Is There a Causal Relationship Between Gout and Liver Cancer?
Hyperuricemia has been associated with certain health issues, including gout. However, what is its impact on other disease states? Previous data from observational studies show a connection between the incidences of gout and some types of cancer.1 But, what is the causal relationship? Research thus far has been unclear. A recent study in Medicine, however, aimed to evaluate such a potential relationship between gout and hepatocellular carcinoma.1
The authors used UK-based genome-wide association study data and Mendelian randomization (MR) to probe deeper into this potential link.1 They selected single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with liver cancer and gout as variables, conducting their analysis with multiple MR methods. The researchers identified target genes and their expression in tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma. They subsequently found a causal relationship between gout and increased risk for liver cancer.1 Specifically a gene called phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) was revealed to be an important gout-related gene expressed at a higher rate in normal liver tissue compared to that in those with malignancy. Additionally, higher levels of PEMT in the malignant tissue correlated with better survival rates. Compounding their findings was that PEMT levels were even lower in malignant samples from patients with gout than those without.1
Overall, this study suggests that gout could increase the risk of liver cancer, and that PEMT is a key gene to look to for further information. The authors acknowledge that more study among more diverse cohorts is necessary, and that screening of newly diagnosed gout patients for liver cancer may be a consideration.1
Reference
1. Xi J, Cheng X, Liu J. Causal relationship between gout and liver cancer: A Mendelian randomization and transcriptome analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Nov 8;103(45):e40299. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000040299. PMID: 39533594.
