Uric acid
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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 neutral pH is the mono-hydrate NH4C5H3N4O. The two forms are in acid-base equilibrium. The acid form is present in strongly acidic conditions, and the basic form is present in strongly basic conditions.
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 suggestion that in higher primates uric acid has taken over some of the functions of ascorbic acid.
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 uric acid kidney stones. Uric acid levels in blood serum can be used to detect kidney disease.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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