Relationship of genes and exercise with risk of gout in a Taiwanese population

Objectives: Gout is a type of arthritis caused by abnormal purine metabolism and uric acid accumulation. Various environmental factors (e.g., living habits, exercise, diet, and individual differences) and individual factors (the presence or absence of comorbidities and genetic differences) are associated with the occurrence and severity of gout. Epidemiological studies have extensively examined the influence of exercise, diet, and comorbidities; however, the influence of genes on gout and the relationship between genes and the environment require further verification. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association of gout with genetic variation and exercise in a Taiwanese population. Methods: We collected genetic and questionnaire data from Taiwan Biobank, conducted a data analysis after screening for genetic mutation sites, and obtained genetic risk scores. Results: Moderate exercise (not too high or low) was associated with decreased gout incidence. A genetic risk stratification analysis yielded similar results only among individuals with low and not high genetic risk. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that exercise has a greater effect on gout in individuals with low genetic risk than in those with high genetic risk.