# Traditional Chinese medicine constitution types and apolipoprotein B in hyperuricemia: Associations with cardiovascular risk

## TL;DR

This study finds that certain traditional Chinese medicine constitution types in hyperuricemia patients are linked to higher cardiovascular risk factors like uric acid and ApoB.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific TCM constitution types associated with elevated cardiovascular risk markers in hyperuricemia patients.

## Key findings

- Phlegm-damp and damp-heat are the most common TCM constitution types in hyperuricemia patients.
- Phlegm-damp constitution is associated with higher uric acid, ApoB, and homocysteine levels.
- Uric acid levels are positively correlated with ApoB and homocysteine, and negatively with HDL-C.

## Abstract

To explore the correlation between different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution types and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) in patients with hyperuricemia (HUA) and to investigate the relationships between TCM constitutions, uric acid levels, and various cardiovascular risk factors.

A cross-sectional study involving 683 patients diagnosed with HUA was conducted. Patients' TCM constitutions were classified using the standardise "Classification and Determination of TCM Constitution" questionnaire. Serum uric acid (UA), lipid profiles, ApoB, and homocysteine (Hcy) levels were measured.

Among 683 HUA patients, phlegm-dampness (22.99% ) and damp-heat constitution (20.06% ) were the most common TCM constitution types. UA, ApoB, and Hcy levels in patients with phlegm-damp constitution were significantly higher than those in other constitutions (P< 0.05). UA levels were negatively correlated with HDL-C (r=-0.472, P= 0.027) and positively correlated with ApoB (r= 0.618, P= 0.012) and Hcy (r= 0.492, P= 0.018).

Phlegm-damp and damp-heat constitutions are the most common TCM constitution types in HUA patients and are associated with higher levels of UA, ApoB, and Hcy. These constitutional types are independently associated with increased cardiovascular risk.