Association between long-term trends in the UCR index and hyperlipidemia risk among petroleum workers: A study based on GBTM modeling.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The uric acid-to-creatinine ratio (UCR) is a potential biomarker for metabolic risk, yet its longitudinal association with hyperlipidemia in occupational groups remains unclear. This study examines the relationship between long-term UCR trajectories and hyperlipidemia risk among petroleum workers.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

We analyzed health examination data (2020-2023) from 923 petroleum workers in Xinjiang, China. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) identified distinct UCR trajectories. Binary logistic regression assessed associations between trajectory groups and hyperlipidemia, with dose-response relationships explored using restricted cubic splines (RCS). External validation was performed using the UK Biobank.Three UCR trajectories were identified: Low-Stable (32.6%), Moderate-Stable (51.2%), and High-Stable (16.2%). A significant positive association was observed between UCR and hyperlipidemia risk, with the highest quartile (Q4) showing 2.20-fold increased odds (95% CI: 2.09-2.31) compared to the lowest (Q1). Participants in the Low-Stable trajectory had a 49% lower risk (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34-0.78) than the High-Stable group. Smoking and alcohol consumption significantly amplified this association. UK Biobank validation confirmed the positive correlation.

CONCLUSION

Elevated UCR levels are associated with increased hyperlipidemia risk, while maintaining low UCR trajectories offers protection. UCR shows promise as a biomarker for early hyperlipidemia risk stratification in petroleum workers.