How Does Glucuronic Acid Function in Detoxification?
The detoxification process primarily occurs in the liver, where glucuronic acid conjugates with various substrates through the action of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs). This process, termed glucuronidation, transforms lipophilic substances into more water-soluble forms, allowing them to be excreted via the urine or bile. This is particularly important for the metabolism of a wide range of substances, including pharmaceuticals, environmental toxins, and endogenous compounds like steroid hormones.
