Volatile organic compound exposure is associated with hyperuricemia in the general population: an analysis of 6878 adults from the NHANES.

BACKGROUND

Hyperuricemia is clinically significant as the primary risk factor for gout and is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. However, its relationship with exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remains unclear. This study explores the association between urinary VOC metabolite concentrations and the prevalence of hyperuricemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from adults aged ≥ 18 years with at least one urinary VOC measurement were obtained from the 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Associations between sixteen urinary VOC metabolite levels and hyperuricemia were analyzed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for demographic and clinical covariates.

RESULTS

Data of a total of 6,878 participants were analyzed. Multivariable analysis revealed that, after adjusting for relevant confounders, there were significant associations between higher levels of certain urinary VOC metabolites and hyperuricemia. Specifically, as compared to the lowest level (tertile 1), higher levels (tertile 3) of BMA (aOR = 1.38), CEMA (aOR = 1.59), CYMA (aOR = 1.41), 3HPMA (aOR = 1.34), PGA (aOR = 1.41), HPMMA (aOR = 1.48), MA (aOR = 1.33), 2HPMA (aOR = 1.34), and DHBMA (aOR = 1.35) were significantly associated with increased odds of hyperuricemia.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that specific urinary VOC metabolites are independently associated with an increased likelihood of hyperuricemia. These findings provide a direction for future experimental studies to investigate the underlying mechanisms and confirm causal relationships.