Molecular genetics of primary hyperuricemia and gout

The incidence of primary hyperuricemia and gout are increased steadily. Hyperuricemia is the early stage of gout, and long-term hyperuricemia can not only induce gout, but also influence renal and cardio-, cerebrovascular system. Therefore, it can cause severe renal and cardio-,cerebrovascular diseases. But the inheritant pattern and susceptible genes are not clear. Recent studies show the defect of enzymes in purine metabolism and the mutation in 4 urate transport protein genes play very important roles in the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia and gout. This paper reviews the recent findings in the susceptible genes, their chromosomal location and the inheritant pattern of hyperuricemia and gout.