Serum Uric Acid and Iron Status: Exploring a Complex Interaction in Metabolic Syndrome Patients of Eastern India

Background: Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of illnesses including insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and central obesity, is affecting roughly a quarter of the world population. Dysregulation of iron homeostasis may be associated with insulin resistance, leading to metabolic syndrome. Uric acid is an antioxidant currently studied in relation to several metabolic disorders. It may also be interlinked with iron metabolism. Yet, data regarding the interplay between serum iron, ferritin, and uric acid in metabolic syndrome are scarce. Hence, this study aimed to identify any alteration of serum iron, ferritin, and uric acid levels in metabolic syndrome patients of Eastern India and to explore any inter-relationship between these parameters. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study including 103 patients suffering from metabolic syndrome and 107 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals was conducted. Subjects were evaluated for serum iron, ferritin, and uric acid levels, besides the diagnostic parameters of metabolic syndrome.

Results: Metabolic syndrome cases had higher serum iron, ferritin, and uric acid levels as compared to the controls. Serum uric acid was positively correlated with both iron and ferritin.

Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is associated with elevated serum levels of iron, ferritin, and uric acid. Iron overload, reflected in elevated serum ferritin, can cause oxidative stress and endothelial damage, thereby predisposing to metabolic and vascular complications. Uric acid, an antioxidant, can rise in an attempt to counter oxidative stress. Metabolic syndrome patients should be periodically assessed for iron profile and uric acid to design suitable treatment protocols for better management of disease progression and alleviation of complications.