Ksantiinit

Ksantiini is a purine base and a precursor to uric acid. It is a metabolic intermediate in the breakdown of purines, which are essential components of DNA and RNA. Specifically, ksantiini is formed from hypoxanthine and is subsequently oxidized to uric acid by the enzyme xanthine oxidase. This process is part of the normal physiological metabolism of nucleic acids in most organisms.

In humans, defects in the enzymes involved in purine metabolism can lead to the accumulation of purine derivatives, including ksantiini. A rare genetic disorder called xanthinuria is characterized by a deficiency in xanthine oxidase, leading to a buildup of ksantiini in the urine and blood. This can result in the formation of ksantiini crystals and stones in the kidneys and urinary tract, potentially causing pain, obstruction, and kidney damage.

While ksantiini itself has limited direct biological roles outside of its metabolic pathway, its presence in elevated levels serves as an indicator of underlying metabolic disturbances. Research into purine metabolism continues to explore the implications of ksantiini levels in various health conditions.