Marker of purine metabolism disorders

Uric acid is a product of the metabolism of purine nucleosides, which are part 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, so its crystallization in the form of urates is possible. The level of uric acid in the urine reflects the intake of purines from food and the breakdown of endogenous purine nucleotides.