Anti-Xanthine Oxidase antibody

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

Xanthine oxidase also known as XO is an enzyme often referred to as xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase. It has an important role in purine metabolism converting hypoxanthine to xanthine and then xanthine to uric acid. This enzyme is an aldehyde oxidase and belongs to the family of molybdenum-containing enzymes. Xanthine oxidase has a molecular weight of approximately 290 kDa. It is expressed in various tissues predominantly in the liver and small intestine with lower levels in kidney and lung tissues.

Biological function summary

Xanthine oxidase has a significant role in the production of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide during the process of purine catabolism. In its dehydrogenase form XO can interconvert into an oxidase form engaging more readily in the electron transfer that leads to reactive oxygen species generation. Xanthine oxidase is not a part of any larger complex but functions as a dimer with two identical subunits that facilitate its metabolic roles.

Pathways

The enzyme is pivotal in the purine degradation pathway which is essential for the breakdown and eventual excretion of purine compounds as uric acid. This pathway connects it to enzymes like hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) which performs salvage reactions to recycle purines. Additionally xanthine oxidase's role in reactive oxygen species production links it to oxidative stress pathways impacting proteins such as superoxide dismutase which works to detoxify reactive intermediates.

Associated diseases and disorders

Xanthine oxidase is closely implicated in conditions like gout and hyperuricemia due to its role in uric acid production. Elevated activity of XO can lead to excessive uric acid accumulation contributing to these disorders. Furthermore XO is associated with cardiovascular diseases as the generated reactive oxygen species can foster endothelial dysfunction. The enzyme’s activity is intertwined with systems involving proteins like endothelial nitric oxide synthase where oxidative stress affects nitric oxide availability and vascular health.