metaboliseerub

Metaboliseerub is an Estonian verb meaning "is metabolized" or "undergoes metabolism." In biology, metabolism refers to the chemical processes that transform substances into more water-soluble forms to facilitate excretion and elimination from the body.

Metabolism typically involves two broad phases. Phase I functionalizes molecules through oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis, often mediated by enzymes such as the cytochrome P450 family. Phase II conjugates the functionalized molecules with endogenous substrates (glucuronide, sulfate, glutathione, or amino acids), increasing their solubility for excretion.

The products of metabolism can be less active, more active, or even toxic compared with the parent compound. Some drugs are prodrugs that require metabolism to become active, while others may form reactive metabolites that contribute to toxicity.

In clinical practice, metabolism is a key determinant of drug clearance, duration of action, and potential drug interactions. Variation in metabolic capacity among individuals—poor, intermediate, extensive, and ultra-rapid metabolizers—can influence dosing and response. The liver is the primary organ involved, though metabolism also occurs in the gut wall, kidneys, lungs, and plasma.

Metaboliseerub is studied in pharmacokinetics and toxicology to predict exposure, clearance, interactions, and adverse effects. Analytical methods such as chromatography and mass spectrometry detect parent compounds and their metabolites in biological samples to assess exposure and effect.