New Developments for Gout

Michael Naafs, A. B.

Department of Medicine, Naafs International Health Consultancy, Netherlands

Dr. Michael Naafs, A. B., Department of Medicine, Naafs International Health Consultancy, Netherlands.

Keywords: Gout; Genetic Drivers; Atherosclerosis

Abstract

genetic drivers in gout are far more important than diet, as once believed. It has become obvious from new studies that there is a definite relationship between gout and the ‘residual arterial inflammation of atherosclerosis’. Interleukin-1-beta plays a central role in this relationship, raising new interest in colchicine, the anti-gout drug and IL-1 beta production blocker, and niacin. The CANTOS study provided clinicians with evidence that targeting inflammation with the IL-1-beta antagonist canakinumab is beneficial for the secondary prevention of atherosclerosis and reduces gout attacks by 50%. Further whole genome and exome studies will lead to better anti-inflammatory therapies for gout and atherosclerosis.

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