Xanthine oxidase

Xanthine oxidase is an enzyme from the group of flavoproteins that catalyses oxidoreduction between two substrates. It is involved in the catabolism of purines, hypoxantine, pterins, etc. The xanthine oxidase molecule contains the element molybdenum. The xanthine oxidase cofactor is FAD.

An enzyme defect (or a xanthine dehydrogenase enzyme that can convert to xanthine oxidase) causes increased urinary excretion of xanthine and hypoxanthine – xantinuria.

Xanthine oxidase is inhibited by allopurinol, a uricostatic drug used to treat hyperuricaemia.

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