Role of Uric Acid in Chronic Liver Disease

Abstract

Chronic liver disease (CLD) represents a major global health burden, progressing through stages of inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and potential hepatic decompensation. Recent evidence suggests that serum uric acid is not only a metabolic waste product but also a biologically active molecule involved in oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation. Elevated uric acid levels have been linked to insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), fibrosis progression, and hepatic steatosis. Understanding the interaction between uric acid and liver disease may help identify early biomarkers of progression and potential therapeutic targets.