Detoxification Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary organ responsible for detoxification in the body?

A

The liver.

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2
Q

Describe the two phases of liver detoxification.

A

Phase I involves oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis reactions; Phase II involves conjugation reactions.

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3
Q

What enzymes are involved in Phase I detoxification?

A

Cytochrome P450 enzymes.

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4
Q

How do cytochrome P450 enzymes function in detoxification?

A

They oxidize toxins, making them more water-soluble for excretion.

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5
Q

What role do conjugation reactions play in Phase II detoxification?

A

Conjugation reactions attach water-soluble groups to toxins, making them easier to excrete.

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6
Q

Name three types of conjugation reactions in Phase II detoxification.

A

Glucuronidation, sulfation, and glutathione conjugation.

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7
Q

What is the role of glutathione in detoxification?

A

Glutathione acts as an antioxidant and participates in conjugation reactions.

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8
Q

How is glutathione synthesized in the body?

A

Glutathione is synthesized from amino acids cysteine, glutamate, and glycine.

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9
Q

What are the consequences of glutathione deficiency?

A

Increased oxidative stress and susceptibility to toxins.

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10
Q

How does the liver process alcohol during detoxification?

A

The liver metabolizes alcohol via alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase.

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11
Q

What enzymes are involved in alcohol metabolism?

A

Alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase.

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12
Q

Describe the process of acetaminophen detoxification.

A

Acetaminophen is metabolized by glucuronidation, sulfation, and CYP450 oxidation.

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13
Q

How does acetaminophen overdose lead to liver damage?

A

It depletes glutathione, leading to oxidative damage and liver cell death.

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14
Q

What is the role of N-acetylcysteine in treating acetaminophen toxicity?

A

N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione stores.

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15
Q

How do heavy metals like lead and mercury affect the body?

A

They disrupt cellular processes and cause toxicity.

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16
Q

What are the mechanisms of detoxification for heavy metals?

A

Chelation therapy and binding to proteins like metallothioneins.

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17
Q

Describe the role of metallothioneins in heavy metal detoxification.

A

Metallothioneins bind and sequester heavy metals.

18
Q

How do phase I and phase II detoxification pathways interact?

A

Phase I reactions generate reactive intermediates; Phase II reactions neutralize them.

19
Q

What dietary components support detoxification processes?

A

Cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and green tea.

20
Q

How does fasting affect liver detoxification?

A

Fasting can enhance autophagy and liver detoxification.

21
Q

What is the role of the kidneys in detoxification?

A

The kidneys filter blood and excrete waste products.

22
Q

How do the kidneys filter and excrete toxins?

A

By filtration through the glomeruli and excretion via urine.

23
Q

What role does the gastrointestinal tract play in detoxification?

A

The GI tract absorbs, metabolizes, and excretes toxins.

24
Q

How does the microbiome influence detoxification?

A

The microbiome metabolizes certain toxins and drugs.

25
Q

What is the significance of enterohepatic circulation in detoxification?

A

It recirculates bile acids and toxins from the intestine to the liver.

26
Q

Describe the role of bile in detoxification.

A

Bile helps excrete fat-soluble toxins.

27
Q

How does fiber intake impact detoxification?

A

Fiber binds to toxins in the intestine, aiding in their excretion.

28
Q

What are xenobiotics and how are they detoxified?

A

Xenobiotics are foreign substances; detoxified via phase I and II reactions.

29
Q

How does the body detoxify pesticides and herbicides?

A

By oxidation, hydrolysis, and conjugation reactions.

30
Q

What is the role of antioxidants in detoxification?

A

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage.

31
Q

How does oxidative stress relate to detoxification?

A

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants.

32
Q

What enzymes are involved in the antioxidant defense system?

A

Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.

33
Q

Describe the role of superoxide dismutase in detoxification.

A

It converts superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide.

34
Q

How do catalase and glutathione peroxidase function in detoxification?

A

Catalase converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen; glutathione peroxidase reduces peroxides.

35
Q

What are the effects of chronic exposure to environmental toxins?

A

Accumulation of toxins can lead to chronic diseases.

36
Q

How do phase III detoxification pathways contribute to detoxification?

A

Phase III involves the excretion of toxins via transport proteins.

37
Q

What role do transport proteins play in phase III detoxification?

A

They transport conjugated toxins out of cells.

38
Q

How does the body detoxify polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)?

A

PCBs are detoxified via phase I and II reactions and excreted in bile.

39
Q

What lifestyle changes can enhance detoxification processes?

A

Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding toxin exposure.

40
Q

How does exercise influence detoxification?

A

Exercise increases circulation and enhances detoxification pathways.