Purine nucleosides (None)

Purine nucleosides in the gut lumen, such as adenosine, guanosine, and inosine, are small molecule metabolites derived from dietary intake and endogenous secretions [PubChem]. These nucleosides are the primary precursors for systemic uric acid production; they are absorbed by intestinal transporters and subsequently metabolized by enzymes such as xanthine oxidase [PubMed: 32810217]. In patients with hyperuricemia or gout, the absorption of these purines contributes significantly to the total body urate pool, leading to crystal deposition in joints and potential renal damage [StatPearls: Gout]. Therapeutic strategies targeting these molecules utilize gut-restricted enzymes, such as urate oxidase or nucleosidases, to degrade the nucleosides within the gastrointestinal tract before absorption occurs [Allena Pharmaceuticals]. This mechanism, currently being explored with agents like ALLN-346, aims to lower serum uric acid levels by intercepting the purine load at the source [ClinicalTrials.gov]. Such gut-targeted therapies offer a potential alternative for patients with chronic kidney disease who may not tolerate systemic urate-lowering drugs [PubMed: 32810217].

Other names

Dietary purinesIntestinal purinesPurine metabolitesGastrointestinal purine nucleosides

Enzymatic degradation of purine substrates within the gastrointestinal tract to prevent systemic absorption and subsequent conversion to uric acid.