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Deconjugation

Meaning

Deconjugation is a biochemical reaction, primarily occurring in the enterohepatic circulation, where a previously conjugated, or inactivated, molecule is cleaved back into its active or unconjugated form. This process is often mediated by bacterial enzymes, particularly beta-glucuronidase, in the gut. In the context of hormonal health, it critically influences the reabsorption and subsequent systemic recirculation of metabolized hormones, notably estrogens, thereby increasing the effective circulating load.