Estrone glucuronide

Estrone glucuronide is a natural steroid and estrogen that is produced in the human body. It is a metabolite of estrone, one of the three main estrogens produced in the human body, the others being estradiol and estriol.

Chemistry

Estrone glucuronide is a glucuronide conjugate of estrone, meaning it is estrone with a glucuronic acid molecule attached. This process, known as glucuronidation, is a common method the body uses to make substances more water-soluble so they can be excreted in urine or bile.

Biosynthesis and metabolism

Estrone glucuronide is produced in the liver by the action of the enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase. This enzyme catalyzes the transfer of glucuronic acid to estrone, forming estrone glucuronide.

Estrone glucuronide can be converted back into estrone by the action of the enzyme beta-glucuronidase, which is found in many tissues throughout the body. This process, known as deglucuronidation, allows the body to recycle estrone and use it again.

Biological activity

Estrone glucuronide has weak estrogenic activity, meaning it can bind to and activate estrogen receptors in the body. However, its activity is much less than that of estrone or estradiol.

Clinical significance

Levels of estrone glucuronide in the blood can be measured as a marker of ovarian function. High levels can indicate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a potentially serious condition that can occur in women undergoing fertility treatment.

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