Association between serum uric acid and homocysteine levels among adults in the United States: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Many studies have shown that both elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels and hyperhomocysteinemia are risk factors for atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between the two has not been thoroughly investigated. Objective This study aimed to explore the possible link between SUA levels and homocysteine (Hcy) levels. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 17,692 adults aged > 19 years in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2006 were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to assess the association between SUA and Hcy levels. In addition, smooth curve fitting (penalized spline method) and threshold effect analysis were performed. Results Multivariable linear analysis showed that Hcy levels increased by 0.48 µmol/L (β = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.43–0.53) for every 1 mg/dL increase in SUA levels. We found a nonlinear relationship between SUA and Hcy levels. The results of threshold effect analysis showed that the inflection point for SUA levels was 7.1 mg/dL (β = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.23–0.36 and β = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.67–1.43 on the left and right sides of the inflection point, respectively). The p -values was less than 0.001 when using the log likelihood ratio test. This nonlinear relationship was also found in both sexes. The inflection point for SUA levels was 5.4 mg/dL in males and 7.3 mg/dL in females, respectively. Conclusions This cross-sectional study showed that the SUA levels were positively correlated with Hcy levels. And we found a nonlinear relationship between SUA and Hcy levels.