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UGT2B17 Gene Deletion

Meaning

The UGT2B17 Gene Deletion is a specific, relatively common genetic polymorphism characterized by the complete absence of the UGT2B17 gene, which encodes the Uridine Diphosphate-Glucuronosyltransferase 2B17 enzyme. This enzyme is physiologically essential for the glucuronidation of various steroid hormones, particularly testosterone, a critical step that facilitates their water-solubility and subsequent renal excretion. Individuals who are homozygous for this deletion exhibit a significantly reduced capacity to metabolize and excrete testosterone and its key metabolites.