LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY
Paseo del Rio Campus, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Natasha Louise T. Mendoza March 26, 2024
BS Pharmacy 2B Assessment Task 7
Synthesis on Phase 2 Metabolism:
Glucuronidation, Sulfate Conjugation, Glycine/Glutamine Conjugation
Phase 2 metabolism involves the conjugation of endogenous compounds or xenobiotics with
various molecules to increase their solubility and facilitate their excretion from the body. Three
major pathways in Phase 2 metabolism are glucuronidation, sulfate conjugation, and
glycine/glutamine conjugation.
1. Glucuronidation: Glucuronidation involves the addition of glucuronic acid to a substrate
molecule, typically facilitated by enzymes known as UDP-glucuronosyltransferases
(UGTs). This process primarily occurs in the liver and results in the formation of
glucuronide conjugates, which are more water-soluble and easily excreted in bile or urine.
Many drugs, toxins, and endogenous compounds undergo glucuronidation, including
bilirubin, morphine, acetaminophen, and steroids.
2. Sulfate Conjugation: Sulfate conjugation, also known as sulfation, involves the addition
of a sulfate group (SO4) to a substrate molecule, usually mediated by sulfotransferase
enzymes. This process primarily occurs in the liver and other tissues. Sulfation increases
the water solubility of the substrate, facilitating its excretion via urine or bile. Examples of
compounds undergoing sulfate conjugation include drugs like acetaminophen, hormones
such as estrogen and thyroid hormones, and neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
3. Glycine/Glutamine Conjugation: Glycine and glutamine conjugation involve the
addition of glycine or glutamine molecules to substrates, respectively. This process is
catalyzed by enzymes like glycine N-acyltransferase (NAT) and glutamine N-
acyltransferase (GNAT), primarily in the liver. Glycine and glutamine conjugation increase
water solubility and aid in the elimination of substances from the body. Examples of
compounds undergoing glycine conjugation include benzoic acid derivatives, salicylic
acid, and aromatic compounds. Glutamine conjugation is less common but occurs with
some aromatic and heterocyclic compounds.
Paseo del Rio Campus, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Natasha Louise T. Mendoza March 26, 2024
BS Pharmacy 2B Assessment Task 7
Synthesis on Phase 2 Metabolism:
Glucuronidation, Sulfate Conjugation, Glycine/Glutamine Conjugation
Phase 2 metabolism involves the conjugation of endogenous compounds or xenobiotics with
various molecules to increase their solubility and facilitate their excretion from the body. Three
major pathways in Phase 2 metabolism are glucuronidation, sulfate conjugation, and
glycine/glutamine conjugation.
1. Glucuronidation: Glucuronidation involves the addition of glucuronic acid to a substrate
molecule, typically facilitated by enzymes known as UDP-glucuronosyltransferases
(UGTs). This process primarily occurs in the liver and results in the formation of
glucuronide conjugates, which are more water-soluble and easily excreted in bile or urine.
Many drugs, toxins, and endogenous compounds undergo glucuronidation, including
bilirubin, morphine, acetaminophen, and steroids.
2. Sulfate Conjugation: Sulfate conjugation, also known as sulfation, involves the addition
of a sulfate group (SO4) to a substrate molecule, usually mediated by sulfotransferase
enzymes. This process primarily occurs in the liver and other tissues. Sulfation increases
the water solubility of the substrate, facilitating its excretion via urine or bile. Examples of
compounds undergoing sulfate conjugation include drugs like acetaminophen, hormones
such as estrogen and thyroid hormones, and neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
3. Glycine/Glutamine Conjugation: Glycine and glutamine conjugation involve the
addition of glycine or glutamine molecules to substrates, respectively. This process is
catalyzed by enzymes like glycine N-acyltransferase (NAT) and glutamine N-
acyltransferase (GNAT), primarily in the liver. Glycine and glutamine conjugation increase
water solubility and aid in the elimination of substances from the body. Examples of
compounds undergoing glycine conjugation include benzoic acid derivatives, salicylic
acid, and aromatic compounds. Glutamine conjugation is less common but occurs with
some aromatic and heterocyclic compounds.
