Urate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฉบ
urate
[หjสษreษชt ]
Definition
medical term
Urate refers to a salt or ester of uric acid containing the anion C5H3N4O3. It is commonly found in the body, particularly related to the metabolism of purines, which are substances found in various foods. High levels of urate can lead to conditions such as gout and kidney stones.
Synonyms
uric acid ester, uric acid salt.
Examples of usage
- High urate levels can cause gout attacks.
- The doctor monitored the patient's urate concentration.
- Dietary changes can help reduce urate levels.
- Testing urate levels is important for kidney health.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Health and Nutrition
- Urate is a product of purine metabolism, which comes from foods like meat and certain types of fish.
- High levels of urate can lead to gout, a painful condition affecting the joints, often seen in people who eat a lot of rich foods.
- Some studies suggest that urate might have antioxidant properties, potentially helping to protect cells from damage.
Biochemistry
- Urate is the end product of purine metabolism in humans, as we lack the enzyme necessary to continue breaking it down further.
- In many animals, urate is converted to allantoin, which is more soluble and easier to excrete.
Societal Impact
- The understanding of urate has led to dietary guidelines to help manage conditions like gout among affected populations.
- Research on urate levels is ongoing, with scientists investigating its potential role in diseases such as metabolic syndrome.
Cultural References
- In some cultures, traditional food practices are linked with purine intake, influencing urate levels and related health issues.
- The connection between diet and urate level management has been a topic of interest in various medical and health-related literature.
Origin of 'urate'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'urate' comes from the Latin root 'urus', which means 'urine', relating it to its presence in the body's waste.
- It was first used in scientific literature in the early 19th century to describe a specific compound found in urine.
The term "urate" originates from the early 19th century, deriving from the Latin word 'uricum', which means 'of urine', combined with the suffix '-ate', commonly used in chemistry to denote salts and esters. The study of urate began in earnest as medical science advanced, particularly as researchers sought to understand the role of purines in metabolism. Uric acid, and consequently urate, are products of the breakdown of nucleotides, which are essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. As our understanding of biochemistry deepened, so did the recognition of urate's significance in diseases like gout and its impact on renal function. This understanding has led to the development of medications aimed at reducing urate levels in patients, reflecting the compound's relevance in contemporary medicine.