Phenol is a phenolic compound that is formed through gut microbial metabolism from dietary tyrosine. After being transported into gut microbes, tyrosine undergoes a reaction with the enzyme tyrosine phenol-lyase to form phenol. Phenol that is produced from the gut microbes then enters systemic circulation. Phenol can get further metabolized in a liver hepatocyte to Phenyl sulphate and Phenyl glucuronide. However phenol itself is shown to be a major uremic toxin through high levels of retention. Phenol is shown to cause cardiovascular disease and enhance the production of reactive oxygen species and cause oxidative stress.

Metabolism and Physiological Effects of Phenol References