First-pass metabolism via UDP-glucuronosyltransferase: A barrier to oral bioavailability of phenolics

Baojian Wu, Kaustubh Kulkarni, Sumit Basu, Shuxing Zhang, Ming Hu

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

233 Scopus citations

Abstract

Glucuronidation mediated by UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) is a significant metabolic pathway that facilitates efficient elimination of numerous endobiotics and xenobiotics, including phenolics. UGT genetic deficiency and polymorphisms or inhibition of glucuronidation by concomitant use of drugs are associated with inherited physiological disorders or drug-induced toxicities. Moreover, extensive glucuronidation can be a barrier to oral bioavailability as the first-pass glucuronidation (or premature clearance by UGTs) of orally administered agents usually results in the poor oral bioavailability and lack of efficacies. This review focused on the first-pass glucuronidation of phenolics including natural polyphenols and pharmaceuticals. The complexity of UGT-mediated metabolism of phenolics is highlighted with species-, gender-, organ- and isoform-dependent specificity, as well as functional compensation between UGT1A and 2B subfamily. In addition, recent advances are discussed with respect to the mechanisms of enzymatic actions, including the important properties such as binding pocket size and phosphorylation requirements.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3655-3681
Number of pages27
JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Volume100
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2011

Keywords

  • Bioavailability
  • First-pass metabolism
  • Flavonoids
  • Glucuronidation
  • Phenolics
  • Polyphenols
  • Regioselectivity
  • UGTs

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmaceutical Science

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