Gout/Testosterone Hypothesis

[pcgizzmo]

I would like to propose a hypothosis and run it by those here that migh care to comment.

I was diagnosed w/low testosterone about 8 years ago. I have been on and off TRT but mostly off for the majority of the time. About 6 years ago I had my first gout attack and have had attacks on and off since then. Recently I have been working out really intense w/weights and cardio. In the last week I have had the worst attack of gout that I have had in a year. In fact when I have done very little physical activity my gout stays in check. Only during the increase of activity does it agrivate the gout.

A little background on gout. Gout is brought on by uric acid crystals depositing themselves in the joint and causing inflamtion. It is a form of inlammatory arthritis. Uric acid is a produced by the body when it breaks down purines. Purines can come from the food you eat or as a result of the bodies own natural DNA breakdown.

Now, the hypothesis. I believe that low testosterone causes a metabolic inbalance in the body. In fact we know this from studies. Testosterone helps produce a positive nitrogen balance. Purines are produce by the breakdown of human DNA. Someone w/low testosterone more then likely has a sub par nitrogen balanace which allows for a higher break down of bodily DNA. IE: Muscle. This causes uric acid to be higher than normal and as a result in certain individuals can produce Gout.

OK, I am looking for anyone that might be interested to comment on this. I am also looking for someone that might have supporting evidence or further thoughts. Thanks...

Paul

[teaser]

In this starvation study, a gout attack was triggered, and then reversed by protein intake.

In two cases of acute
gouty arthritis in this group, specific treatment or
ingestion of protein in adequate amounts resulted
in prompt alleviation of clinical symptoms.

The
hyperuricemia seems to be a result of catabolism
of cells, coupled with a decrease in renal excre¬
tion of uric acid. These experiences would suggest
that obese patients who are known to have gout
should avoid total starvation and also reducing diets
leading to a negative protein balance.

Prolonged Starvation as Treatment for Severe Obesity -- Drenick et al. 187 (2): 100 -- JAMA


I was just posting about this on another forum, looking for something to back up the idea that negative protein balance might aggravate gout, and this thread came up. Interesting.

Wow. Old thread. Sorry it took so long.