What Causes Gout in Men? And What Are Its Potential Risks?

Gout is a common chronic disease that can lead to severe consequences if not treated promptly. When gout attacks, the pain can be unbearable. Typically caused by abnormal purine metabolism in the body, gout can result in swollen and painful joints, seriously compromising physical health and affecting daily life. Data suggests that men are generally more susceptible to gout, and there are reasons for this.

1. Sex Hormone Levels: Men secrete male hormones, while women secrete female hormones. Female hormones reduce the production of uric acid and promote its excretion, thus providing a certain protective effect against gout. In contrast, men lack corresponding protective mechanisms.

2. Dietary and Lifestyle Habits: Many men enjoy drinking alcohol and consuming meat. Foods such as organ meats and seafood contain high levels of purines, which can increase uric acid concentration in the body, thereby increasing the risk of gout. Alcoholic beverages, including beer, liquor, and wine, contain ethanol, which is metabolized into acetic acid in the body. Acetic acid inhibits the excretion of uric acid and can also increase its levels.

1. Joint Disability: Elevated uric acid levels can exceed the body's capacity, leading to the formation of uric acid crystals that deposit in joints, skin, and blood vessels, causing inflammation. Repeated gout attacks can lead to chronic gouty arthritis, resulting in more frequent attacks and shortened intervals between them. Pain gradually intensifies, and affected joints commonly include the knees, ankles, and elbows. In severe cases, the shoulders, hips, and spine may also be involved, easily leading to joint destruction, deformity, and disability.

2. Co-occurrence of High Blood Sugar, High Blood Lipids, and High Uric Acid: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a common form of hyperlipidemia with a high incidence in China. Changes in dietary habits have led to an increasing incidence of HTG. HTG can not only coexist with hyperuricemia but can also trigger abnormal glucose metabolism, further exacerbating conditions such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. Therefore, the interactive dysregulation of lipid, uric acid, and glucose metabolism is increasingly receiving attention. High triglyceride levels are associated with a high incidence of hyperuricemia. Approximately 82% of patients with HTG have hyperuricemia, while 75% to 84% of patients with gout have HTG.

3. Kidney Damage: High uric acid levels in gout patients can lead to the deposition of large amounts of uric acid salts in the kidneys, ultimately resulting in kidney disease. According to WHO statistics, one-quarter of gout patients develop renal failure, progressing to severe uremia.