Global epidemiology of gout: prevalence, incidence and risk factors

Gout is a crystal-deposition disease that results from chronic elevation of uric acid levels above the saturation point for monosodium urate (MSU) crystal formation. Initial presentation is mainly severely painful episodes of peripheral joint synovitis (acute self-limiting 'attacks') but joint damage and deformity, chronic usage-related pain and subcutaneous tophus deposition can eventually develop. The global burden of gout is substantial and seems to be increasing in many parts of the world over the past 50 years. However, methodological differences impair the comparison of gout epidemiology between countries. In this comprehensive Review, data from epidemiological studies from diverse regions of the world are synthesized to depict the geographic variation in gout prevalence and incidence. Key advances in the understanding of factors associated with increased risk of gout are also summarized. The collected data indicate that the distribution of gout is uneven across the globe, with prevalence being highest in Pacific countries. Developed countries tend to have a higher burden of gout than developing countries, and seem to have increasing prevalence and incidence of the disease. Some ethnic groups are particularly susceptible to gout, supporting the importance of genetic predisposition. Socioeconomic and dietary factors, as well as comorbidities and medications that can influence uric acid levels and/or facilitate MSU crystal formation, are also important in determining the risk of developing clinically evident gout

How to Succeed in Marketing Marine Natural Products for Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical and Cosmeceutical Markets

The marine ecosystem shelters a vast number of macro- and microorganisms that have developed unique metabolic skills to survive in diverse and hostile habitats. These survival strategies often result in the biosynthesis of an array of secondary metabolites with specific activities and functions in the cellular context. Several metabolites can give origin to high-value commercial products for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical markets, among others. This chapter outlines those industries’ paths for marketing marine natural products (MNPs), from discovery and development up to final product marketing. Focus is given on compounds that successfully reached the market and, particularly, the approaches employed by the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical companies that succeeded in marketing those products. Some key failures in each market segment are analysed, allowing lessons to be learned and key hurdles to be avoided in MNP development. The main challenges faced during MNP programs are assessed and mapped in the market funnel of common product development routes. Suggestions to surpass these challenges are provided, in order to improve market entry success rates of highly promising marine bioactives in current pipelines, highlighting what can be applied to novel and/or ongoing MNP development programs.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio