VALIDATION AND STEADY-STATE ANALYSIS OF A POWER-LAW MODEL OF PURINE METABOLISM IN MAN

The paper introduces a model of human purine metabolism in situ. Chose n from among several alternative system descriptions, the model is for mulated as a Generalized Mass Action system within Biochemical Systems Theory and validated with analyses of steady-state and dynamic charac teristics. Eigenvalue and sensitivity analyses indicate that the model has a stable and robust steady-state. The model quite accurately repr oduces numerous biochemical and clinical observations in healthy subje cts as well as in patients with disorders of purine metabolism These r esults suggest that the model can be used to assess biochemical and cl inical aspects of human purine metabolism. It provides a means of expl oring effects of enzyme deficiencies and is a potential tool for ident ifying steps of the pathway that could be the target of therapeutical intervention. Numerous quantitative comparisons with data are given. T he model can be used for biomathematical exploration of relationships between enzymic deficiencies and clinically manifested diseases.