Scientists were able to use ancient dinosaur DNA to create a new treatment for gout. By resurrecting a prehistoric protein via E. coli—which converted the ancient DNA into workable, live proteins—they were able to test its effectiveness as a treatment.
By building a reversed timeline between the differences in DNA sequences from modern to ancient mammals, they were able to achieve the desired result. The 90 million-year-old DNA did the best job of eliminating the uric acid build up, the cause of the inflammation characterized by gout.
A patent has been filed for the protein and the company has begun producing the drug. The FDA is in the process of providing approval for clinical trials.
If you have gout and are seeking medical care, think about seeing a podiatrist like Dr. Jack B. Gorman of Buxmont Foot and Ankle Centers. Dr. Gorman can determine how severe your condition is and suggest a range of appropriate treatments.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often affects the foot, especially the big toe, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
The main reason gout is acquired is by a poor diet. Foods rich in purines like turkey, red meats, and liver can affect the body’s ability to excrete uric acid, which in turn leads to hyperuricema, the blood condition that causes gout to develop. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have as much as a one in five chances of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet. In particular, low-fat dairy products, fruits high in vitamin C, and coffee are all foods that are known for their ability to help people recover from gout.
For more information about Gout in the feet and lower extremities, please follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Newton, PA and Warminster, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.