However, when uric acid levels in the blood increase, the kidney filter, especially the renal Tube, can be affected.
In a large survey in Korea, people with higher uric acid levels have a higher risk of reducing renalfiltration (eGFR) than they do; specifically, in men, the group with increased uric acid has a ratio of OR to 5.55 compared to the lowest group, while in women it is 7.52.
According to Dr. RJ Johnson, an international expert on kidney disease and uric acid, "there is increasing evidence that increased uric acid is not only the result of kidney disease but also a contributing factor to kidney dysfunction".
High uric acid promotes inflammation in kidney tissue, causing oxidative stress, causing vasoconstriction in renal capillaries, inhibiting nitric oxide and endothelial damage.
When the kidneys are damaged, the ability to excrete uric acid is reduced, forming a negative spiral: kidney failure → uric acid increases → further damage.
It is worth noting that patients often do not have obvious symptoms when uric acid increases and the kidneys begin to damage. Therefore, in clinical practice, if uric acid increase is detected, especially accompanied by risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, kidney function should be proactively checked.
Regular monitoring: measure uric acid levels and assess kidney function (eGFR, creatinine) every 6-12 months if there are risk factors.
Adjust your lifestyle: reduce foods rich in purines (red meat, seafood rich in purines), limit alcohol, maintain a reasonable weight and drink enough water.
If it is only a simple increase in uric acid, there is no strong recommendation to lower uric acid just to protect the kidneys, but in case of pre-existing kidney damage or many risk factors, the specialist will consider.
