Increased Uric Acid and Life Style Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Thais

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) has been continually increasing in developing countries especially in Thailand. Although insulin resistance and central obesity are initially considered as significant risk factors, the other causal factors leading to the development of MS continue to challenge the investigators. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of MS in Pathum Thani province, Thailand and to investigate the relationship between MS and risk factors.

This cross-sectional study was performed with 202 Thai volunteers. Anthropometric-biochemical variables and blood pressures in each subject were measured.

Almost one-third (32.7%) of the participants were diagnosed with MS based on the harmonized criteria, and one of the most significant risk factors is the elevated blood pressure. Weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides and uric acid were significantly higher in subjects with MS subjects. However, HDL-C levels were significantly lower in subjects with MS, compared to subjects without MS (p<0.001). The results of regression model after adjustment for age and gender showed that the increased serum uric acid level (OR=1.31, 95%CI: =1.04-1.66), cigarette smoking (OR=3.72, 95%CI: =1.51-9.15) and physical activity (OR=0.36, 95%CI: =0.19-0.67) were significantly related to MS.

These findings suggest that the decrease of uric acid level, the promotion of physical activity and smoking cessation may decrease the risk of developing MS among Thais.