Genes to blame for gout, not food

24 May 2017

Genes to blame for gout, not food

Advances in genetic research into gout underline Arthritis New Zealand’s message to people living with this extremely painful disease.

Gout causes excruciating pain and swelling in the joints of the hands and feet, usually the big toes. It’s the result of high levels of uric acid in the blood and can lead to long term joint damage and disability if left untreated. Men, Māori and Pacific people are the most affected. Six percent of Māori and eight percent of Pacific people in New Zealand live with the condition.

In a world first, an international research team led by the University of Otago scoured DNA data to identify gene variants associated with the risk of gout in Māori and Pacific people.

They discovered that changes to the ABCC4 gene means the kidneys are less able to flush uric acid from the blood and out of the body. Another gene variant plays a role in the condition in Māori and Pacific people but not those with European ancestry.

Sandra Kirby, Chief Executive of Arthritis New Zealand, said the findings reinforce the message that gout is mostly to do with genes, not diet.

“Gout is the second most common form of arthritis in New Zealand, and many people think they get attacks because they drink too much beer, or eat too much seafood. While certain foods trigger attacks in some people, diet is only part of the reason for high uric acid levels. Mostly, it’s a genetic condition, as this research now shows.”

Arthritis New Zealand works to educate people about gout, particularly in Northland through the Gout Stop programme, in partnership with the Manaia Health PHO, community pharmacies and GPs.

“Gout is a no joke, no fault disease, and we have to take it seriously. The good news is that effective treatment is available, not just to manage attacks, but to prevent them occurring. We encourage people to see their doctor or pharmacist and get treatment,” Ms Kirby said.

ENDS

About gout
· Gout is the second most common form of arthritis in New Zealand.
· About 162,000 New Zealanders aged 20 and over have gout. (2014 figures, up from around 136,000 in 2012.)
· Men, Māori and Pacific people are most affected.
· Gout causes painful swelling of joints, especially toes, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers.
· Many people inherit gout from parents or grandparents.
· Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood.
· Gout is not cured even when the pain goes away.
· Left untreated, gout can lead to long term joint damage and disability.
· Preventative medication, good food, water, and exercise are the keys to controlling gout.

ends

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