The role of uric acid in protection against peroxynitrite-mediated pathology

G. S. Scott, D. C. Hooper

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

79 Scopus citations

Abstract

Peroxynitrite, the product of the free radicals nitric oxide and superoxide, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory CNS disorders. Uric acid, an effective scavenger of peroxynitrite, is a purine metabolite present at high levels in the serum of hominoids relative to lower-order animals due to the functional deletion of urate oxidase. Raising the normally low levels of uric acid in mice is therapeutic for experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. This therapeutic activity of uric acid is associated with the inhibition of peroxynitrite-induced tissue damage, blood-CNS barrier permeability changes, and CNS inflammation. Based on these findings we have concluded that peroxynitrite has an important role in promoting enhanced vascular permeability and inflammatory cell extravasation. We hypothesize that higher uric acid levels in hominoids evolved to protect against this process.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)95-100
Number of pages6
JournalMedical Hypotheses
Volume56
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of uric acid in protection against peroxynitrite-mediated pathology'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this