ASSESSING UDP-GLUCURONOSYLTRANSFERASE (UGT) ACTIVITY AND GLUCURONIC ACID CONCENTRATIONS IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN SALADIN GOVERNORATE, IRAQ

Objective: To assess serum UGT enzyme activity and glucuronic acid concentrations in women with breast cancer in Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraq, and to study and understand age-related patterns. Method: Serum samples were collected from 50 patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer and 45 age-matched control women (age range 23–60 years) between March 2025 and July 2025. UGT enzyme activity was measured spectrophotometrically using p-nitrophenol as a substrate and UDP-glucuronic acid (UDPGA) as a co-substrate. Serum glucuronic acid concentrations were measured titrimetrically using the carbazole and sulphuric acid method. The data were analysed using SPSS version 26; a two-sided p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: UGT enzyme activity in serum was statistically significantly lower in breast cancer patients compared with the control group (28.4 ± 9.6 units/litre versus 45.2 ± 11.3 units/litre; p < 0.001). Glucuronic acid concentrations in serum were also significantly reduced in the patients (61.2 ± 18.7 micromoles/litre versus 98.5 ± 22.4 micromoles/litre; p < 0.001). Both measurements showed an age-related difference across the study groups. Novelty: However, biochemical data specific to a particular population of Iraqi breast cancer patients remain scarce. Breast cancer patients in Salah al-Din Governorate were found to have a marked reduction in serum UGT enzyme activity and glucuronic acid concentrations compared with the healthy control group, suggesting an impairment in glucuronidation capacity which may contribute to oestrogen accumulation and the development of breast cancer.