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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
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Adaptation at the Extremes of Life: Experimental Evolution with the Extremophile Archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
Published on: June 14, 2024
Uric acid and evolution
Bonifacio Álvarez-Lario1, Jesús Macarrón-Vicente
1Department of Rheumatology, Complejo Asistencial de Burgos, Burgos, Spain. balario@hgy.es
Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|July 15, 2010
Summary
Humans have higher uric acid (UA) levels due to evolutionary gene mutations. This antioxidant, uric acid, may offer benefits like increased longevity and neuroprotection, despite its harmful effects.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Human physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Humans possess higher uric acid (UA) levels compared to other mammals due to the loss of uricase activity.
- Physiological mechanisms favor UA reabsorption over excretion, suggesting a non-wasteful role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolutionary advantages of uricase loss and elevated UA levels.
- To discuss the potential benefits of UA, including antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of evolutionary hypotheses regarding UA.
- Analysis of physiological data on UA metabolism and reabsorption.
- Discussion of clinical significance and potential therapeutic actions.
Main Results:
- Hypotheses suggest UA's evolutionary benefits include increased life expectancy, blood pressure regulation, and enhanced intelligence.
- UA exhibits significant antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.
Conclusions:
- Evolutionary pressures favored retaining UA, highlighting its beneficial roles.
- UA's antioxidant and neuroprotective effects warrant further clinical investigation for potential therapeutic applications.
![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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