In kidney cells grown in a lab, insulin causes more URAT1 transporter to be present, which suggests insulin directly affects how kidneys handle uric acid. This finding is from the abstract summary - full study details were not available
Scientific Claim
Insulin is associated with increased URAT1 expression in NRK-52E kidney epithelial cells.
Original Statement
“Furthermore, we found that insulin significantly increased endogenous URAT1 levels in the membrane fraction of NRK-52E cells, the kidney epithelial cell line, demonstrating the direct effects of insulin on renal UA transport mechanisms.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design cannot support claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The abstract uses 'demonstrating the direct effects', but the study design (cell line) cannot confirm causation; should state association.
More Accurate Statement
“Insulin is associated with increased URAT1 expression in NRK-52E kidney epithelial cells, suggesting a potential direct role in uric acid transport regulation.”