Xanthine Oxidoreductase-Derived Reactive Species: Physiological and Pathological Effects
Maria Giulia Battelli1, Letizia Polito1, Massimo Bortolotti1
1Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Unit, Via S. Giacomo 14, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
|January 30, 2016
Summary
Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) generates oxidant molecules with dual roles. These reactive species can cause tissue damage but also influence cell signaling, impacting conditions from inflammation to cancer.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is an enzyme catalyzing purine metabolism.
- Mammalian XOR produces reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS).
- These RONS act as signaling molecules in various cellular pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological and pathological roles of XOR-derived oxidant molecules.
- To analyze the dual impact of XOR activity in different biological contexts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Xanthine oxidoreductase.
- Analysis of the roles of XOR-derived reactive species in physiological and pathological conditions.
Main Results:
- XOR-derived oxidants contribute to tissue damage, particularly in hypoxia and ischemia.
- XOR activity is implicated in inflammation, endothelial and leukocyte activation, and vascular tone.
- XOR products have complex roles in cancer, potentially inducing mutagenesis and progression, or promoting apoptosis and differentiation.
Conclusions:
- XOR activity generates free radicals and other oxidant reactive species.
- These species can have both detrimental and beneficial effects.
- Understanding XOR's dual role is crucial for therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Bioactivation and Tissue Toxicity
107
Bioactivation is a metabolic process that transforms less reactive substances into highly reactive metabolites, initiating tissue toxicity. This transformation can lead to various toxic effects, including carcinogenesis and teratogenesis. Reactive metabolites are classified into two main types: electrophiles and free radicals.Electrophiles are electron-deficient species and are produced primarily by the enzyme cytochrome P-450 during the metabolism of compounds containing carbon, nitrogen, or...
107
Oxidation of Phenols to Quinones
5.2K
In the presence of oxidizing agents, phenols are oxidized to quinones. Quinones can be easily reduced back to phenols using mild reducing agents. The electron-donating hydroxyl group enhances the reactivity of the aromatic ring, enabling oxidation of the ring even in the absence of an α hydrogen.
o-hydroxy phenols are oxidized to o-quinones and p-hydroxy phenols to p-quinones. Such redox reactions involve the transfer of two electrons and two protons. The reversible redox...
o-hydroxy phenols are oxidized to o-quinones and p-hydroxy phenols to p-quinones. Such redox reactions involve the transfer of two electrons and two protons. The reversible redox...
5.2K
Radical Autoxidation
3.4K
The oxidation of an organic compound in the presence of air or oxygen is called autoxidation. For example, cumene reacts with oxygen to form hydroperoxide. Autoxidation involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. Many organic compounds are susceptible to autoxidation—especially ethers in the presence of oxygen, which form hydroperoxides. Even though this reaction is slow, old ether bottles contain small amounts of peroxide, which leads to laboratory explosions during ether...
3.4K
Redox Reactions
1.3K
Redox reactions are vital biochemical processes that underpin energy metabolism in cells. These reactions involve the transfer of electrons between molecules, occurring in tandem as oxidation and reduction. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction denotes their gain. This coupling ensures the seamless flow of electrons through metabolic pathways. For example, in bacterial metabolism, glucose undergoes oxidation to carbon dioxide, while oxygen is simultaneously reduced to...
1.3K
Redox Reactions
59.3K
Oxidation-reduction or redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons from one molecule or atom to another. When an atom gains an electron, another atom must lose an electron, meaning oxidation and reduction must occur together. Since the redox occurs in pairs, the atom that gets oxidized is also called the reducing agent or reductant, and the atom that is reduced is also called the oxidizing agent or oxidant. A straightforward way to remember the definitions of oxidation and reduction is...
59.3K
Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV
9.7K
During the electron transport chain, electrons from NADH and FADH2 are first transferred to complexes I and II, respectively. These two complexes then transfer the electrons to ubiquinol, which carries them further to complex III. Complex III passes the electrons across the intermembrane space to Cyt c, which carries them further to complex IV. Complex IV donates electrons to oxygen and reduces it to water. As electrons pass through complexes I, III, and IV, the energy released aids the pumping...
9.7K


