XAN Chemistry Abbreviation

Xanthine

A substance found in caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline and encountered in tea, coffee, and the colas. Chemically, xanthine is a purine. There is a genetic disease of xanthine metabolism, xanthinuria, due to deficiency of an enzyme, xanthine dehydrogenase, needed to process xanthine in the body. Unchecked, xanthinuria can lead to kidney stone formation and urinary tract disease and to muscle disease. Treatment is by avoiding foods and drinks containing xanthine derivatives, such as coffee, tea, and colas.