What is ß-glucuronidase? High and low values | Lab results explained

Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme induced by anaerobic bacteria. Many toxins, hormones, and drugs are excreted from the body after conjugation to a glucuronide molecule. Beta-glucuronidase can uncouple these conjugates, freeing these potential carcinogens in the bowel and increase cancer risk.

β-glucuronidase (β-G) breaks the tight bond between glucuronic acid and toxins in the intestines. The liver and intestine bind toxins, steroid hormones and some dietary components to glucuronic acid. That is a protective process that limits absorption and enterohepatic resorption of toxins, and enhances excretion. A high level of activity of β-G in the gut is not desirable. A low level of β-G activity is not known to be of any direct clinical consequence.

Low β-G activity is an indicator of abnormal metabolic activity among the intestinal microbiota that may be influenced by dietary extremes, diminished abundance and diversity of the intestinal microbiota, or heavy probiotic and/or prebiotic supplementation. A low fat, low meat and high fiber diet, such as consumed by strict vegetarians, may be associated with lower β-G activity compared to a typical “Western diet.” High-end consumption of soluble fiber (e.g. inulin) and supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus may be inconsequentially associated with lower fecal β-G.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF YOUR beta-GLUCURONIDASE RESULT IS TOO HIGH

β-glucuronidase is produced by the intestinal epithelium and certain intestinal bacteria. Observational studies have indicated a correlation between high β-G activity and certain cancers, but a definitive causal relationship has not been established. Higher levels of β-G have been associated with higher circulating estrogens and lower fecal excretion of estrogens in premenopausal women. A potential dietary carcinogen derived from cooked meat and fish induces high β-G activity and prolongs internal exposure to the toxin in an experimental animal model.

Diet and intestinal bacterial imbalance modulate β-G activity. High fat, high protein and low fiber diets are associated with higher β-G activity compared to vegetarian or high soluble fiber diets. Higher β-G may be associated with an imbalanced intestinal microbiota profile. Some major bacterial producers of fecal β-G include Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, Clostridium, Bacteroides fragilis and other Bacteroides species, Ruminococcus gnavus, and species that belong to the genera Staphylococcus and Eubacterium.

Disclaimer:

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. 

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