If hyperuricaemia and gout should play a significant role in the development of cardiovascular and renal outcomes, a decrease in uric acid levels brought about by xanthine oxidase inhibitors (allopurinol or febuxostat) or an inhibition of the inflammation caused by deposits of uric acid should be accompanied by a significant reduction of mortality and cardiovascular and renal events. The gene discussed is XDH; the disease is gout.