W9 - Detox Pathways in Liver Flashcards
List some functions of the liver
Detoxification
Protein synthesis
Prod biochemicals needed for digestion + growth
Reg. glycogen storage, decomposition of RBCs + prod of hormones
Where is the liver found?
Right upper quadrant of abdomen
Below diaphragm
Where is the gallbladder?
Under liver
What does the gall bladder do?
Stores bile produced by liver b4 passing it onto small intestine to be used in digestion.
How does the liver protect the body from lipophiles?
Converts them into more H20 soluble metabolites that can be removed via urine.
What are the 2 pathways in liver detoxification?
Phase I
Phase II
What is Phase I known as?
1st line of defence vs toxins
What enzyme family does Phase I have?
Cytochrome P450 enzyme family
What does the Cytochrome P450 enzyme family help do?
Neutralise substances like alcohol + caffeine.
Can the byproducts of phase I liver detoxification pose a toxic threat to the body still?
Yes
What can happen if toxins are allowed to build up + stay in the liver?
Can damage DNA + proteins.
What is the purpose of Phase II?
Neutralises byproducts of phase I + other remaining toxins.
What is the term under phase II?
Conjugation – Making toxins H20 soluble ready to be excreted from the body
What are the primary molecules responsible for conjugation in Phase II?
Glutathione (a.k.a master antioxidant)
Sulphate
Glycine
Which is the most abundant antioxidant?
Glutathione
What can Glutathione do?
Regenerate itself in the liver
In what foods can Glutathione be found?
Asparagus
Avo
Spinach
Broccoli
List some of the key building blocks the body needs to manufacture Glutathione
Selenium
Vitamin E
What is vitamin C role in liver detoxification?
Helps protect liver detoxification enzymes from oxidative damage
What does it mean that the majority of toxic substances are fat-soluble?
Means they can sequester in tissues + accumulate in the body?
Body converts fat-soluble toxins into H20-soluble mol to be excreted through what routes?
Renal or biliary
What are the major detox organs?
Kidney + liver
What are the phases also known as?
P1 = Oxidation phase
P2 = Conjugation phase
List some examples of detox programmes
Fasting
Eating only certain foods
Sauna
Red. env exposures
List some examples of detox Diets
Certain foods
Total fast for a master cleanse
Raw, organic foods rich in fibre + H20
How do anti-oxidants work?
Anti-oxidant supplies free radical w/ an e- to repair + stabilise the chemical bond.
Define bioavailability
Fraction of an ingested nutrient that becomes available for use + storage in the body.
Which is better?
Healthy fibre + anti-oxidant diet
OR
Detox diet
Healthy fibre + anti-oxidant diet
