Ethyl glucuronide

• (2S, 3S, 4S, 5R, 6S )-6 -ethoxy- 3 ,4,5- trihydroxyoxan - 2-carboxylic acid (IUPAC)
• EtG

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Ethyl glucuronide (short: EtG ) is a chemical compound, a naturally occurring cyclic carboxylic acid, a derivative of glucuronic acid. In humans, it is a product of the degradation of ethanol. EtG is produced in small quantities after consuming alcohol and is distributed in the body. Once in the hair, it will not be further degraded and can be, and recently also detected immunologically or by LC / MS.

Biosynthesis

EtG is formed by glucuronidation of ethanol and is a byproduct of the decomposition, because the majority is oxidized to acetaldehyde. The enzyme catalyzing the UDP - glucuronosyl transferase.

Use, analysis

Older studies confirm at least the detectability of high ethanol intake by gas chromatographic analysis of EtG in the hair and in meconium. For calibration deuterated EtG used. The hair color seems to have no influence on the result. However, there are problems in distinguishing between drinking and other alcohol consumption, with microbial activity, and stability of the sample. In a study that was used in gas chromatography, could be clearly differentiated between consumption of 24 grams of pure alcohol and washing hands with an alcohol solution 40 hours later, after all. Studies with the immunological detection method does not exist. Together with the measurement of conventional liver function tests or fatty acid ethyl esters seems to be an application in addiction medicine sensible.