A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Febuxostat Therapy on Adipokines and Markers of Kidney Fibrosis in Asymptomatic Hyperuricemic Patients With Diabetic Nephropathy

Background:In observational studies, higher uric acid levels are associated with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and kidney disease.Objective:The objective of this study is to examine whether reduction of plasma uric acid with febuxostat, a xanthine oxido reductase inhibitor, impacts adipose tissue oxidative stress, adipokines, and markers of systemic inflammation or kidney fibrosis.Design:This was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.Setting:Academic university setting was used.Patients:Overweight or obese adults with hyperuricemia and type 2 diabetic nephropathy were included.Measurements:Adipose tissue thiobarbituric acid reducing substances (TBARS) and adiponectin concentrations and urinary transforming growth factor–β (TGF-β) were primary endpoints. Plasma C-reactive protein, high molecular weight–adiponectin, interleukin–6, tumor necrosis factor–α, and TBARS and albuminuria were among predefined secondary endpoints.Methods:Participants were randomly assigned to febuxostat (n = 40) or matching ...