may help treat kidney disease ase through several mechanisms.

Firstly, cistanche has been found to have diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and help eliminate waste products from the body. This can help relieve the burden on the kidneys and prevent the buildup of toxins. By promoting diuresis, cistanche may also help Reduce high blood pressure, a common complication of kidney disease.

Moreover, cistanche has been shown to have antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's antioxidant defenses, plays a key role in the progression of kidney disease. ies help neutralize free radicals and reduce Oxidative stress, thereby protecting the kidneys from damage. The phenylethanoid glycosides found in cistanche have been particularly effective in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

Additionally, cistanche has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is another key factor in the development and progression of kidney disease. Cistanche's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the activation of inflammation mandatory pathways, thus alleviating inflammation in the kidneys.

Furthermore, cistanche has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. In kidney disease, the immune system can be dysregulated, leading to excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Cistanche helps regulate the immune response by modulating the production and activity of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages. This immune regulation helps reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the kidneys.

Moreover, cistanche has been found to improve renal function by promoting the regeneration of renal tubes with cells. Renal tubular epithelial cells play a crucial role in the filtration and reabsorption of waste products and electrolytes. In kidney disease, these cells can be damaged, leading to damaged renal function. Cistanche's ability to promote the regeneration of these cells helps restore proper renal function and improve overall kidney health.

In addition to these direct effects on the kidneys, cistanche has been found to have beneficial effects on other organs and systems in the body. This holistic approach to health is critical in kidney disease, as the condition often affects multiple organs and systems. che has been shown to have protective effects on the liver, heart, and blood vessels, which are commonly affected by kidney disease. By promoting the health of these organs, cistanche helps improve overall kidney function and prevent further complications.

In conclusion, cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat kidney disease. Its active components have diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative effects, which help improve renal function and protect the kidneys from further damage. , cistanche has beneficial effects on other organs and systems, making it a holistic approach to treating kidney disease.