Final answer:
Gout is caused by issues in the negative feedback mechanisms regulating uric acid, leading to its accumulation and resulting in painful joint conditions. Lifestyle changes and medications can manage gout symptoms, including reducing the intake of foods that can elevate uric acid levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The disease gout is caused by the lack in negative feedback in the regulation of uric acid metabolism. Specifically, it can be caused by an overproduction of uric acid, as seen in primary gout where the enzyme 'PRPP synthetase' exhibits altered kinetics, leading to an excess of PRPP and purines. Additionally, secondary gout can arise from conditions that cause excessive catabolism of purine, such as in polycythemia, or from decreased excretion of uric acid as seen in renal failure. Excess uric acid tends to form kidney stones and may also accumulate in the joints as uric acid crystals, leading to the painful symptoms associated with gout.
Furthermore, dietary choices can influence the risk of developing gout. Foods that reduce the amount of nitrogenous bases in the diet help reduce the risk. Foods with purine-like compounds, such as tea, coffee, and chocolate, contain xanthines and should be avoided by those with gout and kidney stones. Lifestyle modifications, along with medications like uricosuric drugs, can help manage gout by facilitating the increased excretion of uric acid.