Gout is primarily related to abnormalities in which metabolic process?

Gout is primarily related to abnormalities in which metabolic process?

• A. Purine metabolism
• B. Lipid metabolism
• C. Carbohydrate metabolism
• D. Protein metabolism

Answer: (A)

Gout arises from abnormalities in purine metabolism, because purine breakdown produces uric acid, which is the substance that crystallizes in joints when levels are too high or not adequately excreted. In humans, uric acid is the end product of purine catabolism, and excess production or reduced renal clearance leads to hyperuricemia and monosodium urate crystal deposition in joints, causing inflammatory arthritis. Lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism aren’t the processes that drive uric acid formation in gout, so they don’t explain the condition.

Gout arises from abnormalities in purine metabolism, because purine breakdown produces uric acid, which is the substance that crystallizes in joints when levels are too high or not adequately excreted. In humans, uric acid is the end product of purine catabolism, and excess production or reduced renal clearance leads to hyperuricemia and monosodium urate crystal deposition in joints, causing inflammatory arthritis. Lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism aren’t the processes that drive uric acid formation in gout, so they don’t explain the condition.