Multiple projects investigating association of Uric acid and health outcomes among older adults using ASPREE data

Serum uric acid (SUA), the final breakdown product of purine metabolism in humans. The typical consequence of elevated UA levels is the development of gout, a condition affecting 2% to 3% of the general population with a higher prevalence in patients with cardiac and metabolic diseases1. At physiological levels, uric acid has both anti-oxidant and pro-oxidant properties , which suggests that, depending on the prevailing conditions, it may serve as either a biological defence mechanism or an inflammatory stressor. The true nature of the relationship between uric acid and morbidity and mortality is important to clarify as treatment strategies that lower SUA may, on one hand, provide substantial benefits or, on the other hand, confer additional risk. Studies have shown that hyperuricemia is associated with endothelial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, thrombus formation, and elevated circulating levels of systemic inflammatory mediators. Suggesting, potential pathophysiological role of uric acid. Epidemiological data have shown a consistent association between UA and vascular alterations (hypertension, coronary heart disease - CHD, congestive heart failure, and stroke) metabolic syndrome and diabetes left ventricular hypertrophy , heart failure and chronic kidney disease and dementia . A large number of studies , have also reported the independent property of uric acid in increasing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or all-cause mortality. This concept of an independent or causal role is supported by an overwhelming majority of studies in the literature Despite abundance of evidence of detrimental health effect, evidence regarding the risk of adverse health outcome in the aging population is scarce and also is inconclusive. Evidence suggest that the serum level of uric acid is affected by aging and genetic and environmental factors so as its impact on health. The association of adverse health outcome with serum uric acid among elderly is worth investigating. Analysis of ASPREE* participant data may provide important insight in this regard. *The ASPREE clinical trial commenced in 2010 and finished in 2017, was a multi-centre clinical trial looking at whether low dose aspirin could prolong life free of mental and physical disability. The intervention phase of the trial has now concluded, but these participants are now being followed for a further five years through the ASPREE extension study (ASPREE-XT), which is a longitudinal observation study. Data is collected form participants twice a year, via an in-person visit annually and a phone call follow up 6 months later. ASPREE and -XT capture a wealth of phenotypic data from its participants, including the major health related events linked to ageing (cognitive decline, physical decline and frailty, cancer, depression and cardio/cerebrovascular disease). We are offering a range of projects suitable Higher Degree Students: 1. Uric Acid and mortality among older adults 2. Uric Acid and Physical Function / dyability among older adults 3. Uric Acid and cognitive function / dementia among older adults 4. Uric Acid and health outcome among older adults with certain comorbidities (e.g. Diabetes, kidney disease, Heart disease)