Associations between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and hyperuricemia: a cross-sectional study

The value of the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) assessment in the context of metabolic abnormalities is growing in importance. Nevertheless, the relationship between NHHR and hyperuricemia (HUA) is unknown. This study seeks to investigate the relationship between NHHR and HUA.

The data derived from the 2017–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) included 7,876 adult participants. The multivariable logistic regression model, subgroup analysis and smooth fitting curve were utilized in order to investigate the association between NHHR and HUA.

In the fully adjusted model 3, NHHR was significantly associated with HUA. Specifically, participants in the highest quartile of NHHR had 1.95 times higher odds of HUA prevalence compared to those in the lowest quartile [2.95 (2.39, 3.64), P < 0.0001]. Although the overall trend suggested a positive association, further analysis using smooth fitting curves and threshold effect analysis indicated that this association was nonlinear, with an inflection point at 5.8. The positive association persisted across different HUA definitions and after removing outliers. Subgroup analysis showed significant interactions between NHHR and HUA in different races and diabetes statuses. The odds of HUA prevalence were higher among non-diabetic participants [1.40 (1.32, 1.49), P < 0.0001] compared to diabetic participants [1.18 (1.06, 1.32), P = 0.0031]. Mexican Americans had the lowest odds of HUA prevalence [1.09 (0.92, 1.27), P = 0.2413] compared to other races.

There is a significant positive association between NHHR and HUA, indicating that NHHR may serve as a potential risk assessment maker for HUA, although further prospective studies are needed for validation.