BACKGROUNDEvidences show that subclinical chronic inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum uric acid, and albuminuria in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODSA total of 1162 type 2 diabetic patients were recruited. All participants had relevant clinical and laboratory measurements. CRP was measured using a particle enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay.

RESULTSIn the multiple linear regression model, natural log-transformed CRP (lnCRP) and uric acid were independent predictors of natural log-transformed urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (lnACR) (β = 0.18, 95% CI 0.10-0.27, P < 0.001 and β = 0.18, 95% CI 0.09-0.27, P < 0.001). The interaction of lnCRP with uric acid was also associated with lnACR (β = 0.04, 95% CI 0.02-0.06, P < 0.001). In the full-adjusted logistic regression model, the OR for albuminuria of the patients in the third tertile levels of CRP and uric acid was 3.94 compared with patients in the first tertile levels of CRP and uric acid (95% CI 1.73-8.94, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONSElevated serum CRP and increased serum uric acid level were associated with albuminuria in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients. Moreover, CRP and uric acid had an interactive effect on albuminuria.