Review Article: Xanthine Oxidoreductase-An Important Functional Component of Differentiation, Apoptosis and Aggressiveness of Tumors

Xanthine oxidoreductase(XOR)plays an important role in many pathologies, such as tumors, chronic hypoxia, renal injury, hypertension and so on. In this article we mainly review the current research about the regulation of activity and gene expression of XOR, and its physiochemical property, organ distribution, changes in tumors and relation with the other diseases. We conclude that XOR is an important functional component of differentiation and apoptosis and diminished expression contributes to aggressiveness of tumors.