Human gouty arthritis is associated with a distinct serum trace elemental profile

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Trace Element Analysis
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Homeostatic imbalances of essential trace elements are implicated in various pathophysiological conditions.
• Joint disorders, such as gout, are particularly associated with disruptions in elemental homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify a distinct elemental profile in patients with gouty arthritis.
• To evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum elemental signatures for gout.
• To validate the findings in an independent cohort.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from gout patients (n=100) and healthy controls (n=40) were analyzed for 64 elements using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
• A distinct elemental signature for gouty arthritis was identified.
• The elemental signature was validated in an independent group (39 gout patients, 13 controls).

Main Results:

• A specific elemental profile including altered Li, Al, Ti, Fe, Cu, Se, Sr, Ta, Hg, Bi, Th, and U was identified in gouty arthritis patients.
• The elemental signature achieved high sensitivity (0.97) and specificity (0.95) for gout diagnosis.
• Validation confirmed high sensitivity (1.00) and specificity (1.00).
• A classification rate of ≥95.7% was achieved using only Li, Al, and U.
• Li, Zn, and Cu levels correlated with age and serum urate concentration in gout patients.

Conclusions:

• Gouty arthritis exhibits a unique elemental expression profile.
• Serum elemental analysis, particularly using Li, Al, and U, shows promise for accurate gout diagnosis and prediction.
• Elemental profiling offers a novel diagnostic avenue for gout, independent of other factors.