COMT, LRP2 Genes and Risk for Gout

Gout is a common, painful form of arthritis, which happens when uric acid builds up in the body. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of purines. Purines are can be found in foods, such as liver, dried beans and peas, and anchovies. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood. It passes through the kidneys and out of the body in urine. But sometimes uric acid can build up and form needle-like crystals, which can eventually lead to gout. Risk factors for Gout include: male gender; having a family member with gout; being overweight; drinking alcohol and eating too many foods rich in purines.

LRP2, a member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family expressed on a receptor that binds and internalizes lipoproteins, nutrients, morphogens, hormones and vitamin-vitamin binding protein complexes. COMT (Catechol-O-methyltransferase) regulates dopamine activity. Dopamine-induced kidney filtration has been reported to be negatively associated with uric acid excretion.

A study in the Chinese population, demonstrated that a common COMT variant might play a protective role in the development of gout. It also showed that a variant of the LRP2 gene might be associated with increased risk of gout.

Related to:
Uric acid, Urate, Obesity