The present invention provides methods for screening for one or more chemical agents that modulate the enzymatic activity of an L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase. The methods comprise the steps of (a) contacting an L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase, in a solution in vitro, with one or more chemical agents in the presence of a substrate that is capable of being oxidized by the L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase; (b) measuring the enzymatic activity of the L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase in the presence of the chemical agent to identify one or more candidate chemical agents that modulate L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase activity in vitro; and (c) administering the one or more identified candidate chemical agents to a test animal and measuring one or more physiological parameters.