Xanthine, a catabolic product of purine metabolism, is present in body fluids, muscle tissue and certain plants. Structurally like caffeine, Xanthine has a stimulant effect and is used clinically to treat the congestive diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Xanthine is metabolized into uric acid and superoxide by Xanthine oxidase. Xanthine oxidase deficiency causes the rare genetic disorder-Xanthinuria, and leads to Xanthine accumulation in urine and blood, which ultimately progresses to renal failure. Recent studies show that Xanthine levels are elevated following ischemic injury, thus Xanthine can serve as a useful marker for tissue hypoxia. Early detection of Xanthine alteration in biological fluids is crucial for metabolic studies and for diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring.

Abcam has not and does not intend to apply for the REACH Authorisation of customers’ uses of products that contain European Authorisation list (Annex XIV) substances.
It is the responsibility of our customers to check the necessity of application of REACH Authorisation, and any other relevant authorisations, for their intended uses.