| Description | Xanthine, also known as 2,6-dioxopurine, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as xanthines. These are purine derivatives with a ketone group conjugated at carbons 2 and 6 of the purine moiety. Xanthine is also classified as an oxopurine. An oxopurine in which the purine ring is substituted by oxo groups at positions 2 and 6 and N-9 is protonated. Xanthine exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to plants to humans. In plants, several stimulants can be derived from xanthine, including caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. Derivatives of xanthine (known collectively as xanthines) are a group of alkaloids commonly used for their effects as mild stimulants and as bronchodilators, notably in the treatment of asthma or influenza symptoms. Within humans, xanthine participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, xanthine can be biosynthesized from guanine; which is mediated by the enzyme guanine deaminase. In addition, xanthine and ribose 1-phosphate can be biosynthesized from xanthosine through the action of the enzyme purine nucleoside phosphorylase. In humans and other primates, xanthine can be converted to uric acid by the action of the xanthine oxidase enzyme. People with rare genetic disorders, specifically xanthinuria and Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, lack sufficient xanthine oxidase and cannot convert xanthine to uric acid. Individuals with xanthinuria have unusually high concentrations of xanthine in their blood and urine, which can lead to health problems such as renal failure and xanthine kidney stones. Individuals with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome have a deficiency of the enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT). The HGPRT deficiency causes a build-up of uric acid in all body fluids. This results in both high levels of uric acid in the blood and urine, associated with severe gout and kidney problems. Neurological signs include poor muscle control and moderate intellectual disability. |
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