ObjectivesSeveral studies have demonstrated the association between gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and hyperuricaemia, but little is known about such relation in less-developed ethnic minority regions.DesignWe cross-sectionally analysed data from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (Yunnan region).SettingCross-sectional study.Participants22 020 participants aged 30–79 years from Han ethnicity, Yi ethnicity and Bai ethnicity.OutcomesThe serum level of uric acid, GGT and other metabolic parameters were tested. Weight, height and blood pressure were measured. Smoking, drinking, ethnicity, education and medical history were obtained from questionnaires.ResultsIn the crude model, compared with the lowest quintile, the second, third, fourth and fifth quintiles of serum GGT exhibited a positive association with hyperuricaemia risk (OR=1.69, 2.90, 4.34 and 7.70, 95% CI=1.42 to 2.01, 2.47 to 3.42, 3.71 to 5.09 and 6.60 to 8.98, respectively, p-trend<0.0001). In fully adjusted model, compared with the lowest quintile, the second, third, fourth and fifth quintiles of serum GGT also exhibited a positive association with hyperuricaemia risk (OR=1.26, 1.68, 2.02 and 3.02, 95% CI=1.04 to 1.51, 1.40 to 2.00, 1.69 to 2.42 and 2.51 to 3.64, respectively, p-trend<0.0001). Logistic regression model was conducted separately in ethnic groups. Compared with first quintile, the highest GGT level were related to higher risk of hyperuricaemia in three ethnic groups (OR (95% CI): 2.89 (2.26 to 3.68), 2.81 (1.93 to 4.11) and 3.04 (1.91 to 4.84) for Han, Yi and Bai ethnicity, respectively, p-trend <0.0001). The relationship between GGT and hyperuricaemia was also observed in different age groups or gender groups.ConclusionsHigh serum GGT level was related to a higher risk of hyperuricaemia in less-developed ethnic minority regions in China.

ObjectivesHigh altitude exposure decreases the incidence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, but increases the expression of the thermogenic adipokines (leptin, fat cell fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) and visfatin). This study investigated the correlation of these adipokines with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in populations residing in a plateau-specific environment.DesignCase–control study.SettingWe cross-sectionally analysed data from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort.ParticipantsA total of 475 obese (OB, body mass index (BMI)≥28.0 kg/m2) plateau Han people and 475 age, sex and region-matched non-obese (NO, 18.5≤BMI<24.0 kg/m2) subjects were recruited. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines.Primary and secondary outcome measuresData with normal distributions were expressed as the mean (Stanard Deviation, SD), and data with skewed distributions were expressed as the median (Interquartile Range, IQR). The participants were grouped and the rank-sum test, χ2test or t-tests was used for comparing groups. Spearman correlation coefficients were estimated to assess the relationships among leptin, A-FABP, visfatin and the components of MetS in each group.ResultsA-FABP was an independent predictor of OB (OR, 1.207; 95% CI, 1.170 to 1.245; p<0.05), ABSI (OR, 1.035; 95%CI, 1.019 to 1.052; p<0.05) and MetS (OR, 1.035; 95% CI, 1.013 to 1.057; p<0.05). Leptin was an independent predictor of MetS in the NO group. Visfatin was an independent predictor of increased ABSI, but not for OB or MetS.ConclusionAn abnormally elevated plasma A-FABP level, but not leptin or visfatin is a potential risk factor for MetS in high-altitude populations.