The Connection Between Gout and Genetics
Your joints are affected by gout. It is caused by high levels ofurate in the blood.
Urate, also called uric acid, is the end product of purine metabolism. Purines are chemical compounds that help make up your DNA and RNA. They’re also found in meat.
Normally, urate is excreted through your urine. But if it builds up in your body, it may form crystals and build up in your joints. This causes inflammation, resulting in gout.
“Environmental factors and genetic factors contribute to the condition. The genetics affect your body’s ability to excrete urine.”
When you should see a doctor or healthcare professional is one of the topics you will learn about.
Gout is a bit of a variation. If you Have a relative with gout., it may be passed on to you.
The condition involves genes that control urate transporters. urate excretion is regulated by urate transporters.
If one of these genes has a variation, it could lead to gout. It is possible to have more than one potential variation of the same genes.
The strongest link has been found between gout and the genes solute carrier family 2 member 9 and adenosine triphosphate.
SLC2A9
The SLC2A9 gene helps make a protein that’s mainly found in your kidneys. Your kidneys are in charge of filtering blood and excreting waste as urine.
The reabsorb urate is helped by the protein. It helps excreteurate in your urine.
A variation in the SLC2A9 gene may increase your urate reabsorption or lower your urate excretion. This can lead to hyperuricemia, potentially leading to gout.
ABCG2
The ABCG2 gene is found in your gut and the liver.
The urate is released into your gut by theProtein. This allows the urate to be removed from your body.
“The ABCG2 gene can’t properly releaseurate into your gut if it has a variation. Excess urate levels can be caused by this.”
The heritability of gout is 65 percent. Heritability is the measurement of a genetic influence.
Overall, it’s estimated that 20 percent of people with gout have a relative with the condition. Your risk is higher if it’s a first degree relative, such as a sibling or a parent.
If you do, you are more likely to develop gout.
- Have a relative with gout.
- A person is assigned male at birth.
- have obesity
- Take medication that helps your body excrete urine.
- Drink alcohol.
- consume high-fructose foods, such as sweetened beverages
- consume high-purine foods, such as red meat or organ meat
- Poor kidneys are a problem.
- have conditions such as congestive heart failure, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or high blood pressure
It is possible to get genetic testing for gout. The test checks for genetic variations that are related to gout.
The more risk alleles you have, the more likely you are to develop gout. According to a 2016 study, people with five or more risk alleles have a higher risk of gout than those who have four or less.
If you are told by a doctor that you should get tested for gout, you can take action.
If a doctor thinks you have gout, they will use the following tests.
- Medical history. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your joints. They’ll also want to learn more about your family history and other medical problems.
- Blood test. A blood test can check the urate levels in your blood.
- Synovial fluid analysis. A synovial fluid analysis examines the fluid in your joints. When diagnosing gout, a doctor can have the fluid checked for urate crystals.
- Imaging tests. A doctor may order an ultrasound, which can check the buildup of urate crystals in your joints.
The pain in the joints is the main symptom of gout. The pain is called a flare.
Most people have one specific joint that they experience pain in. It can appear anywhere, but it usually first occurs in one of your big toes. The pain is caused by uric acid crystals. Tophi is the large deposits of acid crystals.
Other sypmtoms of gout include:
- It starts at night.
- swollen, stiff, and warm joints.
- It lasts days or weeks.
If you have been diagnosed with gout, you should visit a doctor. This will allow your doctor to keep an eye on you.
If you have a medical problem, you should get help.
- “It’s sudden joint pain in your big toe.”
- Joint pain can persist or get worse.
- There is swelling over a joint.
- There is a high degree of fever.
It may not be possible to prevent gout since it is partly genetic. There are some things you can do to lower your risk.
- Limit or avoid alcohol.
- Keep your weight moderate.
- manage chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease
- eat a healthy, balanced diet
If you think you have gout, or are at high risk, you should see a doctor. If you develop gout, you can start treatment as soon as possible to avoid any problems.
Excess levels of urate can cause gout. Genetics can play a role in the development of the condition.
There are many genes that can affect your risk of gout. The strongest link has been found with the genes ABCG2 and SLC2A9. The genes influence how your body excretesurate.
If you have a family history of gout, you should ask your doctor about genetic testing. This can help determine your risk of developing the condition.
