The Role of Hyperuricemia in the Pathogenesis and Progressivity of Chronic Kidney Disease

In humans, the end product of purine metabolism is uric acid. Over 70% of uric acid is excreted through the kidneys. When renal function is impaired, uric acid secretion is also impaired. This directly correlates the prevalence of hyperuricemia with the severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It has been reported that the prevalence of hyperuricemia in patients with Stage I-III CKD is 40–60% and up to 70% in patients with Stage IV-V CKD. Some studies found a link between serum uric acid levels and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), an independent risk factor for CKD development. Because CKD and serum uric acid levels are related, the relationship between the two frequently generates controversy. As such, this review of the literature discusses the role of uric acid in the pathogenesis and progression of CKD.