Gout-Biochemical basis
Biochemical Basis of Gout Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals (monosodium urate) in joints, often in the big toe , ankles, knees, or fingers. It leads to sudden, severe pain , swelling , redness , and heat in the affected joint. Biochemical Basis of Gout Gout develops due to hyperuricemia — an abnormally high level of uric acid in the blood. 1. Uric Acid Formation (Purine Metabolism) Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism in humans. Purines (adenine & guanine) from dietary intake , cell turnover , or DNA/RNA degradation or broken down. The degradation pathway for purines involves the following steps: Adenosine and Guanosine Breakdown : Adenosine → Hypoxanthine → Xanthine Guanosine → Xanthine Formation of Uric Acid : Xanthine is converted to uric acid by the enzyme xanthine oxidase . The key enzyme involved i...