Genetic studies in primary gout. Investigations on the plasma levels of the urate-binding alpha 1-alpha 2-globulin in individuals from two gouty kindreds.

The plasma levels of the urate-binding alpha(1)-alpha(2)-globulin, as determined by its urate-binding capacity, have been recorded in 19 individuals from two gouty kindreds. A significantly reduced binding capacity, accounting for 13-30% of the mean value obtained in healthy, unrelated control subjects, was found in all cases of gout and in the single case of essential hyperuricemia included in the present study. In addition, six apparently healthy members of one of these kindreds also exhibited this characteristic. The distribution of the characteristic in three subsequent generations from this kindred further supported the hypothesis that the reduced binding capacity was inherited as an autosomal trait for which affected subjects were heterozygous. Based on the present observation, the mechanisms of inheritance in primary gout are discussed with special emphasis on the possible cooperation of genetic and environmental factors.