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A major study led by University of Otago researchers has found that genetics play a significant role in gout, challenging the myth that lifestyle is the primary cause. The findings highlight the genetic basis of gout and may lead to better treatments, with the potential repurposing of existing immune-related drugs. New research has found that genetics, not lifestyle, is the primary cause of gout. The study identified key genes and immune pathways, opening the door to improved treatments and challenging the stigma that links gout to poor lifestyle choices. A major international study has revealed that gout is primarily a...

Hyperuricemia (HU) is diagnosed when the levels of urate in the blood exceed 420 μmol/L, the saturated concentration of urate. In mainland China, the prevalence of HU exceeds 17.7% in the adult population, affecting over 185 million individuals. HU has become the fourth most common chronic metabolic condition in China, following hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. HU not only triggers gout but also increases the risk of various metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, and kidney disease. Among the 25 million gout patients in China, more than half exhibit abnormal blood lipid levels. Although preliminary analysis suggests...