Glutathione S-transferase - GSTs and Biotransformation

GSTs and Biotransformation

Glutathione S-transferases are considered, among several others, to contribute to the phase II biotransformation of xenobiotics. Drugs, poisons, and other compounds not traditionally listed in either groups are usually modified by the phase I and/or phase II mechanisms, and finally excreted from the body. GSTs contribute to this type of metabolism by conjugating these compounds (often electrophilic and somewhat lipophilic in nature) with reduced glutathione to facilitate dissolution in the aqueous cellular and extracellular media, and, from there, out of the body.