Serum urate and cholesterol levels in Air Force Academy cadets

Serum cholesterol and urate levels were measured in 150 young men at 2- to 4-month intervals during their first 18 months at the U.S. Air Force Academy. During the first week of cadet training, mean serum urate levels rose as high as 9.5 mg/100 m/, but decreased after a Sunday break. During this week, urate levels in excess of 8.49 mg/100 m/ were found in 44% of the subjects. Such levels, while definitely exceeding normal limits, were attributed to acute psychosocial stress rather than to an abnormal or pathological process. One month after the completion of basic military training, mean serum urate levels were within normal limits, as were all subsequent mean urate levels. Mean serum cholesterol levels were elevated at three times - during the first week of training, after the first month of the first academic year, and during a week of intense military training in the following spring. Apparently, urate and cholesterol levels were elevated by different aspects of stress. Elevations of uric acid level appeared to reflect stress that excited fear or insecurity. Elevations of cholesterol levels apeared to reflect a stress which the individual perceived as requiring a sustained increase in physical and/or mental performance.