Use of glucuronic acid
From WikiLectures
Glucuronic acid is a derivative of glucose. The sixth carbon of glucose is oxidized to a carboxyl group and thus becomes a carboxylic acid. It is one of the three carboxylic acids derived from glucose, along with gluconic and glucaric acids.
Use of glucuronic acid[edit | edit source]
1) Synthesis of proteoglycans
2) Use as a conjugating agent
Glucuronic acid conjugates with substances poorly soluble in water (bilirubin, steroid hormones, xenobiotics) with the aim of eliminating them from the body.
Once glucuronic acid is bound, non-polar compounds become more soluble in water and are more easily excreted in urine or bile. The key enzyme is called UDP - glucuronyltransferase. More information can be found in multimedální skripta 3. LF UK
