Its immediate precursor, xanthine, is converted to uric acid by an enzymatic reaction involving xanthine oxidoreductase.3 It has been found that increased serum uric acid is associated with endothelial dysfunction,4 anti- proliferative effects, high oxidative stress, generation of free radicals5 and thrombus formation,6 all promoting atherosclerosis and its sequelae. Here, XDH is linked to atherosclerosis.