Serum uric acid and albumin levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate: oxidative stress considerations

Uric acid has both antioxidant and oxidant properties, is excreted by the kidney and is associated with development of kidney disease. Albumin, another antioxidant is also excreted by the kidney in some renal diseases. The association andcorrelation of serum uric acid, albumin and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) could indicate the potential of renalfunction testing in evaluation of oxidative stress. This preliminary retrospective study looked at data on eGFR and serumlevels of uric acid and albumin in 274 patients (120 males and 154 females) with an average age of 60.1 years but didnot take into account any existing conditions or medication. Serum albumin levels were reduced as eGFR decreased andan inverse relationship between eGFR and serum uric acid levels with a statistically significant but weak partial correlationwas also observed after accounting for sex and age (r = -0.32; p < 0.001). A controlled study on oxidant/anti-oxidantcapacity of uric acid and other metabolites and relate these to renal function could be performed and this could lead to an indication of oxidative damage to the kidneys.