Jakarta - Black urine is a typical symptom of the genetic disorder alkaptonuria which is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase.
As written on the Hindustan Times page, Thursday (3/4), Urology Consultant, Jupiter Hospital, Dr Abhishek Agrawal said that the homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase enzyme is important for breaking down homogentisic acid, a by-product of amino acid metabolism which, if deficient, will be excreted in the urine.
"When the enzyme is deficient, homogentisic acid accumulates in the body and is excreted in the urine. Upon exposure to air, this acid oxidizes, causing the urine to turn dark brown or black, a typical symptom of alkaptonuria," he said.
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