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Gout and vitamin A intoxication: is there a connection?
1Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans 70112.
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Vitamin A intoxication may contribute to gouty arthritis, particularly in individuals with kidney problems. This is because vitamin A metabolism and uric acid production share a common enzyme, potentially leading to high retinoic acid levels in gout.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nephrology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Indirect evidence suggests a link between vitamin A intoxication and gouty arthritis.
- Impaired renal function is often associated with vitamin A toxicity.
- The enzyme xanthine oxidase plays a role in both uric acid and retinoic acid metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of vitamin A intoxication in the development of gouty arthritis.
- To investigate the relationship between hyperuricemia and retinoic acid levels.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature linking vitamin A, renal function, and gout.
- Analysis of the biochemical pathways involving xanthine oxidase.
Main Results:
- Vitamin A intoxication is associated with impaired kidney function.
- Xanthine oxidase is crucial for converting retinol to retinoic acid and xanthine to uric acid.
- Elevated retinoic acid concentrations are hypothesized in hyperuricemic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin A metabolism and uric acid production share a common enzymatic pathway.
- High concentrations of retinoic acid may be present in hyperuricemic states, potentially contributing to gouty arthritis.