Gouty Arthritis Clinical Study
Gout is an extremely painful recurring arthritic disease affecting a great number of New Zealanders, and is the main focus of the Malaghan Institute Arthritis & Inflammation Group, led by Dr Jacquie Harper.
The inflammatory response in gout is triggered by the formation of uric acid (MSU) crystals in and around the joints.
In 2006 the Arthritis Group's basic research protocols were successfully translated into a clinical setting with the support of Rheumatologist Dr Rebecca Grainger (see Scope Issue 32).
The main objective of the Gouty Arthritis clinical study was to determine whether immune cells isolated from gout patients produced more inflammatory molecules compared with healthy subjects when exposed to MSU crystals.
The study, which is now in the final stages of data analysis, is likely to provide important information on why some individuals are more prone to developing gout than others, and will facilitate the development of preventative strategies for improved management of this disease.
For further information on this study contact Dr Rebecca Grainger, rgrainger@malaghan.org.nz
