Effect of sex steroids in vivo and in vitro on the binding of uric acid to plasma proteins

: Modifications on the binding of uric acid to human plasma proteins have been studied in regularly menstruating females aged 25-30 years with a normal cycle, in comparison with a group of healthy age-matched males and with a group of post-menopausal females. The binding of uric acid to plasma proteins was estimated using micropartition system Amicon. The results obtained demonstrate a significant increase of uric acid binding during ovulatory and mid-luteal phase of menstrual cycle. No modifications are shown in post-menopausal females and in healthy males. No modifications have been shown with the same experiments performed in vitro.