Serum uric acid levels and the clinical characteristics of depression

► UA may serve as an detectable marker of disease activity and respond to therapy. ► We study the correlation between UA and the clinical characteristics of depression. ► Depressive patient had lower UA levels than other mental disorders and control group. ► UA of depressive patients normalised after five weeks' treatment with antidepressant. ► Our data suggested that a lowered UA level is another characteristic of depression.