How metabolism and chronic inflammation contribute to gout

Metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation, and gout: a multi-omics approach

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11251315

This project uses genetic and blood-based measurements from adults to understand why some people with high uric acid develop gout and how metabolic syndrome and long-term inflammation play a role.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11251315 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers will analyze genetic data and multiple types of blood measurements (metabolites, proteins, and gene activity) from large groups of adults to see how metabolism and chronic inflammation connect to gout. They will combine information from UK Biobank, the Nurses' Health Studies, the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, GTEx gene-expression data, and new gout genetics studies. The team will also examine diet and metabolite patterns to identify biological pathways that move people from prolonged high uric acid to clinical gout. Results are intended to point to biomarkers or biological targets that could guide future tests or treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with gout, prolonged high uric acid (hyperuricemia), or features of metabolic syndrome (for example insulin resistance) are the main groups whose data are relevant to this work.

Not a fit: People under age 21, those without gout or metabolic risk factors, or anyone seeking an immediate change in their treatment should not expect direct clinical benefit because this is an analysis of existing data rather than a treatment trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biological signals linking metabolic syndrome and inflammation to gout that help identify people at higher risk or suggest new treatment targets.

How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and metabolomic studies have found links between uric acid, inflammation, and gout, but combining genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics across large cohorts is a relatively new and growing approach.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.