Uric acid is a bit of a double-edged sword when it comes to oxidative stress:
Antioxidant Effects:
-Uric acid is considered one of the most important antioxidants in human plasma. It can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as singlet oxygen and peroxyl radicals.
-Its antioxidant properties help protect cells and tissues from oxidative damage, contributing to the overall antioxidant capacity of the blood.
Pro-oxidant Effects:
-Under certain conditions, especially at high concentrations, uric acid can also act as a pro-oxidant. For example, it may promote inflammation and oxidative stress in vascular tissues, which has been associated with conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
-The formation of monosodium urate crystals (as seen in gout) is linked to inflammatory reactions, and these crystals can contribute to local oxidative stress.
-Some studies have reported that elevated serum uric acid levels can be found in patients with certain cancers, possibly reflecting high cell turnover or altered metabolism. In some cases, higher local concentrations of uric acid might contribute to the antioxidant environment or even affect inflammatory processes.
(Will delete Record if Target field = "Delete") Home