Correlation between P2X7 receptor gene polymorphisms and gout.

Not all patients with hyperuricemia will develop acute gouty arthritis, indicating that other initiating factors need to be considered. The P2X7 receptor is an adenosine triphosphate-gated nonselective cation channel that has also been suggested to be a proinflammatory receptor. In the immune system, the P2X7 receptor is involved in the processing and release of various proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). IL-1β is a central cytokine in the initiation of the acute inflammatory response, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of gout and the pathology of acute gouty arthritis. This review will explore single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the P2X7R gene [including rs1718119 (Ala348Thr), rs208294 (His155Tyr), rs3751143 (Glu496Ala), rs28360457 (Arg307Gln) and rs2230911 (Thr357Ser)] and their correlation with the incidence of gout. We conclude that P2X7R gene polymorphisms impact the secretion of IL-1β and thus play a vital role in the pathogenesis of gout.