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Blood is a liquid of biological origin, it is unique, has a constant composition and properties, and is able to self-regulate. Any violation, even seemingly insignificant, reduces the functionality of the circulatory system, affects the quality of oxygen transportation and the removal of decay products from the body.
Often, changes in the biochemical composition of the blood indicate malfunctions in the work of a particular organ. For example, an increase or decrease in the concentration of uric acid may be a sign of improper functioning of metabolic processes, problems with the liver or urinary system.
Involvement of uric acid in purine metabolism
Purines are the main components of important amino acids from which DNA molecules are synthesized. As a result of purine metabolism, uric acid is produced. After the destruction of the cell, the breakdown of purine bases occurs. With the blood flow, decay products enter the liver, where they are converted into uric acid crystals under the influence of enzymes.
It is excreted from the body in 2 ways:
A small part is utilized through the gastrointestinal tract with its other contents.
The main part of urates (crystals) are filtered in the renal tubules and then excreted from the body through the urinary system.
Previously, physiologists believed that the presence of uric acid in the body is useless, and an excess of it completely poisons the body.
Today it is known that the functions of uric acid crystals are:
Antioxidant. Forms non-toxic compounds by binding free radicals, then such compounds are excreted from the body.
Stimulator of the central nervous system. Takes part in the synthesis of adrenaline and norepinephrine. Increases the period of exposure to the nerve fibers of these hormones.
The constant presence of uric acid crystals in the blood is normal. Any deviation from the norm is a reason to do an examination and consult a doctor.
It should be noted that uric acid and urea are completely different substances that should not be confused.
What is the rate of uric acid?
In many ways, the standard norms depend on the sex and age of the subject. It is known that the lowest concentration in adolescents and children. Further, in the course of the development and growth of the body, the level of resources expended increases, and the entire synthesized protein is spent on the formation of the skeleton and muscles.
The female body does not synthesize a lot of protein, and, consequently, a small amount of protein breakdown products is contained in the blood. An exception may be women involved in sports or whose work requires a lot of physical activity.
The most active are men, so the highest concentration of urates is found in their blood. Protein metabolism in the body of men is much faster and more intense due to the more developed muscle mass.
Age and gender | Concentration (µm/l) |
Children | 120-320 |
Men | 210-420 |
Women | 150-350 |
Older than 90 years | 130-460 |
These indicators are considered a physiological norm. It should also be noted that a change in habitual lifestyle can affect changes in the amount of uric acid. Hypouricemia is a state of low concentration of crystals, diagnosed by taking special tests.
How to determine the exact level of uric acid?
A biochemical blood test will show the level of uric acid in the blood, it is carried out both for healthy people, for the possible detection of diseases, and for people suffering from metabolic disorders – urolithiasis, diabetes, gout, etc.
There are certain recommendations for obtaining an accurate analysis result:
Eliminate all high-protein foods from the diet 8 hours before the test.
Do not drink alcohol and drugs the day before the collection.
Blood is taken on an empty stomach.
Avoid physical activity on the eve of the test.
Blood is taken from a vein. Most often, the result is ready the next day. With a reduced result, a re-analysis is assigned. After confirming the deviation from the norm, the doctor prescribes a complete examination and, based on its results, a diagnosis is made.
Factors that may affect the result of the analysis:
Taking diuretics:
Hormonal medicines
A diet with a minimum protein content.
Before the study, it is necessary to exclude such factors.
Causes of low uric acid
If uric acid in the blood is lowered, then they speak of hypouricemia. There are the following main reasons for the decrease in the level of uric acid concentration:
Fanconi syndrome – the absorption of the renal tubules is impaired, the disease is congenital
Hepatocerebral dystrophy – a pathology that is inherited, characterized by problems with the metabolism of trace elements (copper in particular). The central nervous system and liver are the first to be affected.
Acquired xanthine oxidase deficiency. The main cause of the disease is a violation of liver function, drugs containing the substance allopurinol. The active substance of the drug affects the production of enzymes responsible for the synthesis of acid.
Hereditary xanthine oxidase deficiency The body cannot synthesize uric acid on its own. Less common than acquired.
Alcoholism.
Incorrect food.
Often, a decrease in the concentration of crystals is observed in women who are expecting a child. This is due to an increase in the amount of blood in pregnant women. And the concentration of cells and dissolved minerals decreases. Another reason is an increase in estrogen, which affects the formation of acid crystals.
Evidence
Symptoms that appear with a prolonged decrease in the concentration of urates:
Hearing impairment.
Deterioration of vision.
Rapid fatigue, weakness.
Memory disorders.
Depression, depression, hysteria, etc.
Lack of sensitivity of the skin.
What is the danger of lowering uric acid in the blood?
Sufficient levels of uric acid play an important role in normal metabolism. A low level of acid for a long time adversely affects the entire state of the human body. Urate is an antioxidant that binds free radicals. With metabolic disorders, there is a possibility of poisoning by decay products.
In addition, uric acid directly affects the functioning of the central nervous system, it controls the period of exposure to the system of norepinephrine and adrenaline. With a long-term decrease in concentration in patients, deviations from the usual psycho-emotional state are noticeable against the background of exposure to these hormones.
A decrease in the level of acid crystals in itself does not form complications, since almost always the diagnostic parameter is secondary. The underlying disease forms the main hazards.
As a result, the following consequences may appear:
Hematuria and arthritis.
Nephropathy and urolithiasis.
Renal failure.
Myopathy and arthropathy.
Uropathy with obstruction
Urinary tract infection.
In any case, you need to see a doctor, take a biochemical blood test, and after a diagnosis is made that uric acid is low in the blood, a specific treatment will be prescribed.
How to increase uric acid?
The first thing to do after diagnosing a reduced level of uric acid is to find out the cause of its fall. It will not work without medical treatment for a hereditary disease. If the cause is a disease of the liver or kidneys, then treatment should begin with them.
Improper diet is one of the most common causes of hypouricemia. By adding protein-rich foods to your daily meal, you can quickly bring your urate levels back to normal.
The following foods are high in protein:
Legumes.
Nuts.
A fish.
Cottage cheese.
Meat and offal.
In addition, it is recommended to give up fatty and fried foods. It is better to use fractional meals in small portions in the region of five to six times a day. A plentiful drink will help, in addition to the rest, help to overcome the disease.
preventive measures
For prevention, one should undergo a medical examination once a year, special attention should be paid to the urinary system, as well as the liver. The main assistant will be proper nutrition and the rejection of bad habits. Also, one should not neglect physical activity, its sufficient level normalizes metabolism in the body.
General recommendations:
Strict adherence to the diet prescribed by the doctor.
Comprehensive diagnostics on a regular basis.
Performing physical therapy exercises
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle