The trend of gout affecting younger patients is on the rise. While lifestyle and dietary structure play significant roles, genetics is also a primary cause of gout.
Statistics show that approximately 10% to 25% of gout patients have a family history of the disease. Among close relatives of gout patients, 10% to 25% suffer from hyperuricemia (high uric acid). The risk increases with lineage:
- If one parent has gout, the child has a 40% to 50% chance of developing it.
- If both parents have gout, the risk for the child skyrockets to 75%. The closer the blood relationship, the higher the risk.
The Science of Genetics: New Findings (Nature Genetics, 2024)
Primary gout is a polygenic congenital metabolic defect. A major study published in Nature Genetics in October 2024 analyzed the genomes of over 1.2 million individuals. This research discovered 149 new gene loci associated with gout, bringing the total confirmed loci to 379. This fully illustrates the breadth and complexity of the genetic background of gout.
How Do Genes Cause Gout? The Mechanisms
Like other genetic diseases, the root of hereditary gout lies in gene mutations—specifically, functional variations in genes that control uric acid metabolic balance. Some patients exhibit the following major genetic defects:
1. Disorders in Purine Metabolism Genetic defects can lead to the overproduction of uric acid.
- Enzyme Overactivity: For example, a mutation in the PRPS1 gene causes abnormally high activity of PRPP synthetase, accelerating the de novo synthesis of purines.
- Enzyme Deficiency: A functional defect in the HPRT1 gene reduces the recycling of purines, leading to an accumulation of metabolic waste that converts into excessive uric acid.
2. Defects in Renal Excretion Approximately two-thirds of the body’s uric acid is excreted through the kidneys. If the specific protein structures in the kidney’s uric acid transport pathways are abnormal, the ability to excrete uric acid declines.
- ABCG2 Gene: One of the most studied genes; mutations here directly hinder excretion.
- URAT1 (SLC22A12) & GLUT9 (SLC2A9): Variants in these genes affect the kidney’s reabsorption and secretion efficiency.
These genetic factors cause human blood uric acid levels to be significantly higher than those of other mammals, creating the physiological basis for high uric acid and the pathological basis for gout.
Genetics ≠ Destiny: The Environmental Link
It is crucial to clarify that while primary gout has a genetic tendency, hereditary gout accounts for a smaller proportion of cases. For most patients, postnatal factors still dominate. Even if you carry susceptibility genes, effective health management can control the disease.
The Gene-Environment Interaction
Genes and the environment have a synergistic effect. Research data indicates:
- Individuals with high genetic risk + poor lifestyle (obesity, alcohol, poor diet) have a 3.64 times higher risk of gout compared to those with low genetic risk and a healthy lifestyle.
- If Metabolic Syndrome is added (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abdominal obesity), the risk multiplier soars to 7.78 times.
This clearly shows that adverse environmental factors drastically amplify genetic risks. Therefore, to prevent gout or stop it from worsening, active intervention is required. Aside from drinking more than 2000ml of water daily, scientific supplementation can provide essential support.
BISPIT Scientific Support: Research-Based Nutritional Solutions
Based on scientific health management principles, the BISPIT 3310 Series offers gentle, precise support tailored to different stages of uric acid metabolism.
1. For Maintaining Uric Acid Balance
BISPIT Anserine & Acid Clear Peptide (Suanqingtai) focus on regulating uric acid levels.
- Anserine: The core ingredient is a dipeptide found in the muscles of deep-sea fish like tuna.
- Acid Clear Peptide: Adopts a “Multi-Herb Synergy” formula. It fuses plant essences traditionally used to “clear heat, drain dampness, and strengthen the spleen,” such as Enzyme-hydrolyzed Celery/Sophora powder, Chicory powder, Coix Seed (Job’s Tears), and Poria Cocos. This helps reduce uric acid production and maintains a healthy metabolic environment. It is ideal for those with slightly elevated uric acid who find strict dietary control difficult.
2. For Long-Term Control & Gout Relief
For those already diagnosed with high uric acid or gout who require long-term stability, BISPIT GOUT RELIEF 3310A+ is the recommended choice.
- Formula: This product utilizes a synergistic blend of plant extracts including Chicory, Celery Seed, Poria, and Coix Seed.
- Effect: It works to gently regulate the body’s overall purine metabolic environment, assisting in the long-term stabilization of uric acid levels.
Conclusion
Gout may be hereditary, but it is not uncontrollable. Through scientific understanding, active monitoring, and the right management strategies, everyone can safeguard their health and stay free from the distress of gout and high uric acid.