Uric

Uric Acid is a heterocyclic compound of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen with the formula C5H4N4O3. It forms ions and salts known as urates and acid urates, such as ammonium acid urate. Uric acid is a product of the metabolic breakdown of purine nucleotides, and it is a normal component of urine. High blood concentrations of uric acid can lead to gout and are associated with other medical conditions including diabetes and the formation of ammonium acid urate kidney stones.

Chemical Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]

Uric acid is a diprotic acid with pKa1=5.4 and pKa2=10.3. The species present at biological pH is the monoionic urate ion. The high ionization constant of uric acid leads to its crystallization at physiological pH, leading to the formation of stones.

Biological Role[edit | edit source]

In humans and higher primates, uric acid is the final oxidation (breakdown) product of purine metabolism and is excreted in urine. In most other mammals, the enzyme uricase further oxidizes uric acid to allantoin. The loss of uricase in higher primates parallels the similar loss of the ability to synthesize ascorbic acid, leading to both potentially harmful human biochemical characteristics.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

High levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia) can lead to gout, a form of arthritis. It can also lead to the formation of kidney stones and possibly other diseases, through a process known as urate crystal deposition.

References[edit | edit source]

Uric Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.