Gout’s True Culprit: Genes, Not Just Red Meat and Wine, New Study Finds
For centuries, gout has been associated with indulgence—lavish feasts featuring red meat, rich foods, and alcohol, leading to its nickname, “the rich man’s disease.”
However, a new study led by researchers at the University of Otago suggests that genetics, rather than lifestyle choices, play the dominant role in the development of this painful condition.
The study, which examined the genetic data of 2.6 million people, most of whom were 23andMe customers, found that while certain foods and habits can trigger gout attacks, the true cause lies in inherited genes.
“Gout is a chronic disease with a genetic basis and is not the fault of the sufferer,” said Professor Tony Merriman, the study’s senior author. He hopes these findings will help to reduce the stigma around gout and encourage those affected to seek medical treatment without shame.
Gout, a form of arthritis caused by high uric acid levels in the blood, leads to painful crystal formations in the joints.
Symptoms of Gout:
- Sudden, severe pain in a joint (usually the big toe, but can be in other joints like the ankles, hands, wrists, elbows, knees)
- Hot, swollen, red skin over the affected joints
While genetic predisposition is the main driver, certain lifestyle factors can still spark a gout flare-up.
What Triggers Gout:
- Having an illness that causes a high temperature
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating a very large, fatty meal
- Getting dehydrated
- Injuring a joint
- Taking certain medicines
Foods high in purine, like red meats, oily fish, and specific types of seafood, exacerbate the condition by increasing uric acid levels, which then form painful crystals in the joints.
Despite the genetic cause, Merriman emphasized the importance of managing urate levels through both medication and lifestyle adjustments.
He hopes the study’s discovery of immune genes and pathways linked to gout will lead to more effective treatments down the road, offering relief to those battling this painful condition.
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