Understanding Gout and Uric Acid Metabolism

A condition caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in your joints, leading to sudden, severe pain and inflammation.

A type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe pain in the joints, typically in the big toe, knees, ankles, wrists and elbows.

The process by which uric acid is produced in the body. It starts with dietary intake of purines, which are broken down into uric acid via the enzyme Xanthine oxidase.

A chemical compound present in our body that is produced during the breakdown of purines. High levels can contribute to gout.

A natural substance found in many foods. They are broken down into uric acid in the body.

A type of enzyme critical in the production of uric acid. It converts xanthine into uric acid.

Deposits of uric acid crystals that can form around joints in people with gout. They are small, hard lumps that can be painful.

Pain that comes on suddenly and gets worse quickly.

Stones that form in the kidneys, sometimes caused by high uric acid levels.

A common cause of gout. It can lead to increased uric acid levels in the body.

Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and sugary drinks.

Medications that lower the amount of uric acid in the body.

A class of drugs that reduce inflammation and pain, commonly used for gout attacks.

A drug that inhibits the production of inflammatory substances, effectively reducing gout symptoms.

A drug that works by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, leading to decreased uric acid production.

A type of NSAID that selectively blocks the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.

A buildup of uric acid in the blood, often leading to gout attacks.

A painful and swollen joint, typically the big toe, caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint.

A non-purine xanthine oxidase inhibitor that is more potent than allopurinol. Reduces uric acid levels but is contraindicated with certain chemotherapeutic drugs due to its mixed metabolism.

A class of drugs that reduce uric acid levels by increasing its excretion in urine. Examples include probenecid, benzbromarone, and sulfinpyrazone.

A selective URAT1 inhibitor used as an add-on therapy when other drugs fail to lower uric acid levels.

A receptor that is activated by ATP, contributing to the development of gouty arthritis by increasing inflammation.

A chemical that promotes inflammation and plays a role in gouty arthritis. It triggers the P2X7R receptor.

Genetic variations in P2X7R function can be linked to the development of gouty arthritis.

The signaling pathway involving ATP and its receptor (P2X7R) plays a crucial role in the progression of gout.

A rare but serious skin reaction that can occur with allopurinol. It usually appears within the first few months of treatment.

A common side effect of febuxostat that affects the skin. It is more likely in people who had skin reactions to allopurinol.