What is purine metabolism disorder?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing frequent joint pain recently, and after visiting the hospital for an examination, I was told that I have purine metabolism disorder. What does this mean? Why does this happen?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Purine metabolism disorder is a common metabolic disease, mainly characterized by excessive production or impaired excretion of purine metabolites—uric acid—leading to elevated blood uric acid levels, namely hyperuricemia. Purine is one of the basic components of nucleic acids and is widely present in human body cells and food. Under normal circumstances, purines in the body are metabolized into uric acid, which is primarily excreted from the body through the kidneys.
Purine metabolism disorder may be caused by the following factors:
1. Genetic factors: A family history of metabolic syndrome may increase the risk of purine metabolism disorders.
2. Improper diet: Long-term consumption of high-purine foods, such as seafood, beer, and animal offal, can affect the normal metabolism of purines in the body.
3. Insufficient physical activity: Long-term lack of exercise may lead to endocrine disorders and affect purine metabolism.
4. Medication factors: Long-term or high-dose use of immunosuppressive agents or cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs may cause side effects that interfere with purine metabolism.
In terms of treatment, dietary control and reduced intake of high-purine foods are recommended. Depending on the clinical condition, uric acid-lowering medications such as allopurinol tablets or febuxostat tablets may be required to maintain normal blood uric acid levels and prevent complications.
