Observation, and possible explanations for increase in xanthine oxidase followed by uric acid caused by excess iron in the blood. Though only demonstrated in rats, not humans, this investigation gives valuable insight into the dangers of excess iron for gout.
Rather than preventing generation of [uric acid,] a remarkably beneficial iron chelator and antioxidant with allopurinol or increasing its urinary excretion with probenecid, perhaps a more rational treatment for hyperuricemia might be not only the avoidance of highly absorbable iron in red meat, but also regular voluntary donation of blood to decrease the relatively elevated body iron stores of men and postmenopausal women, thereby balancing decreased uric acid production with antioxidant needs.
- Title:
- Iron regulates xanthine oxidase activity in the lung.
- Authors:
- Andrew J Ghio, Thomas P Kennedy, Jacqueline Stonehuerner, Jacqueline D Carter, Kelly A Skinner, Dale A Parks, John R Hoidal.
- Published:
- AJP – Lung Physiol September 2002 vol 283 no 3 L563-L572.
