In a groundbreaking revelation, new research has found that genetics play a far more significant role in causing gout than previously believed, shifting the focus from lifestyle factors like diet and alcohol consumption.
A team of international scientists analyzed the genetic data of over 2.6 million people, including 120,295 individuals diagnosed with gout. The study identified 377 genetic regions linked to the disease, 149 of which had never been connected to gout before.
Traditionally associated with binge drinking or poor eating habits, gout is now understood to be largely driven by inherited factors. While dietary choices can still trigger gout attacks, the underlying cause is high urate levels, crystal formation in joints, and an immune response—each heavily influenced by genetics.
Professor Tony Merriman from Otago’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology, a senior author of the study, highlighted the significance of the findings: “Gout is a chronic disease with a genetic basis, not the fault of the sufferer. The widespread myth that gout is caused purely by lifestyle needs to be busted.”
Merriman also noted that this misconception often leads to stigma, with many sufferers avoiding medical treatment out of shame. He emphasized that preventive medications to lower urate levels could help patients avoid painful gout attacks.
The research also uncovered numerous immune genes and pathways linked to gout, offering fresh insights and potential new approaches for treatment and prevention.
With scientists anticipating the discovery of more genetic links in the future, the study represents a major step forward in understanding gout as a condition shaped more by inheritance than lifestyle choices.
