Abstract
Xanthine oxidase (XO) is an enzyme that converts hypoxanthine into xanthine and xanthine into uric acid, which is then eliminated by the kidneys. Serum XO has been linked to diabetes, hypertension, liver dysfunction, and cardiovascular diseases. However, limited information exists on the relationship between serum XO activity and MetS. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between XO activity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in an adult population group in Bangladesh A total of 601 participants aged ≥18 years were included in the study. MetS was defined based on the criteria set by the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III). Serum XO activity was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while other biochemical parameters were measured using colorimetric methods. The relationship between serum XO and MetS levels was determined through multivariate logistic regression analysis. Serum XO activity was found to be significantly higher in females (6.17 ± 3.77 U/L) as compared to males (4.00 ± 2.77 U/L) (p < 0.001). Furthermore, participants with MetS had significantly higher mean levels of serum XO (5.34 ± 3.39 U/L) than those without MetS (3.86 ± 2.90 U/L) (p < 0.001). The prevalence of MetS and its components, such as blood pressure and blood glucose increased across the XO quartiles (p < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that XO activity was significantly and independently associated with the prevalence of MetS (at least p < 0.05 for all cases) and its components, including elevated blood pressure, high blood glucose, and low HDL-C (at least p < 0.05 for all cases). In conclusion, individuals with MetS had significantly higher XO levels than those without MetS. Serum XO activity showed an independent association with MetS and some of its components. Therefore, XO might serve as a useful marker of MetS. Prospective studies are needed to determine the underlying mechanisms linking XO and MetS.