Epidemiologic studies of serum uric acid levels among micronesians

Data from epidemiologic studies of Chamorro and Palauan populations of Micronesia were analyzed for associations of serum uric acid levels with other characteristics of the populations. The mean serum uric acid levels for those groups were significantly higher than those reported for Western populations, but the frequency distribution patterns were similar, being unimodal and slightly skewed toward higher values. Analysis by geographic subgroups showed differences in mean serum uric acid levels, but those differences did not follow any pattern of association with sociocultural indices. There was a general association of serum uric acid levels with total daily caloric intakes. Correlation analysis of individual characteristics indicated that serum uric acid levels were positively associated with measures of blood pressure, obesity and serum triglyceride levels. There was no consistent association with serum cholesterol or glucose levels, electrocardiogram abnormalities, smoking habits or measures of occupation, education or sociocultural attitudes. The overall impression was that, except for a possible dietary influence, the risk of hyperuricemia was more strongly associated with being a Micronesian than with geographic residence or life style.