Urate as a marker of development and progression in Parkinson's disease.

Urate, a natural antioxidant and iron chelator, has emerged as a potentially promising compound that might prevent neurodegenerative disorders. However, hyperuricemia may cause gout and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity. This paper summarizes the impact of urate in the context of Parkinson's disease (PD). It reviews the association of serum urate with the risk of PD, the clinical progression in PD, cognitive, dietary and gender aspects, the relationship between gout and PD, and potential therapeutic implications for the future.