Urea Assay Kit II

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Urea also known as carbamide is a small molecule with a molecular weight of approximately 60.06 Da. It is commonly found in the liver where it is synthesized as part of the urea cycle. Urea is the primary nitrogen-containing compound in human blood and urine. It is soluble in water making it easy to filter in the kidneys. In plasma and blood urea serves as an important parameter in renal function assays where the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test measures nitrogen levels that come from urea. This simple test assists in evaluating kidney function and other potential renal disorders.

Biological function summary

Urea serves as an essential end product of protein metabolism and nitrogen excretion. It is not part of a complex but rather acts independently. The conversion of ammonia to urea in the liver detoxifies ammonia a byproduct of protein degradation. This process protects the body from the toxic effects of ammonia buildup. Urea is eventually excreted by the kidneys into urine making tests like BUN assays and plasma urea measurements critical for monitoring this biological process.

Pathways

Urea plays an integral role in the urea cycle also known as the ornithine cycle. This cycle efficiently converts toxic ammonia into urea in the liver. Key enzymes such as carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I and ornithine transcarbamylase help regulate these reactions. While indirectly associated proteins like arginase and arginine succinate lyase assist in the cycle promoting a balance in protein-derived nitrogen management. The cycle interlinks with the nitrogen metabolism pathway which is important for maintaining whole-body nitrogen homeostasis.

Associated diseases and disorders

Urea is linked to conditions like kidney disease and liver dysfunction. Elevated blood urea levels might suggest renal failure or severe dehydration while decreased levels may indicate liver dysfunction due to reduced urea synthesis. The protein urease which breaks down urea is relevant in understanding the pathology of these conditions. In diseases impacting the kidneys measuring blood urea nitrogen through BUN tests in places like Boston provides diagnostic and monitoring insights into patient health.