Gout’s Hereditary Pathways Reinforced in Recent Study
Most clinicians are already deeply aware of the lifestyle and diet influences that impact the development of gout. However, a recent study delved into the pathogenesis of this condition on a molecular level.1 Authors of a study in Nature Genetics performed a genome-wide analysis of 2.6 million people. Of these, 120,295 had a history of gout.1 They found 410 genetic signals and 377 loci (149 not previously reported) relevant to the condition. After performing a prioritization scheme and Mendelian randomization analysis, the authors reported candidate genes and molecular pathways potentially related to the inflammatory process of gout. Specifically, these were genes involved in inflammasome activity regulation, cell osmolarity, and epigenetic remodeling.1
They noted that more research is necessary, and that this is just the first step in that process. In coverage related to their findings, authors shared their hope that this work begins to dispel some previous thinking that diet and lifestyle are the only contributors to developing gout and lessen any associated stigma.2 They additionally hope that this work will begin to explain why some individuals experience gout when others with the same lifestyle or diet do not.
References
1. Major TJ, Takei R, Matsuo H, et al. A genome-wide association analysis reveals new pathogenic pathways in gout. Nat Genet. 2024;56:2392–2406. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-024-01921-5
2. Leitch C. Gout is shown to have genetic causes. Labroots. Available at: https://www.labroots.com/trending/genetics-and-genomics/28058/gout-shown-genetic-causes . Published November 11, 2024. Accessed November 14, 2024.
