Detoxification

Question 1

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

Answer 1

The liver.

Question 2

Describe the two phases of liver detoxification.

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What enzymes are involved in Phase I detoxification?

Answer 3

Cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Question 4

How do cytochrome P450 enzymes function in detoxification?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What role do conjugation reactions play in Phase II detoxification?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Name three types of conjugation reactions in Phase II detoxification.

Answer 6

Glucuronidation, sulfation, and glutathione conjugation.

Question 7

What is the role of glutathione in detoxification?

Answer 7

Glutathione acts as an antioxidant and participates in conjugation reactions.

Question 8

How is glutathione synthesized in the body?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What are the consequences of glutathione deficiency?

Answer 9

Increased oxidative stress and susceptibility to toxins.

Question 10

How does the liver process alcohol during detoxification?

Answer 10

The liver metabolizes alcohol via alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase.

Question 11

What enzymes are involved in alcohol metabolism?

Answer 11

Alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase.

Question 12

Describe the process of acetaminophen detoxification.

Answer 12

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

Question 13

How does acetaminophen overdose lead to liver damage?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

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

Answer 14

N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione stores.

Question 15

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

Answer 15

They disrupt cellular processes and cause toxicity.

Question 16

What are the mechanisms of detoxification for heavy metals?

Answer 16

Chelation therapy and binding to proteins like metallothioneins.

Question 17

Describe the role of metallothioneins in heavy metal detoxification.

Answer 17

Metallothioneins bind and sequester heavy metals.

Question 18

How do phase I and phase II detoxification pathways interact?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

What dietary components support detoxification processes?

Answer 19

Cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and green tea.

Question 20

How does fasting affect liver detoxification?

Answer 20

Fasting can enhance autophagy and liver detoxification.

Question 21

What is the role of the kidneys in detoxification?

Answer 21

The kidneys filter blood and excrete waste products.

Question 22

How do the kidneys filter and excrete toxins?

Answer 22

By filtration through the glomeruli and excretion via urine.

Question 23

What role does the gastrointestinal tract play in detoxification?

Answer 23

The GI tract absorbs, metabolizes, and excretes toxins.

Question 24

How does the microbiome influence detoxification?

Answer 24

The microbiome metabolizes certain toxins and drugs.

Question 25

What is the significance of enterohepatic circulation in detoxification?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Describe the role of bile in detoxification.

Answer 26

Bile helps excrete fat-soluble toxins.

Question 27

How does fiber intake impact detoxification?

Answer 27

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

Question 28

What are xenobiotics and how are they detoxified?

Answer 28

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

Question 29

How does the body detoxify pesticides and herbicides?

Answer 29

By oxidation, hydrolysis, and conjugation reactions.

Question 30

What is the role of antioxidants in detoxification?

Answer 30

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage.

Question 31

How does oxidative stress relate to detoxification?

Answer 31

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

Question 32

What enzymes are involved in the antioxidant defense system?

Answer 32

Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.

Question 33

Describe the role of superoxide dismutase in detoxification.

Answer 33

It converts superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide.

Question 34

How do catalase and glutathione peroxidase function in detoxification?

Answer 34

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

Question 35

What are the effects of chronic exposure to environmental toxins?

Answer 35

Accumulation of toxins can lead to chronic diseases.

Question 36

How do phase III detoxification pathways contribute to detoxification?

Answer 36

Phase III involves the excretion of toxins via transport proteins.

Question 37

What role do transport proteins play in phase III detoxification?

Answer 37

They transport conjugated toxins out of cells.

Question 38

How does the body detoxify polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)?

Answer 38

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

Question 39

What lifestyle changes can enhance detoxification processes?

Answer 39

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

Question 40

How does exercise influence detoxification?

Answer 40

Exercise increases circulation and enhances detoxification pathways.