Gaby
Gout, a type of arthritis, is often blamed on a poor diet or excessive alcohol consumption. But a new large-scale study finds genetics plays a bigger role in who develops the condition.
For reference, gout is a complex form of arthritis that causes extreme pain and swelling in the joints, particularly affecting the knees, ankles, and fingers.
Gout develops when high levels of uric acid in the blood form sharp crystalline needles in the joints. When the body’s immune system attacks those crystals, it causes intense pain and inflammation.
What Did the Researchers Discover?
An international team of scientists examined genetic data from 2.6 million people, including 120,295 who reported having gout.
By comparing the genetic codes of those with gout to those without, the team identified 377 specific DNA regions associated with the disease. Of those, 149 had never been linked to gout before, according to Science Alert.
While lifestyle and environmental factors still matter, the study’s findings indicate genetics often determines a person’s risk of the disease. The team says there may be other undiscovered genetic links as well.
Debunking the Myth of Patient Blame
“Gout is a chronic disease with a genetic basis and is not the fault of the patient. The myth that gout is caused by lifestyle or diet needs to be dispelled,” said epidemiologist Tony Merriman from the University of Otago in New Zealand.
Genetics influences every stage of the disease process: it affects how the immune system responds to the crystals and how the body transports uric acid.
Several treatments are available for gout. But the authors worry that bias about the disease’s origins may keep people from trying newer therapies.
“This widespread myth causes shame for those with gout, leading some to silently suffer and avoid seeking medical advice for preventive medication that lowers blood uric acid and prevents pain,” Dr. Merriman explained.
The new research gives scientists more targets for treatments, particularly for managing the immune response to uric acid buildup.
However, the study had limitations: most participants were of European descent, and some cases were self-reported rather than clinically diagnosed. Nevertheless, the study significantly improved scientists’ understanding of a condition that has affected people for centuries.
“We hope that in the future, higher-quality and more accessible treatment methods will emerge,” Tony Merriman said. The results were published in the journal Nature Genetics.
