Compositions for the treatment of uric acid deficiency are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise either a precursor or derivative of uric acid, which, when administered to a patient, will result in a raising of the uric acid levels in that patient. The compositions can optionally comprise one or more additional active ingredients such as antioxidants, glutathione precursors, or inhibitors of NO synthase or homocysteine. Methods for raising uric acid levels in a patient are also disclosed. These methods are useful for in the treatment of various illnesses, such as cancer, infectious disease, Alzheimer disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Use of improved solutions comprising the present compositions in organ preservation is also disclosed.
