The major mechanism of degradation of drugs in the gi is:
- a- Oxidation
- b- Hydrolysis***
- c- Acetylation
- d- Conjugation
- e- Reduction.
The major mechanism of degradation of drugs in the GI is hydrolysis.
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which a molecule is broken down into two or more smaller molecules by the addition of a water molecule. Hydrolysis of drugs is often catalyzed by enzymes in the GI tract, such as esterases, amidases, and peptidases.
The other options are also possible mechanisms of drug degradation in the GI tract, but they are less common than hydrolysis:
- Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which a molecule loses electrons. Oxidation of drugs can occur in the GI tract due to the presence of oxygen and reactive oxygen species.
- Acetylation is a chemical reaction in which an acetyl group (CH3CO-) is added to a molecule. Acetylation of drugs can occur in the GI tract due to the presence of the enzyme N-acetyltransferase.
- Conjugation is a chemical reaction in which a drug is combined with another molecule, such as glucuronic acid or sulfate. Conjugation of drugs can occur in the GI tract due to the presence of the enzymes UDP-glucuronosyltransferases and sulfotransferases.
- Reduction is a chemical reaction in which a molecule gains electrons. Reduction of drugs can occur in the GI tract due to the presence of reducing agents, such as glutathione and ascorbic acid.
The extent of drug degradation in the GI tract varies depending on the drug. Some drugs are more susceptible to degradation than others. For example, drugs that are esters or amides are more likely to be hydrolyzed than drugs that are not.
Drug degradation in the GI tract can reduce the amount of drug that is absorbed into the bloodstream. This can reduce the effectiveness of the drug. Drug degradation can also produce metabolites that may have different pharmacological effects than the parent drug.
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