Ceramide-based risk score: A novel laboratory tool for cardiovascular risk stratification in hyperuricemia and gout

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rheumatology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Gout and hyperuricemia are linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Effective risk stratification is crucial for managing these conditions and preventing CVD events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of the Coronary Event Risk Test (CERT) in assessing cardiovascular risk in patients with hyperuricemia and gout.
• To explore the association between CERT scores, plasma ceramides, inflammation, and atherogenic index in these patient groups.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving 94 hyperuricemic patients, 196 gout patients, and 53 controls.
• Plasma ceramides analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
• Coronary Event Risk Test (CERT) scores were assessed.

Main Results:

• Elevated CERT scores (≥7) were observed in 11.7% of hyperuricemic patients and 31.12% of gout patients, representing a 2-fold and 5.5-fold increase, respectively, compared to controls.
• Patients with elevated CERT scores exhibited higher levels of inflammation and atherogenic index of plasma.
• Inflammation and atherogenic index were significantly associated with CERT scores in both hyperuricemic and gout cohorts.

Conclusions:

• The Coronary Event Risk Test (CERT) shows potential for enhanced cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with gout and hyperuricemia.
• Integrating CERT into clinical practice may aid in identifying high-risk individuals for targeted preventive strategies.
• Further research is warranted to validate CERT's role in managing cardiovascular risk in these populations.