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CHAPTER 1 U Defined Flashcards

1
Q

What are the three sources of uric acid?

A
  • Fructose
  • Alcohol
  • Purines
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2
Q

What health issues are strongly related to high levels of uric acid?

A
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Cardiovascular problems
  • Hypertension
  • Cognitive decline
  • Abnormal blood fats
  • Death from any cause
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3
Q

What significant health improvements did Dr. Alexander Haig document after changing his diet?

A

He experienced tremendous health improvements by eliminating meat, which lowered his uric acid levels and alleviated migraines.

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4
Q

What diseases did Dr. Haig link to elevated uric acid levels?

A
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cancer
  • Dementia
  • Gout
  • Hypertension
  • Stroke
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5
Q

What role do purines play in the body?

A

Purines are essential for forming DNA and RNA, serving as building blocks of life and connecting with cells to initiate various physiological processes.

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6
Q

What happens when the body cannot process excessive purines?

A

Excessive purines lead to high uric acid levels in the bloodstream, which can cause adverse metabolic effects.

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7
Q

What is the Framingham Heart Study known for?

A

It provided extensive data on risk factors for heart disease and allowed the examination of other diseases like diabetes and dementia.

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8
Q

What was the conclusion of the Framingham Heart Study regarding elevated uric acid?

A

Elevated uric acid did not cause heart disease by itself; high blood pressure was a contributing factor.

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9
Q

How does high uric acid contribute to high blood pressure according to Dr. Rick Johnson’s research?

A
  • It causes oxidative stress, constricting blood vessels
  • It leads to kidney injury and salt retention
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10
Q

What was the effect of allopurinol treatment in obese adolescents with hypertension?

A

The treatment restored normal blood pressure in 85% of the adolescents by lowering uric acid levels.

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11
Q

What is the significance of epigenetics in relation to uric acid?

A

Epigenetics allows influence over how genetic code behaves, potentially affected by uric acid levels.

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12
Q

Fill in the blank: Uric acid is often referred to as a _______.

A

[physiologic alarm signal]

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13
Q

True or False: Dr. Haig’s findings on uric acid were widely accepted and acted upon during the twentieth century.

A

False

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14
Q

What are endogenous purines?

A

Purines produced naturally by the body.

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15
Q

What are exogenous purines?

A

Purines obtained from food sources such as liver, certain seafoods, meats, and alcohol.

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16
Q

What is the relationship between uric acid and fat production?

A

Uric acid triggers fat production, contributing to conditions like obesity.

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17
Q

What did Dr. Johnson hypothesize about the relationship between obesity and high blood pressure?

A

He questioned whether uric acid could be the trigger for both high blood pressure and obesity.

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18
Q

What is the relationship between uric acid and high blood pressure?

A

Uric acid may trigger high blood pressure and obesity

Uric acid is being evaluated as a potential master conductor in chronic disease states.

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19
Q

What evolutionary advantage does the fat switch provide?

A

Allows for efficient energy storage during times of food abundance

This mechanism enhances survival during food shortages.

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20
Q

What is uricase?

A

An enzyme that converts uric acid into substances that can be expelled by the kidneys

Uricase is absent in birds, most reptiles, and hominoid mammals.

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21
Q

Why do humans have higher uric acid levels compared to other mammals?

A

We lack functional uricase due to genetic mutations

This results in our blood containing three to ten times more uric acid than that of other mammals.

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22
Q

What effect does fructose have on uric acid levels?

A

Fructose generates uric acid during metabolism

Without uricase, this uric acid contributes to fat accumulation.

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23
Q

True or False: Elevated uric acid levels are only a concern for individuals with gout.

A

False

Elevated uric acid is linked to various chronic diseases beyond gout.

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24
Q

What chronic diseases are associated with elevated uric acid?

A
  • Hypertension
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Diabetes
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Chronic kidney disease

Uric acid is now recognized as a central player in these conditions.

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25
What was discovered regarding uric acid levels and mortality in a study conducted in Japan?
Higher uric acid levels were linked to increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality ## Footnote The study involved over half a million participants over seven years.
26
What is the recommended uric acid level to aim for?
At or below 5.5 mg/dL ## Footnote This recommendation is more rigorous than established medical guidelines.
27
What percentage increase in mortality risk was found for each milligram per deciliter of uric acid above 7 mg/dL?
8 to 13 percent ## Footnote This indicates a significant risk associated with elevated uric acid levels.
28
What is asymptomatic hyperuricemia?
Elevated uric acid levels without noticeable symptoms ## Footnote It can predict conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
29
What common condition has doubled in prevalence over the last twenty years?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ## Footnote NAFLD is linked to elevated uric acid levels.
30
How does inflammation relate to elevated uric acid levels?
High uric acid amplifies systemic inflammation ## Footnote Chronic inflammation is a fundamental cause of many serious health issues.
31
What is C-reactive protein (CRP)?
A common marker of inflammation in the body ## Footnote Elevated CRP levels are associated with various diseases.
32
What connection did researchers find between uric acid and CRP levels?
Elevated uric acid directly correlates with elevated CRP levels ## Footnote This relationship indicates a link between uric acid and systemic inflammation.
33
What did a study involving German researchers reveal about uric acid and cardiovascular disease?
Elevated uric acid was a better predictor of future CVD events than other inflammatory markers ## Footnote This finding highlights the significance of uric acid in cardiovascular health.
34
Fill in the blank: Chronic inflammation is linked to _______.
serious health challenges ## Footnote It includes diseases like coronary artery disease and cancer.
35
What is the relationship between elevated uric acid and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events?
Statistically significant; elevated uric acid could be causing adverse CVD episodes even within normal range. ## Footnote This relationship was confirmed by other studies showing uric acid mirrors systemic inflammation.
36
What can elevated uric acid levels indicate in children?
They play a key role in predicting high blood pressure and kidney disease in adulthood. ## Footnote Elevated uric acid levels in childhood can lead to serious health issues later in life.
37
When is the best time to test uric acid levels?
First thing in the morning, before eating or exercising. ## Footnote Uric acid levels peak around 5:00 a.m., coinciding with peak heart attack times.
38
What percentage of the US population over twenty is considered overweight or obese?
73.6 percent. ## Footnote This includes 42.5 percent categorized as obese.
39
What is metabolic syndrome?
A cluster of conditions increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health issues. ## Footnote It poses the greatest public health threat in the twenty-first century.
40
List three characteristics used to diagnose metabolic syndrome.
* High blood pressure * Elevated blood sugar * Excess body fat around the waist ## Footnote Only three characteristics need to be checked for diagnosis.
41
True or False: Metabolic syndrome is less common among normal-weight individuals.
True. ## Footnote However, it can still occur in this group.
42
What happens to dementia risk for individuals with type 2 diabetes?
It doubles, and increases by 24 percent for every five years living with diabetes. ## Footnote Higher blood sugar levels are correlated with faster cognitive decline.
43
What is the link between COVID-19 and metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a significant predictor of severe COVID-19 disease outcomes. ## Footnote Patients with metabolic syndrome have higher mortality rates and need for critical care.
44
Fill in the blank: Uric acid levels are directly tied to every malady under the __________.
inflammatory sun. ## Footnote This highlights the importance of controlling uric acid levels for overall health.
45
What percentage of adults in the US is estimated to be classified as obese by 2030?
50 percent. ## Footnote This projection emphasizes the growing obesity crisis.
46
What is the relationship between obesity and COVID-19 hospitalization rates?
Obesity is associated with a 113 percent higher risk of hospitalization. ## Footnote This indicates a significant impact of obesity on COVID-19 outcomes.
47
List two common conditions that separate individuals who suffered from COVID-19 from those who did not.
* Obesity * Diabetes ## Footnote Lifestyle choices significantly influence outcomes in these conditions.
48
What is a major driver of Alzheimer’s disease according to recent studies?
Cerebral fructose metabolism. ## Footnote This relates to how fructose affects brain health and energy dynamics.
49
What does research suggest about the correlation between uric acid and cognitive decline?
Higher uric acid levels are linked to faster cognitive decline. ## Footnote This is observed even in the absence of gout or kidney disease.
50
What is the impact of lifestyle choices on immune competence related to COVID-19?
Lifestyle choices affect infection risk and outcomes. ## Footnote Factors include diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management.
51
What are the two main drivers of long-haul COVID-19 symptoms?
* Organ damage * Immune overreaction ## Footnote These factors contribute to prolonged illness after infection.
52
What percentage of adolescents between the ages of twelve and nineteen are obese?
More than 20 percent. ## Footnote This statistic highlights the rising rates of obesity in youth.
53
What can uric acid levels help predict?
Future health challenges ## Footnote Uric acid levels serve as a road sign for health awareness.
54
What role does fructose play in metabolic syndrome?
It fuels increasing levels of uric acid and aggravates metabolic syndrome ## Footnote Fructose from industrialized foods is a chief cause of metabolic syndrome.
55
What is hyperuricemia considered in relation to metabolic syndrome?
A new marker for metabolic syndrome ## Footnote Elevated uric acid is now acknowledged as a significant factor in metabolic health.
56
Which biomarkers should uric acid be prioritized alongside?
* Blood glucose * Body weight * Blood pressure * LDL cholesterol ## Footnote Uric acid is now seen as a contributory causal factor in these health measurements.
57
How does elevated uric acid relate to insulin resistance?
It damages the lining of blood vessels, compromising nitric oxide production ## Footnote Nitric oxide is essential for insulin function and vascular health.
58
What is nitric oxide's primary function in the cardiovascular system?
Vasodilation ## Footnote Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessel muscles, increasing circulation.
59
What are the effects of reduced nitric oxide levels?
* Impaired insulin function * Heart disease * Diabetes * Erectile dysfunction ## Footnote Reduced nitric oxide is linked to various metabolic disorders.
60
What did studies show about uric acid levels in people with type 2 diabetes?
Higher values of fasting blood glucose, insulin, A1c, and uric acid ## Footnote Elevated uric acid is a marker for diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
61
What are two pathways through which elevated uric acid can induce diabetes?
* Activation of inflammation * Generation of oxidative stress ## Footnote Both pathways contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic issues.
62
How does uric acid affect erectile dysfunction (ED)?
It damages blood vessel lining, reducing nitric oxide activity ## Footnote Elevated uric acid is an independent risk factor for ED.
63
What is autophagy?
Cellular housecleaning that recycles damaged cellular parts ## Footnote Autophagy boosts immunity and may impact risks of various diseases.
64
How does uric acid affect autophagy?
It suppresses autophagy and diminishes anti-inflammatory capacity ## Footnote Uric acid prevents cells from clearing out harmful components.
65
What is the 'Goldilocks zone' in relation to uric acid?
The ideal level of uric acid for health-promoting effects ## Footnote Too high or too low uric acid levels can be detrimental.
66
What health issues are associated with extremely low uric acid levels?
* Neurological disorders * Cardiovascular disease * Cancer * Fanconi syndrome ## Footnote These associations are not fully validated and may involve other factors.
67
What has caused the dramatic rise in uric acid levels since the mid-1970s?
Dietary changes, particularly increased fructose consumption ## Footnote The body's DNA has not adapted to the current caloric load.
68
What is a significant source of fructose in modern diets?
Sweetened beverages ## Footnote Fructose is prevalent in industrialized foods.

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