Detoxification: Phase Zero

Question 1

What is the primary site for detoxification in the body?

Answer 1

Primary Site:
The liver is the main organ for detoxification, filtering blood from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and spleen via the portal vein.

Question 2

What does Phase Zero represent in detoxification?

Answer 2

Phase Zero:
Represents the entry of toxins into liver cells (hepatocytes) or the exit of unmetabolized toxins from storage cells (e.g., adipocytes).

Question 3

How do fat-soluble toxins enter liver cells?

Answer 3

Mechanism for Fat-Soluble Toxins:
Fat-soluble toxins diffuse directly through the cell membrane.

Question 4

How do water-soluble or charged toxins enter liver cells?

Answer 4

Mechanism for Water-Soluble or Charged Toxins:
Water-soluble or charged toxins require transporters to enter or exit cells.

Question 5

What are the main transporter families involved in Phase Zero detoxification?

Answer 5

Transporter Families:
Phase Zero involves various transporter families that facilitate the movement of water-soluble or charged toxins. The main transporter families used are:
- Solute carriers (SLC)
- ATP binding cassette carriers.