A recent study has challenged the long-held notion that gout is caused by diet and drinking habits, suggesting that genetics play a more significant role in its development than previously thought. Conducted on genetic data from 2.6 million people across 13 cohorts, the research found 377 specific DNA regions linked to gout, including 149 new associations.
According to epidemiologist Tony Merriman, this study helps debunk the myth that gout is caused by lifestyle or diet, and instead highlights the importance of genetics in determining whether someone develops the condition. The researchers believe that there may be more undiscovered genetic links to gout yet to be discovered.
Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood, forming sharp crystal needles in the joints. The immune system’s response to these crystals causes pain and discomfort. Genetics affects every stage of this process, including the likelihood of the immune system attacking the crystals and how uric acid is transported around the body.
The study’s findings have significant implications for treatment and management of gout. Existing drugs could be repurposed or new treatments developed based on these genetic targets. The researchers hope that their work will lead to better, more accessible treatments for this chronic disease.
While there are limitations to the study, including a lack of data from non-European populations, it provides a much-needed understanding of gout’s causes and potential treatment options. As Merriman noted, “Gout deserves more health spend resource and greater prioritization in the health system.”
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/huge-study-reveals-where-gout-comes-from-and-its-not-what-we-thought