J Korean Med Sci.  2025 Jan;40(2):e1. 10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e1.

Effects of Genetic Risk and Lifestyle Habits on Gout: A Korean Cohort Study

• Kim H
• Do H
• Son CN
• Jang JW
• Choi SS
• Moon KW

• KMID: 2564209
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e1

Abstract

Background
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by monosodium urate crystal deposits, and the prevalence of this condition has been increasing. This study aimed to determine the combined effects of genetic risk factors and lifestyle habits on gout, using data from a Korean cohort study. Identifying high-risk individuals in advance can help prevent gout and its associated disorders.
Methods
We analyzed data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study-Urban Health Examinees cohort (KoGES-HEXA). Genetic information of the participants was collected at baseline, and gout cases were identified based on patient statements. The polygenic risk score (PRS) was calculated using nine independent genome-wide association study datasets, and lifestyle factors and metabolic syndrome status were measured for each participant using the KoGES. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for gout in relation to genetic risk, lifestyle habits, and metabolic health status, after adjusting for age and sex.
Results
Among 44,605 participants, 617 were diagnosed with gout. Gout was associated with older age, higher body mass index, and higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and hypertriglyceridemia. High PRS, unfavorable lifestyle habits, and poor metabolic profiles were significantly associated with an increased risk of gout. Compared with that in the low-genetic-risk and healthy lifestyle group or ideal metabolic profile group, the risk of gout was increased in the high-genetic-risk plus unfavorable lifestyle (OR, 3.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.32–6.03) or poor metabolic profile (OR, 7.78; 95% CI, 4.61–13.40) group. Conversely, adherence to favorable lifestyle habits significantly reduced gout risk, especially in high-genetic-risk groups.
Conclusion
Genetic predisposition and unhealthy lifestyle habits significantly increase the risk of gout. Promoting healthy lifestyle habits is crucial to prevent the development of gout, particularly in individuals with high genetic susceptibility.

Keyword

Gout; Polygenic Risk Score; Lifestyle Habits; Metabolic Syndrome; Korean Cohort

Figure

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  Fig. 1 ORs and 95% CIs for gout according to genetic risk (A), lifestyle (B), and metabolic status (C).OR = odds ratio, CI = confidence interval.

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  Fig. 2 ORs and 95% CIs for gout based on the interaction between genetic risk and lifestyle habits (A) and between genetic risk and metabolic status (B).OR = odds ratio, CI = confidence interval.

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  Fig. 3 Forest plot for gout risk reduced by lifestyle habits (A) and metabolic health status (B) in the genetic risk group.OR = odds ratio, CI = confidence interval.

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