Detoxification Flashcards
What is the primary organ responsible for detoxification in the body?
The liver.
Describe the two phases of liver detoxification.
Phase I involves oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis reactions; Phase II involves conjugation reactions.
What enzymes are involved in Phase I detoxification?
Cytochrome P450 enzymes.
How do cytochrome P450 enzymes function in detoxification?
They oxidize toxins, making them more water-soluble for excretion.
What role do conjugation reactions play in Phase II detoxification?
Conjugation reactions attach water-soluble groups to toxins, making them easier to excrete.
Name three types of conjugation reactions in Phase II detoxification.
Glucuronidation, sulfation, and glutathione conjugation.
What is the role of glutathione in detoxification?
Glutathione acts as an antioxidant and participates in conjugation reactions.
How is glutathione synthesized in the body?
Glutathione is synthesized from amino acids cysteine, glutamate, and glycine.
What are the consequences of glutathione deficiency?
Increased oxidative stress and susceptibility to toxins.
How does the liver process alcohol during detoxification?
The liver metabolizes alcohol via alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase.
What enzymes are involved in alcohol metabolism?
Alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase.
Describe the process of acetaminophen detoxification.
Acetaminophen is metabolized by glucuronidation, sulfation, and CYP450 oxidation.
How does acetaminophen overdose lead to liver damage?
It depletes glutathione, leading to oxidative damage and liver cell death.
What is the role of N-acetylcysteine in treating acetaminophen toxicity?
N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione stores.
How do heavy metals like lead and mercury affect the body?
They disrupt cellular processes and cause toxicity.
What are the mechanisms of detoxification for heavy metals?
Chelation therapy and binding to proteins like metallothioneins.