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Published on: February 7, 2018
Uric acid: the oxidant-antioxidant paradox
Yuri Y Sautin1, Richard J Johnson
1Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0224, USA.
Nucleosides, Nucleotides & Nucleic Acids
|July 5, 2008
Summary
Uric acid acts as an antioxidant in blood but can be a pro-oxidant within cells. This study suggests its pro-oxidant effects contribute to cardiovascular disease development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Science
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Uric acid is a major plasma antioxidant.
- Elevated uric acid levels correlate with obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- This presents a paradox regarding uric acid's role in oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on uric acid's dual antioxidant/pro-oxidant functions.
- To explore the role of uric acid in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on uric acid.
- Analysis of the biochemical mechanisms of uric acid's actions.
- Correlation and prediction analysis of uric acid levels with disease development.
Main Results:
- Uric acid functions as an antioxidant in plasma.
- Uric acid can act as a pro-oxidant within cells.
- Evidence suggests a contributory role for uric acid's pro-oxidative effects in CVD pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- The pro-oxidant activity of uric acid within cells is implicated in cardiovascular disease.
- Understanding this dual role is crucial for managing conditions associated with oxidative stress.
![Quantitative SERS Detection of Uric Acid via Formation of Precise Plasmonic Nanojunctions within Aggregates of Gold Nanoparticles and Cucurbit[n]uril](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F61682.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
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