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Clinical significance. Derivatives of xanthine (known collectively as xanthines) are a group of alkaloids commonly used for their effects as mild stimulants and as bronchodilators, notably in the treatment of asthma or influenza symptoms.
Hypoxanthine is derived from inosine by the enzyme nucleoside phosphorylase. ... Unsalvaged hypoxanthine is oxidized to xanthine, which is further oxidized to uric acid by xanthine oxidase. Molecular oxygen, the oxidant in both reactions, is reduced to H2O2 and other reactive oxygen species.
Inhibition of xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that synthesizes uric acid from hypoxanthine, reduces the synthesis of uric acid without disrupting the biosynthesis of vital purines. This results in the reduction of the tissue stores of uric acid.
The major use of xanthine derivatives are for relief of bronchospasm caused by asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease. The most widely used xanthine is theophylline.