Use of glucuronic acid

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
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 [http://fblt.cz/skripta/ix-travici-soustava/5-jatra-a-biotransformace-xenobiotik/ multimedální skripta 3. LF UK]

Related articles

 * Carboxylic acids
 * Conjugation