High soluble uric acid levels in healthy subjects are accompanied by elevated peripheral lymphocytes

Abstract

Abstract Background: Studies have shown that uric acid (UA) crystals can induce immune responses in the body; however, the relationship between soluble UA and immune responses remains unknown. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed and compared peripheral blood immune cells and cytokine levels in healthy individuals with high or normal serum uric acid (SUA) levels. We used soluble UA to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro and examined lymphocyte subset counts and activation. Results: The number of immune cells in healthy individuals with high SUA levels increased, with the most obvious increase being observed in lymphocytes, mainly in CD4+ T cells. Lymphocyte elevation was more pronounced in women, who showed increased CD19+ B cell counts. Concomitantly, IL-4 and IL-10 levels significantly increased in healthy individuals with high SUA levels. In vitro, soluble UA promoted the proliferation and activation of CD4+ T and CD19+ B cells. Conclusions: Our study revealed that elevated soluble UA levels may cause peripheral lymphocytes counts increase and make healthy subjects in a Th2-dominant immune status.