Study reveals that genetic predisposition increases the risk of gout

A study has confirmed that individuals may be genetically predisposed to gout, regardless of lifestyle choices. The study found that those with a high genetic risk for hyperuricemia were seven times more likely to develop gout compared to those with a lower genetic risk.

According to a research team, led by Professor Won Hong-hee of the Department of Digital Health, Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Science and Technology, and researcher Kim Young-jin of the Department of Precision Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, analyzed the genome. data from approximately 1.03 million individuals, including 220,000 East Asians, including Koreans, and 680,000 Europeans.

The analysis identified genetic factors influencing hyperuricemia.

Hyperuricemia, characterized by an excess of uric acid in the blood, can occur from overconsumption of purine-rich foods such as meat, fish and beer. This condition can lead to gout, a disease characterized by severe pain and also associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

While lifestyle modifications have traditionally been recommended to prevent hyperuricemia, recent studies suggest that individuals with a genetic predisposition to the condition tend to have higher uric acid levels regardless of their lifestyle.

Previous studies mainly focused on European populations, limiting their applicability to Koreans. This new research, involving a multiethnic group that includes a significant number of East Asians, represents the largest study of its kind.

The findings reveal that Koreans in the top 10 percent of the genetic risk group for hyperuricemia are seven times more likely to develop gout compared with those in the lowest 10 percent risk group.

The study also found that this high-risk group also has a 1.5 times higher probability of developing hypertension.

Additionally, the research identified 17 new genetic factors associated with hyperuricemia. These factors are associated with various body tissues and systems, including the urinary tract, heart valves, immune system, and respiratory system.

The results were published in Nature Communications.