Astrocyte dysfunction following molybdenum-associated purine loading could initiate Parkinson’s disease with dementia

Purine catabolism in humans and sheep. XOD is the molybdenum-dependant enzyme xanthine oxidase-dehydrogenase. Molybdenum sufficiency produces a different outcome to molybdenum deficiency. Outcome for Mo-sufficient humans and sheep: (1) Xanthine oxidase-dehydrogenase activity is high. (2) Dietary purines are catabolised in the gut and liver and excreted. (3) They cannot be “salvaged” hence they do not reach the CNS. Outcome for Mo-deficient humans and sheep: (1) Xanthine oxidase-dehydrogenase activity is very low. (2) Dietary purines are not catabolised hence reach the general circulation. (3) Some are “salvaged” and reach the CNS the rest are excreted uncatabolise