Retinoyl beta-glucuronide: a biologically active form of vitamin A.

Abstract

Retinoyl beta-glucuronide is a naturally occurring, biologically active metabolite of vitamin A. Although retinoyl beta-glucuronide is regarded as a detoxification product of retinoic acid, it plays several roles in the functions of vitamin A. It can serve as a source of retinoic acid, and it may be a vehicle for transport of retinoic acid to target tissues. Topically applied retinoyl beta-glucuronide is comparable in efficacy to retinoic acid in the treatment of acne in humans, without the same side effects. Retinoyl beta-glucuronide may or may not be teratogenic, depending on the mode of administration and the species in which it is used. It may be a valuable therapeutic compound for the treatment of skin disorders and certain types of cancers.

• Authors: A B Barua
• Journal: Nutrition reviews (Nutr Rev) Vol. 55 Issue 7 Pg. 259-67 (Jul 1997) ISSN: 0029-6643 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9279062 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Vitamin A
• retinoyl glucuronide
• Tretinoin

Topics

• Abnormalities, Drug-Induced
• Animals
• Female
• Intestinal Absorption
• Pregnancy
• Tretinoin (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives, chemical synthesis, metabolism, physiology, therapeutic use, toxicity)
• Vitamin A (metabolism)