Gut microbiota plays a significant role in gout

Abstract

With the development of social economy, the incidence of gout is increasing, which is closely related to people’s increasingly rich diet. Eating a diet high in purine, fat, sugar and low-fibre for a long time further aggravates gout by affecting uric acid metabolism. The renal metabolism mechanism of uric acid has been thoroughly studied. To find a new treatment method for gout, increasing studies have recently been conducted on the mechanism of intestinal excretion, metabolism and absorption of uric acid. The most important research is the relationship between intestinal microbiota and the risk of gout. Gut microbiota represent bacteria that reside in a host’s gastrointestinal tract. The composition of the gut microbiota is associated with protection against pathogen colonization and disease occurrence. This review focuses on how gut microbiota affects gout through uric acid and discusses the types of bacteria that may be involved in the occurrence and progression of gout. We also describe potential therapy for gout by restoring gut microbiota homeostasis and reducing uric acid levels. We hold the perspective that changing intestinal microbiota may become a vital method for effectively preventing or treating gout.