Salivary uric acid and C‐reactive protein associations with hypertension in Midwestern Latino preadolescents and their parents

Latino families face increased risk for hypertension. Serum‐based uric acid and C‐reactive protein have been linked to hypertension. However, a paucity of salivary biomarker data exists in this area for Latino families. Using salivary biomarkers enables less invasive options for biomedical and biosocial research, which is especially important among vulnerable populations facing increased health disparities. This study examined the associations between salivary uric (sUA) acid, salivary C‐reactive protein (sCRP), and hypertension among 151 participants (57 children, 57 mothers, 37 fathers) from 57 Midwestern Latino families. Participants self‐administered the salivary samples, and blood pressure was measured by researchers. Results showed sUA was associated across family members, and child hypertension was related to parents′ hypertension. sCRP was only related to sUA in fathers. Findings highlight the family‐level health connections, along with the importance for further investigations using salivary biomarkers with Latinos, and the need for a robust sUA cut‐off for hyperuricemia.