So where does gout come from? Traditionally, researchers have linked its onset to excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, kidney disease, obesity, environmental factors, and aging. However, an international team of scientists has now discovered that genetics plays the most significant role in the development of this condition.
Gout occurs due to an excess of uric acid in the body, which settles on joint surfaces in the form of crystals. Because of its similar symptoms, the disease is often considered a type of arthritis, particularly due to the unbearable pain and swelling in the joints. However, in arthritis, patients develop rheumatoid nodules, while in gout, they develop so-called tophi: formations similar to cartilage that have a softer consistency.
What Did the Scientists Discover?
A recent large-scale study analyzed health data from 2.6 million people across 13 different cohorts. Among the participants, there were 120,295 individuals with prevalent gout, as reported by Science Alert.
By comparing the genetic codes of those suffering from gout with those who do not, the team identified 377 specific DNA regions where variations characteristic of this disease were observed. Of these, 149 had never been linked to gout before.
While lifestyle, environmental factors, and the other aforementioned elements undoubtedly influence the development of this condition, the researchers confirmed the primary role of genetics in the onset of gout.
“Gout is a chronic disease with a genetic basis, and it is not the fault of the patient. The myth that gout is caused by lifestyle or diet needs to be dispelled,” asserts Professor Toni Merriman from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Otago (New Zealand).
Why Is This New Research Important?
As the researchers noted, genetics plays a role at every stage of gout development. It particularly affects the immune system’s ability to attack uric acid crystals, as well as how this acid spreads throughout the body.
According to the scientists, there are already effective treatments available for the disease. However, the study’s authors believe that people often hesitate to seek medical help due to the myths surrounding the causes of gout.
“People suffering from gout often do so in silence and do not go to the doctor for medication that lowers uric acid levels in the blood and prevents pain,” said Professor Merriman.
In addition to providing a better understanding of the causes of gout, the research has given scientists more opportunities to develop new effective treatment methods, particularly regarding managing the immune response to uric acid accumulation.
The results of the study were published in the journal Nature Genetics.