Question

Gout Is a disease that affects the joints and leads to arthritis. It is associated with abnormality of-
A) Pyrimidine metabolism
B) Purine metabolism
C) Fat metabolism
D) Protein metabolism.

Answer 1

Gout is a general term for a variety of conditions caused by a buildup of uric acid. This buildup usually affects your feet.

Complete Answer:
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis which can be characterized by recurring attacks of a red, tender, warm, and swollen joint causing rapid pain. The pain can reach the maximum intensity in less than 12 hours. Basically, uric acid gets deposited in joints, tendons and even in the surrounding tissues thereby causing swelling and severe pain in the joints. The improper excretion of uric acid by the kidney is the major cause of this disease. The improper excretion elevates the uric acid levels in blood. This can also occur due to unbalanced diet combination, genetic factors, and other health problems. The uric acid crystallizes and the crystals get deposited at earlier mentioned places. Those who regularly consume beer and sweetened beverages or those who eat rich with purines like liver, shellfish, or anchovies are at high risk of acquiring this disease. Obesity may also cause this disorder. The presence of crystals in the joint fluid or in a deposit outside the joint can confirm the disease.

Purines are synthesized as nucleotides, both adenine and guanine are derived from the nucleotide inosine monophosphate (IMP) which is synthesized on a pre-existing ribose-phosphate through purine biosynthesis pathway. In this pathway, IMP is the first compound to have a completely formed purine ring system. Purines are recycled inside the body but when gaps appear in the metabolic recycling process for purines and pyrimidines due to presence of a defective gene, these chemicals are not metabolised properly, and causes various diseases including gout.

Thus, the correct answer is- B. Purine metabolism.

Note: Uric acid is produced due to an error occurring in purine metabolism. It usually occurs due to deficiency of HPRT (Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase) activity.If the disease is not treated then it becomes chronic. Hard lumps called tophi can eventually develop in your joints and the skin and soft tissue surrounding them. These deposits can permanently damage your joints.