Serum uric acid can predict higher C-reactive protein levels in apparently healthy men

Introduction: Epidemiological studies have shown an association between coronary heart disease and emerging cardiovascular risk factors, such as, levels of fibrinogen and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Objectives: To verify the ability of biochemical indicators in discriminating changes in the levels of hs-CRP and fibrinogen, in apparently healthy adult men. Methods: Were evaluated 130 apparently healthy men (20-59 years), having measurement of weight and height. Biochemical measurements (lipid profile, fasting glucose, uric acid, hs-CRP and fibrinogen) were performed. Body mass index, total cholesterol/HDL-c and LDL-c/HDL-c ratios were calculated. It was considered as the cutoff point for hs-CRP values >= 0.12 mg/dL and for fibrinogen the 50th percentile of the evaluated sample. Results: The uric acid showed the best correlation (r = 0.325) and the higher area under the ROC curve (0.704 +/- 0.054), showing greater ability to discriminate higher levels of hs-CRP (p <0.01). The total cholesterol/HDL-c ratio (r = 0.222) and the LDL-c/HDL-c ratio (r = 0.235) showed the best correlations and the higher areas under the ROC curves (0.624 +/- 0.049 and 0.624 +/- 0.049) in identify higher levels of fibrinogen (p <0.05). Conclusion: The uric acid and the total cholesterol/HDL-c and the LDL-c/HDL-c ratios showed greater ability to identify changes in the levels of hs-CRP and fibrinogen, respectively. It was suggested the use of biochemical markers in the clinical practice, in order to establish preventive action for cardiovascular disease in apparently healthy adult men.