The role of uric acid in the development of cardiovascular disease.

The main purpose of the present supplement, which is based on a symposium held in Bologna, 6-8 November 2014, is twofold: first of all, to reinforce the role of uric acid in the pathogenesis of gout and gout-related non-rheumatic diseases including renal involvement; second, to provide an updated review of the evidence supporting the relevant role of elevated uric acid as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.