In many mammals, uric acid is further converted to allantoin by the enzyme uricase and then into urea, but uricase is not produced in humans but there may be potential evolutionary benefits.[8]

Due to its heterocyclic nature with four double bonds, uric acid is considered a potent antioxidant, and accounts for potentially half to two thirds of total plasma antioxidant activity. It is found in high levels in the cytosol, the fluid within cells, and particularly in the liver, endothelium cells lining blood vessels and human nasal secretions.[6,12]

Low levels of uric acid in vascular endothelial cells have been shown to cause the cells to dysfunction. While it had been proposed that higher levels of uric acid could impair cell integrity, it is now thought that uric acid may instead help promote tissue healing by initiating the restorative inflammatory process necessary and scavenging free radicals.[12]

Uric acid has also been shown to have a role in other antibody immune responses and promoting T-helper (Th2) cell formation in airways. Type 2 immune responses are also involved in fighting parasites with uric acid involved in triggering a response to enzymes secreted by the parasites.