glükuronaat

Glucuronate is a uronic acid that is a component of many important biological molecules. It is derived from glucose, with the terminal carbon atom oxidized to a carboxylic acid group. This acidic functional group allows glucuronate to form salts and esters. In biological systems, glucuronate is most commonly found in the form of glucuronic acid, which is a sugar acid.

One of the primary roles of glucuronate in the body is in detoxification. It is a key component of the glucuronidation pathway, where it is conjugated with various foreign compounds (xenobiotics) and endogenous toxins. This conjugation increases the water solubility of these substances, making them easier to excrete from the body, primarily through urine or bile. Many drugs, hormones, and bilirubin are detoxified via glucuronidation.

Glucuronate is also a fundamental building block of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are long, unbranched polysaccharides. Examples of GAGs include hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and heparin. These GAGs play crucial roles in connective tissues, providing structural support, lubrication to joints, and acting as components of the extracellular matrix. The presence of negatively charged carboxyl and sulfate groups on GAGs contributes to their ability to bind water and cations.