Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from May 13, 2012
GOUT Gout is an arthritic condition (inflammation of the joints) that mostly affects men age 40 and older. It is nearly always associated with chronic hyperuricemia , a long-lasting abnormally high concentration of uric acid in the blood. Metabolism of Purines. The process leading to hyperuricemia and gout begins with the metabolism of purines , which are nitrogen-containing compounds that are important for energy. Purines can be divided into two types: Endogenous. Endogenous purines are manufactured within human cells. Exogenous. Exogenous purines are obtained from foods. All mammals except humans possess an enzyme called uricase that breaks purines down into a very soluble product called allantoin . Without uricase, purine ultimately breaks down into uric acid , which can build up in body tissues if it is not adequately eliminated in urine. Uric Acid and Hyperuricemia. Uric acid is produced in the liver and enters the bloodstream. The path leading to h...