Xanthine Unit Converter

Xanthine is a naturally occurring compound formed during the breakdown of purines, which are building blocks of DNA and RNA. It is an intermediate step in the pathway that converts purines into uric acid for excretion.

The enzyme xanthine oxidase converts hypoxanthine to xanthine, and then converts xanthine to uric acid. When this enzyme is underactive or inhibited, xanthine accumulates in the blood and urine instead of being processed into uric acid.

Plasma xanthine is measured as part of a purines and pyrimidines panel to help detect inherited or acquired disorders of purine metabolism.

Xanthine is produced throughout the body as cells break down purines from normal cell turnover and dietary sources. The enzyme xanthine oxidase, found primarily in the liver and intestinal lining, converts hypoxanthine into xanthine and then into uric acid.