Biochem/physiol Actions
Xanthine Oxidase (XOD) exhibits a broad substrate specificity including aldehydes, purines and pteridines. Furthermore, this enzyme reduces oxygen to generate superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS). It also reduces nitrite to yield reactive nitrogen species (RNS), such as peroxynitrite and nitric oxide. Owing to its ability to generate RNS and ROS, XOD might play an important role as an antimicrobial agent in the neonatal gut, thereby complementing endogenous enzyme of the intestinal epithelium.
