Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme which is produced by colonocytes and by some intestinal bacteria (particularly E. coli, but also Ruminococcus, Bacteroides, Eubacterium, Peptostreptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Clostridium).
Beta-glucuronidase breaks down complex carbohydrates and increases the bioavailability and reabsorption of plant polyphenols (lignans, flavonoids, ceramides, and glycyrrhetinic acid).
Beta-glucuronidase deconjugates glucuronide molecules from a variety of toxins, carcinogens, hormones (i.e. estrogens) and drugs.
Deconjugation permits reabsorption via enterohepatic circulation, with the potential to elevate systemic levels of potentially harmful compounds and hormones.
Limited research suggests an association between elevated fecal beta-glucuronidase and cancer risk, primarily colorectal and breast cancer.
Evaluating beta-glucuronidase may be of specific interest to clinicians interested in evaluating levels of important substances such as hormones, vitamin D, and phytonutrients.
Causes of elevated beta-glucuronidase:
- Dysbiosis
- Western diet, high in red meat and protein
Therapeutic considerations for elevated betaglucuronidase:
- Probiotics
- Dietary fiber, prebiotics
- Calcium-D-glucarate
- Calcium-D-glucarate is the calcium salt of D-glucaric acid. It is found in fruits and vegetables (oranges, apples, grapefruit, and cruciferous vegetables).
Oral supplementation inhibits the enzymatic activity of beta-glucuronidase.
- Milk thistle
- Low-calorie and vegetarian diets
References:
- Mroczynska M, Galecka M, Szachta P, Kamoda D, Libudzisz Z, Roszak D. Beta-glucuronidase and Beta-glucosidase activity in stool specimens of children with inflammatory bowel disease. Polish J Microbiol. 2013;62(3):319-325. [L]
- Flores R, Shi J, Gail MH, Gajer P, Ravel J, Goedert JJ. Association of fecal microbial diversity and taxonomy with selected enzymatic functions. PLoS One. 2012;7(6):e39745. [L]
- Kim DH, Jin YH. Intestinal bacterial beta-glucuronidase activity of patients with colon cancer. Arch Pharmacal Res. 2001;24(6):564-567. [L]
- Flores R, Shi J, Gail MH, Gajer P, Ravel J, Goedert JJ. Association of fecal microbial diversity and taxonomy with selected enzymatic functions. PloS one. 2012;7(6):e39745-e39745. [L]
- Thompson KJ, Ingle JN, Tang X, et al. A comprehensive analysis of breast cancer microbiota and host gene expression. PloS one. 2017;12(11):e0188873-e0188873. [L]
- Sivieri K, Bedani R, Cavallini DCU, Rossi EA. Probiotics and intestinal microbiota: implications in colon cancer prevention. In: Lactic Acid Bacteria-R & D for Food, Health and Livestock Purposes. IntechOpen; 2013. [L]
- Goldin BR, Swenson L, Dwyer J, Sexton M, Gorbach SL. Effect of diet and Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements on human fecal bacterial enzymes. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1980;64(2):255- 261. [L]
- De Preter V, Raemen H, Cloetens L, Houben E, Rutgeerts P, Verbeke K. Effect of dietary intervention with different preand probiotics on intestinal bacterial enzyme activities. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2008;62(2):225-231. [L]
- Valerio F, Russo F, de Candia S, et al. Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei-enriched artichokes on constipated patients: a pilot study. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2010;44 Suppl 1:S49-53. [L]
- Liu Z, Lin X, Huang G, Zhang W, Rao P, Ni L. Prebiotic effects of almonds and almond skins on intestinal microbiota in healthy adult humans. Anaerobe. 2014;26:1-6. [L]
- Molan AL, Liu Z, Plimmer G. Evaluation of the effect of blackcurrant products on gut microbiota and on markers of risk for colon cancer in humans. Phytother Res. 2014;28(3):416-422. [L]
- Calcium-D-glucarate. Altern Med Rev. 2002;7(4):336-339. [L]
- Kren V, Walterova D. Silybin and silymarin–new effects and applications. Biomed papers. 2005;149(1):29-41. [L]
- Kim DH, Jin YH, Park JB, Kobashi K. Silymarin and its components are inhibitors of beta-glucuronidase. Biol Pharm Bull. 1994;17(3):443-445. [L]
- Azcarate-Peril MA, Sikes M, Bruno-Barcena JM. The intestinal microbiota, gastrointestinal environment and colorectal cancer: a putative role for probiotics in prevention of colorectal cancer? Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2011;301(3):G401-424. [L]
- Koning CJ, Jonkers DM, Stobberingh EE, Mulder L, Rombouts FM, Stockbrugger RW. The effect of a multispecies probiotic on the intestinal microbiota and bowel movements in healthy volunteers taking the antibiotic amoxycillin. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008;103(1):178-189. [L]
- Zhanel GG, Siemens S, Slayter K, Mandell L. Antibiotic and oral contraceptive drug interactions: Is there a need for concern? Can J Infect Dis. 1999;10(6):429-433. [L]
Beta-glucuronidase
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