Glükuronidok

Glükuronidok are compounds formed by the conjugation of glucuronic acid with another molecule. This process, known as glucuronidation, is a major metabolic pathway in many organisms, particularly in the liver. Glucuronic acid is a derivative of glucose. Glucuronidation typically occurs on hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, or sulfhydryl groups of the parent molecule. The resulting glucuronide conjugates are generally more water-soluble and less toxic than their parent compounds, facilitating their excretion from the body, primarily through urine and bile.

This metabolic pathway plays a crucial role in the detoxification of various endogenous substances, such as bilirubin, steroid hormones, and thyroid hormones. It is also a significant route for the elimination of xenobiotics, including drugs, environmental toxins, and dietary compounds. For many medications, glucuronidation is a key step in their metabolism and subsequent clearance from the body. Enzymes called UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) catalyze the glucuronidation reaction, transferring glucuronic acid from its activated form, UDP-glucuronic acid, to the substrate. Variations in UGT enzyme activity can influence an individual's response to drugs and their susceptibility to certain diseases.