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Updated: May 12, 2025

Estimation of Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans using Calcium Fluorophore Labeling and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
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Non-inflammatory macrophages phagocytose and hydrolyse monosodium urate crystals in different stages of gout

Y-J Huang1,2, L-C Wang2, C-P Wang2

  • 1School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology
|May 8, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Non-inflammatory macrophages (M0) efficiently clear monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in gout patients. Their enhanced phagocytic and hydrolytic activity in early gout stages suggests a role in maintaining non-inflammatory states.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Macrophages are key players in gouty arthritis.
  • The function of non-inflammatory macrophages (M0) in different gout stages is not well understood.
  • Investigating M0 interactions with monosodium urate (MSU) crystals is crucial for understanding gout pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the phagocytosis, hydrolysis, and cytokine secretion of MSU crystals by M0 macrophages.
  • To compare M0 capabilities across different gout stages: asymptomatic hyperuricaemia, intercritical gout, tophaceous gout, and healthy controls.
  • To explore the link between M0 hydrolysis and subsequent inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • M0 macrophages were generated from monocytes using macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) over 10 days.
  • Phagocytic and hydrolytic capacities were assessed via flow cytometry measuring side-scatter area.
  • M0 cells were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or MSU to evaluate inflammatory responses.

Main Results:

  • M0 macrophages demonstrated MSU crystal phagocytosis and hydrolysis in all patient groups and controls.
  • Asymptomatic hyperuricaemia patients showed superior M0 phagocytic and hydrolytic activity compared to controls.
  • MSU alone did not trigger pro-inflammatory cytokine release, but M0 phagocytic/hydrolytic ability correlated with cytokine elevation when stimulated with LPS and/or MSU.

Conclusions:

  • Efficient M0 phagocytosis and hydrolysis of MSU crystals indicate a role in maintaining gout's non-inflammatory phase.
  • Non-inflammatory macrophages are integral to the immunobiology of gout.
  • Further research into M0 function could reveal novel therapeutic targets for gout.

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