4209 Uric acid Uric acid is a uremic toxin. Uremic toxins can be subdivided into three major groups based upon their chemical and physical characteristics: 1) small, water-soluble, non-protein-bound compounds, such as urea; 2) small, lipid-soluble and/or protein-bound compounds, such as the phenols and 3) larger so-called middle-molecules, such as beta2-microglobulin. Chronic exposure of uremic toxins can lead to a number of conditions including renal damage, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Uric acid is a heterocyclic purine derivative that is the final oxidation product of purine metabolism. It is produced by the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which oxidizes oxypurines such as xanthine into uric acid. In most mammals, except humans and higher primates, the enzyme uricase further oxidizes uric acid to allantoin. Uric acid is also the end product of nitrogen metabolism in birds and reptiles. In such species, it is excreted in feces as a dry mass. Humans produce only small quantities of uric acid with excess accumulation leading to a type of arthritis known as gout. The loss of uricase in higher primates parallels the similar loss of the ability to synthesize ascorbic acid vitamin C. This may be because in higher primates uric acid partially replaces ascorbic acid. 69-93-2 1175 C5H4N4O3 White powder. > 300°C 0.06 mg/mL Endogenous, Ingestion, Dermal (contact) Uremic toxins such as uric acid are actively transported into the kidneys via organic ion transporters (especially OAT3). Increased levels of uremic toxins can stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species. This seems to be mediated by the direct binding or inhibition by uremic toxins of the enzyme NADPH oxidase (especially NOX4 which is abundant in the kidneys and heart) (A7868). Reactive oxygen species can induce several different DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) which are involved in the silencing of a protein known as KLOTHO. KLOTHO has been identified as having important roles in anti-aging, mineral metabolism, and vitamin D metabolism. A number of studies have indicated that KLOTHO mRNA and protein levels are reduced during acute or chronic kidney diseases in response to high local levels of reactive oxygen species (A7869). Uric acid is a heterocyclic purine derivative that is the final oxidation product of purine metabolism. It is produced by the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which oxidizes oxypurines such as xanthine into uric acid. No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC). Naturally produced by the body (endogenous). >450 uM in serum Excess serum accumulation of uric acid in the blood can lead to a type of arthritis known as gout. This painful condition is the result of needle-like crystals of uric acid precipitating in joints, capillaries, skin, and other tissues. Kidney stones can also form through the process of formation and deposition of sodium urate microcrystals. Although uric acid can act as an antioxidant, excess serum accumulation is often associated with cardiovascular disease. High uric acid in the blood may cause kidney stones, which may advance to a more severe condition called chronic kidney failure. High serum uric acid is associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes, independent of obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Chronically high levels of uric acid are associated with at least 6 inborn errors of metabolism including: Gout or Kelley-Seegmiller Syndrome, Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome, Methylmalonic Aciduria, Methylmalonic Aciduria Due to Cobalamin-Related Disorders, Purine nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency and Xanthinuria. As a uremic toxin, uric acid can cause uremic syndrome. Uremic syndrome may affect any part of the body and can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. It can also cause changes in mental status, such as confusion, reduced awareness, agitation, psychosis, seizures, and coma. Abnormal bleeding, such as bleeding spontaneously or profusely from a very minor injury can also occur. Heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat, inflammation in the sac that surrounds the heart (pericarditis), and increased pressure on the heart can be seen in patients with uremic syndrome. Shortness of breath from fluid buildup in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural effusion) can also be present. Chronic Exposure: Kidney dialysis is usually needed to relieve the symptoms of uremic syndrome until normal kidney function can be restored. Acute Exposure: EYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water. INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice. 2014-08-29T05:47:26Z 2026-05-14T19:00:05Z Uric acid C00366 17775 URATE DB01696 URC true O=C1NC2=C(N1)C(=O)NC(=O)N2 C5H4N4O3 InChI=1S/C5H4N4O3/c10-3-1-2(7-4(11)6-1)8-5(12)9-3/h(H4,6,7,8,9,10,11,12) LEHOTFFKMJEONL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 168.1103 168.028340014 Endogenous Solid -2.17 HMDB00289 CHEMBL792 1142 CHEM003115 DTXSID3042508 NS00009325 2,3,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-1H-purine-2,6,8-trione 99.33000000000001 45.62859999999999 13.613230919300054 0 3 4 7.246926773305706 -6.523072814060841 0 2 -1.12 -1.98 1.76e+00 g/l