Marker of purine metabolism disorders

Uric acid is a product of the metabolism of purine nucleosides, which are the constituent parts of purine acids (RNA and DNA). It is formed during the breakdown of nucleic acids in the body and from food. In the extracellular fluid, uric acid is present in the form of sodium salts in a concentration close to saturation, which can lead to crystallization of urates. The level of uric acid excreted in the urine reflects the intake of purines from food and the breakdown of endogenous purine nucleotides. In healthy individuals, uric acid levels may increase with a high purine content in the diet and decrease with a low purine diet.