Why are Metabolic Intermediates Important in Toxicology?
The significance of metabolic intermediates in toxicology lies in their role in biotransformation. During this process, the body converts foreign substances (xenobiotics) into more water-soluble compounds for easier excretion. However, some intermediates formed during biotransformation can be more toxic than their parent compounds. Therefore, identifying and understanding these intermediates is crucial for risk assessment and the development of therapeutic interventions.
