Gout is often linked to excessive alcohol consumption or an unhealthy diet, but research suggests that genetic factors play a much larger role in the development of this inflammatory joint condition than previously thought.
اضافة اعلانA recent study conducted by an international team of scientists analyzed genetic data from 2.6 million people across 13 different DNA datasets, including 120,295 individuals with prevalent gout.
By comparing the genetic codes of those with and without gout, researchers identified 377 specific regions in the DNA linked to the condition, 149 of which had never been previously associated with gout.
While environmental factors and lifestyle choices still play a role, the findings indicate that genetics is the primary determinant of whether a person develops gout. Scientists believe that there may still be undiscovered genetic links contributing to the disease.
Gout: A Genetic Condition, Not a Lifestyle Mistake
Tony Merriman, an epidemiologist from the University of Otago, New Zealand, stated, "Gout is a chronic disease with a genetic basis—it's not the patient's fault. The myth that gout is simply caused by lifestyle or diet needs to be dispelled."
Gout occurs when high levels of uric acid accumulate in the blood, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. When the immune system attacks these crystals, severe pain and inflammation follow.
According to Nature Genetics, genetics influence every stage of this process, particularly how the immune system responds to these crystals and how uric acid is transported in the body.
The Impact of Misconceptions on Treatment
Gout can be episodic, but treatments are available. However, misconceptions about the disease discourage many patients from seeking medical help.
Merriman explained, "The widespread myth that gout is self-inflicted leads to stigma, making many sufferers hesitate to see a doctor for preventive medication that lowers uric acid levels and alleviates their pain."
Beyond improving understanding of gout’s causes, the study also presents new treatment possibilities, particularly in managing the immune system’s response to uric acid accumulation. Existing medications could potentially be repurposed for this purpose.
Study Limitations
Most of the study data came from European populations, and some records were based on self-reported gout cases rather than clinical diagnoses. However, the findings offer a deeper insight into a health issue that has affected people for centuries.
Merriman added, "We hope that over time, better and more accessible treatments will emerge, using the new genetic targets we’ve identified. Gout deserves greater healthcare resources and priority in medical systems."
Understanding Gout: Symptoms and Causes
What is Gout?
Gout is a complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It is characterized by sudden, intense pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints—most commonly the big toe.
A gout attack can occur suddenly, often waking a person up in the middle of the night with a burning sensation in the affected joint, which becomes hot, swollen, and extremely painful to touch.
Symptoms of Gout
Gout symptoms often appear suddenly, typically at night, and include:
- Severe joint pain – Commonly in the big toe, but also in the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Pain peaks within 4 to 12 hours.
- Lingering discomfort – Even after the worst pain subsides, discomfort may persist in the joints for days to weeks.
- Inflammation and redness – Affected joints become swollen, warm, tender, and reddish in color.
- Limited range of motion – As gout worsens, moving the affected joints may become difficult.
What Causes Gout?
According to the Mayo Clinic, gout occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, causing inflammation and intense pain.
Uric acid forms when the body breaks down purines, substances found naturally in the body and certain foods. Foods high in purines include:
- Red meat and organ meats (like liver)
- Certain seafood (anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout, and tuna)
- Alcoholic beverages, especially beer
- Sugary drinks with fructose
Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and is excreted through the kidneys in urine. However, if the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys fail to eliminate enough, uric acid accumulates, forming needle-like crystals in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and inflammation.
While diet and lifestyle contribute to gout, this study underscores the significant role of genetics, shifting the focus from personal habits to biological predisposition.
