Major research breakthrough: The truth about the cause of gout is revealed, and genetic factors far outweigh lifestyle factors

Author: Huang Yanhong Duan Yuechu

In the long journey of medical research, every new discovery may bring new hope and treatment direction to patients. Recently, a major international study led by researchers from the University of Otago has illuminated the field of gout research like a ray of light. The research results were published in Nature Genetics. Through a genome-wide association study of the genetic information of 2.6 million people, it broke the traditional understanding of the cause of gout.

1. Research Background

Gout, as a common type of arthritis, has long caused great pain to patients. In the past, people generally believed that gout was caused by patients' lifestyle choices, such as bad eating habits, such as excessive intake of red meat. This concept not only brings unnecessary psychological burden to patients, but also may affect their correct understanding of the disease and treatment attitude. Therefore, in-depth exploration of the true cause of gout is of vital importance to improving patients' quality of life and treatment effects.

2. Research Methods

1. Large-scale genetic data analysis

- The research team analyzed integrated DNA data sets from around the world. About three-quarters of the data came from 23andMe customers who agreed to participate in the research, providing a rich source of genetic information for the study.

- Through the genome-wide association study method, researchers can comprehensively explore the potential relationship between genes and gout and discover genetic factors that may affect the onset of gout.

3. Research Results

1. Genes are an important cause of gout

- Research has found that genetic genes play an important role in the pathogenesis of gout. This means that gout is a chronic disease with a genetic basis, and not just the fault of the patient's own lifestyle.

- This discovery breaks the long-standing misconception that gout is mainly caused by lifestyle or diet, and provides a new perspective for our understanding of the pathogenesis of gout.

2. Identify key immune genes and pathways

- The study also identified a large number of immune genes and immune pathways associated with gout. These findings provide new targets and methods for preventing gout attacks.

- For example, the study found that the interleukin-6-related receptor is a new gene target for gout. The drug tocilizumab, which targets this target, was originally used to treat a series of immune-related diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, which provides new ideas and potential therapeutic drug options for the treatment of gout.

4. Research Conclusions and Implications

1. Eliminate the psychological burden on patients

- The findings may help dispel some of the stigma gout sufferers face. For a long time, due to the mistaken belief that gout is caused by their poor lifestyle, many patients have felt ashamed and even suffered in silence instead of seeking help from their doctors to get preventive medications to lower uric acid levels in the blood and prevent painful attacks.

- Clarifying that genetic factors are the main cause of gout will help patients correctly understand the disease, reduce their psychological burden, and actively face treatment.

2. Provide new directions for treatment

- The immune genes and pathways identified in the study bring new hope for gout treatment. As research deepens, we are expected to see more treatments and drugs based on these new targets.

- For example, repurposing existing drugs used to treat other immune-related diseases may provide more effective and accessible treatment options for gout patients.

3. Emphasize the importance of the disease

- The researchers stressed that gout, as a chronic disease, needs more resources and attention in the medical system. Although gout can be treated with some drugs (such as allopurinol) to reduce uric acid levels in the blood, prevent uric acid crystals from forming in the joints or dissolve existing crystals, better treatment strategies and resource support are still needed.

In conclusion, this study published in Nature Genetics is a major breakthrough in the field of gout research. It not only corrects people's misconceptions about the cause of gout, but also provides new directions and targets for the treatment and prevention of gout. I believe that in the future, with a better understanding of the genetic mechanism of gout, we will be able to provide better medical services to gout patients and improve their quality of life. At the same time, this also reminds us that the understanding of the disease cannot just stay on the surface, and in-depth scientific research is needed to reveal its essence, so as to bring real benefits to patients.

The author Huang Yanhong is the attending physician of Shimashan Health Center in Lianyuan City, Hunan Province

Duan Yuechu is a member of the China Future Research Society and a member of the China Science Writers Association