We propose a novel intervention for reducing BP that could have a preferential impact in
patients with hyperuricemia and gout. There is a great need for new anti-hypertensives,
particularly among those with gout. The proposed study is novel in its plans to investigate
the physiologic mechanisms through which urate contributes to vascular disease and by which
ULT may contribute to BP reduction. Also innovative, we will: 1) determine to what extent the
described benefit of lowering serum urate extends beyond the adolescent population previously
studied into young adults, 2) test whether a urate-lowering approach will benefit individuals
that do not yet meet the current definition of hyperuricemia and do not have gout, and 3)
begin to explore potential mechanisms for the higher prevalence of hypertension among
African-Americans. If successful, this work could translate to the standard of clinical care
and to health care recommendations for the population as a whole.
Phase:
Phase 2/Phase 3
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Collaborator:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)