Nutrigenomics and Detox - Transsulphuration

Question 1

What is transsulphuration?

Answer 1

Transsulphuration is the process where homocysteine is converted into cystathionine and then cysteine. This pathway plays a critical role in glutathione production, detoxification, and antioxidant processes, linking methylation to detoxification.

Question 2

What role does the transsulphuration cycle play?

Answer 2

The transsulphuration cycle involves the conversion of homocysteine into cystathionine by the enzyme cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), supporting antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Question 3

What is the impact of the CBS SNP C669T (rs234706)?

Answer 3

The SNP C669T at rs234706 increases CBS activity, leading to decreased homocysteine recycling, decreased SAMe production, increased conversion to ammonia (putting pressure on the urea cycle), and increased demand for glutathione.

Question 4

What recommendations can support transsulphuration?

Answer 4

Recommendations include increasing zinc, choline, and TMG (e.g., beetroot), and neutralizing ammonia by reducing animal protein intake, using probiotics to decrease bacterial production, activated charcoal, and limiting sulfur-containing foods (e.g., eggs).