glükuronid

Glucuronide is a term referring to a compound formed by the conjugation of glucuronic acid with another molecule. This process, known as glucuronidation, is a significant metabolic pathway in many organisms, particularly in mammals. Glucuronidation primarily occurs in the liver, but also in other tissues like the kidneys, intestines, and lungs. The enzyme responsible for this conjugation is a family of enzymes called UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs).

The main purpose of glucuronidation is to increase the water solubility of various substances, including xenobiotics (foreign compounds), endogenous metabolites, and drugs. By attaching the polar glucuronic acid moiety, these molecules become more hydrophilic, facilitating their excretion from the body, typically through urine or bile. This detoxification process is crucial for eliminating harmful compounds and waste products.

Many drugs undergo glucuronidation as a major route of metabolism and elimination. For example, common painkillers like acetaminophen are metabolized into glucuronide conjugates. Similarly, bilirubin, a breakdown product of heme, is conjugated with glucuronic acid to be excreted. The formation of glucuronides can also inactivate certain substances or, in some cases, convert them into active metabolites. The study of glucuronides is important in pharmacology, toxicology, and drug development to understand drug metabolism and predict potential toxicity.