Gout is the most common arthritis, affecting men 3-4 times more than women.

A significant scientific breakthrough has challenged the long-held idea that lifestyle variables, such as diet and alcohol consumption, are the main causes of gout. The development of gout is significantly influenced by genetics, according to research from the University of Otago. They discovered certain genes that increase the risk of developing gout by examining the DNA of millions of people. This groundbreaking discovery challenges the conventional wisdom of gout and creates new opportunities for creating more powerful remedies and preventatives.

The research, which was published in Genetics of nature inherited genetics is a big part of why some people get gout and most others don’t.

Lead author Professor Tony Merriman, from Otago’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology, hopes the findings will remove some of the stigma surrounding gout.

“Gout is a chronic disease with a genetic basis and is not the sufferer’s fault – the myth that gout is caused by lifestyle or diet must be dispelled.” he said.

“This widespread myth shames people with gout, making some people more likely to suffer in silence and avoid going to the doctor to get a preventative medication to lower blood urates and prevent pain.

“People need to understand that while specific dietary factors, such as eating red meat, can trigger gout attacks, the root cause is high urate levels, crystals in the joints, and an immune system primed to ‘attack’ the crystals – genetics play an important role. important role in all these processes.”

Research has identified a large number of immune genes and immune pathways that provide new targets and approaches for preventing gout attacks.

What is gout?

right Ankle Institute, Gout is a type of arthritis that affects the musculoskeletal system, better known as bones, joints and muscles. It results from the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. When there is excess uric acid in the blood, it crystallizes in the joints, usually the big toes. The most common symptoms of gout include redness, tenderness, swelling, and pain.