Gout is a disease that affects the joints and leads to arthritis. It is associated with an abnormality of

Options

A. fat metabolism
B. purine metabolism
C. protein metabolism
D. pyrimidine metabolism

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Gout**: Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints, causing pain and swelling. It is often characterized by sudden and severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints.

2. **Cause of Gout**: The primary cause of gout is the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, which are substances found in certain foods and drinks.

3. **Metabolism of Purines**: When the body metabolizes purines, they are broken down into uric acid. Normally, uric acid is dissolved in the blood and eliminated from the body through the kidneys.

4. **Abnormality Leading to Gout**: In gout, there is an abnormality in the metabolism of purines. This can occur due to either an overproduction of uric acid or an under-excretion of uric acid by the kidneys.

5. **Consequences of Uric Acid Buildup**: When uric acid levels become too high, it can lead to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints, causing inflammation and pain, which is referred to as gouty arthritis.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, gout is associated with an abnormality of purine metabolism, leading to elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and subsequent deposition in the joints.

**Final Answer**: Gout is associated with an abnormality of purine metabolism.

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