Module 2 Nutrigenomics and Detox Revision PDF

Card 1: Nutrigenomics Definition: The study of how nutrition interacts with genes, affecting disease prevention or treatment. Key Concepts: o Genes are made of DNA, coding for proteins. o Phenotype: The observable characteristics due to gene expression and...

Card 1: Nutrigenomics Definition: The study of how nutrition interacts with genes, affecting disease prevention or treatment. Key Concepts: o Genes are made of DNA, coding for proteins. o Phenotype: The observable characteristics due to gene expression and environmental influences. o SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms): Variations in DNA that can affect how genes function. Card 2: Methylation Definition: The process of adding a methyl group (CH₃) to molecules, essential for gene regulation, DNA synthesis, detoxification, energy production, and immune function. Important Nutrients: Folate, B12, B6, choline, betaine, and zinc. Disruptors: Insufficient folate, B vitamins, toxin exposure (e.g., heavy metals, BPA). Card 3: Liver Detoxification Phases Phase I Involves: Cytochrome P450 enzymes. Function: Makes fat-soluble toxins more water-soluble but often creates reactive intermediates. Key Co-factors: B vitamins (B2, B3, B6), glutathione. Phase II Conjugation Pathways: o Glucuronidation: Detoxifies oestrogens, NSAIDs. o Sulphation: Detoxifies steroid hormones and food additives. o Glutathione Conjugation: Removes heavy metals like mercury. Phase III Excretion: Process of eliminating detoxified products via bile and kidneys. Card 4: SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) Definition: Variations in single nucleotide positions in DNA that can affect enzyme activity and protein function.  Examples: o MTHFR C677T SNP: Affects folate metabolism, leading to increased homocysteine levels. o CYP1A1 SNP: Impacts oestrogen metabolism and detoxification of harmful chemicals. Card 5: Detoxification in Clinical Practice Key Strategies: o Minimize toxic load (reduce exposure to toxins). o Support liver and elimination pathways (fiber, hydration, antioxidant-rich foods). o Use herbs (e.g., milk thistle) to protect the liver. Common Toxins: BPA, pesticides, heavy metals (mercury, lead), phthalates. Card 6: Nutrients for Detoxification Crucial Nutrients: o Glutathione: Master antioxidant, needed for phase II detoxification. o Cysteine: Rate-limiting amino acid for glutathione production (found in legumes, seeds, eggs). o Sulfur-rich Foods: Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli) to support sulphation. o B Vitamins: Essential for supporting both phases I and II. Card 7: Oestrogen Metabolism Key Enzymes: o CYP1A1: Converts oestrogen into less harmful forms. o CYP1B1: Can increase production of harmful oestrogen metabolites. Supporting Oestrogen Detox: o Increase intake of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage). o Optimize gut health to prevent reabsorption of oestrogen in the bowel. Card 8: Clinical Application of Nutrigenomics Use of Genetic Testing: Can help personalize nutrition and lifestyle plans. Clinical Considerations: Always consider genetic information alongside symptoms, diet, and lifestyle. Methylation and Transsulphuration are both biochemical processes, but they serve different roles in the body’s metabolism and detoxification. Here's a breakdown of the key differences: Methylation: Definition: The process of adding a methyl group (CH₃) to a substrate (e.g., DNA, proteins, or other molecules). It plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions. Main Functions: o Gene Regulation: Turning genes on or off by adding methyl groups to DNA. o Detoxification: Helps in detoxifying hormones like oestrogen. o DNA and RNA Synthesis: Essential for cell growth and repair. o Neurotransmitter Production: Involved in producing serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin. o Energy Production: Supports synthesis of ATP and CoQ10. Key Nutrients: Folate (as methylfolate), vitamin B12, B6, B2, zinc, and choline are essential for proper methylation. Important Molecules: o SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine): The body's main methyl donor, which provides the methyl group for various reactions. o Homocysteine: A by-product of methylation that, if elevated, can indicate poor methylation or other health issues. Transsulphuration: Definition: A metabolic pathway where homocysteine (produced during methylation) is converted into cysteine, which is then used for the production of glutathione and other sulfur-containing molecules. Main Functions: o Glutathione Production: Key in synthesizing glutathione, the body’s most important antioxidant, which plays a crucial role in detoxifying harmful substances. o Sulfur Metabolism: Involves the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids like methionine and cysteine, important for various detoxification and antioxidant processes. o Detoxification: Specifically involved in Phase II detoxification, where glutathione is conjugated to toxins to make them more water-soluble for excretion. Key Nutrients: Vitamin B6, zinc, cysteine, and molybdenum are important co- factors for the transsulphuration pathway. Important Enzymes: o CBS (Cystathionine β-synthase): Converts homocysteine to cystathionine, which then leads to the production of cysteine and glutathione. o Glutathione S-transferase (GST): Helps in attaching glutathione to toxins for excretion. Key Differences: 1. Purpose: o Methylation: Primarily involved in regulating genetic expression, neurotransmitter production, energy production, and detoxifying hormones. o Transsulphuration: Focused on sulfur metabolism and producing cysteine and glutathione for antioxidant defense and detoxification. 2. End Products: o Methylation: Produces homocysteine, which can either be remethylated or enter the transsulphuration pathway. o Transsulphuration: Converts homocysteine into cysteine, which leads to the production of glutathione, a major detoxifying agent. 3. Nutrient Requirements: o Methylation: Depends on methyl donors like folate, B12, and choline. o Transsulphuration: Requires sulfur-containing amino acids like methionine, cysteine, and vitamin B6. Connection Between Methylation and Transsulphuration: Homocysteine is a critical link between the two pathways. If homocysteine isn’t remethylated back to methionine (via the methylation pathway), it enters the transsulphuration pathway to produce cysteine and glutathione. By understanding these two processes, you can appreciate how the body regulates gene expression, detoxifies harmful substances, and protects itself from oxidative stress through antioxidants like glutathione. Summary of Detoxification Phases & Estrogen Detoxification with Key Genes and SNPs Detoxification occurs in three main phases in the liver: Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III. Each phase has specific pathways, enzymes, and genes involved, many of which are influenced by genetic variations (SNPs), affecting detoxification efficiency. Phase I: Transformation (CYP450 Enzymes) Function: Phase I transforms fat-soluble toxins (often xenobiotics) into more water- soluble, but often more reactive, forms. This is primarily done through oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis reactions. Key Enzymes: Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme family, which creates active intermediates ready for Phase II. Key Genes and SNPs: 1. CYP1A1: o Function: Detoxifies estrogen and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). o SNP: G2453T (rs1799814) – Associated with reduced CYP1A1 activity, increasing risk of estrogen dominance and PAH-related cancers. o Recommendation: Avoid chargrilled meats, focus on cruciferous vegetables, and avoid smoking. 2. CYP1A2: o Function: Detoxifies caffeine and estrogens. o SNP: rs762551 (CC genotype) – Results in slow caffeine metabolism, leading to increased caffeine sensitivity and higher risk of liver stress. o Recommendation: Avoid caffeine. 3. CYP2E1: o Function: Detoxifies alcohol and other small molecules. o SNP: Increased activity can lead to higher production of harmful intermediates from alcohol, which can damage the liver. Phase II: Conjugation Function: Phase II involves attaching (conjugating) water-soluble groups (e.g., glutathione, glucuronic acid, sulfate) to the reactive intermediates from Phase I. This neutralizes them and makes them safe for excretion. Key Reactions: Glucuronidation, sulfation, glutathione conjugation, methylation, and amino acid conjugation. Key Genes and SNPs: 1. GST (Glutathione S-transferase): o Function: Catalyzes the conjugation of glutathione to toxins, especially heavy metals. o SNP: GSTM1 – The ‘null’ variant results in the absence of GSTM1, leading to reduced ability to detoxify carcinogens and oxidative stress. o Recommendation: Support with cruciferous vegetables, milk thistle, and selenium. 2. SULT (Sulfotransferases): o Function: Adds sulfate to toxins (e.g., estrogen, neurotransmitters). o SNP: Variants can affect estrogen detoxification, increasing the risk of hormone-related cancers. o Recommendation: Increase sulfur-containing foods (e.g., garlic, onions, cruciferous veg). 3. UGT (UDP-glucuronosyltransferases): o Function: Catalyzes glucuronidation, a major pathway for detoxifying estrogens, NSAIDs, and bilirubin. o SNP: Variants in UGT1A1 can reduce glucuronidation, leading to poor clearance of toxins. o Recommendation: Increase citrus, apples, and turmeric. 4. COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase):  o Function: Methylates catecholamines (dopamine, estrogen) and deactivates estrogen metabolites. o SNP: rs4680 (A allele) – Slows COMT activity, leading to excess estrogen and catecholamines, potentially increasing cancer risk. o Recommendation: Support with magnesium, methylated B vitamins (B12, folate), and choline. Phase III: Excretion Function: This phase involves the transport of detoxified products (conjugated toxins) from the liver into bile for excretion via the intestines or kidneys for urinary excretion. It relies on ATP-binding transporters to pump these molecules out of cells. Key Transporters: ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Key Genes and SNPs: 1. ABCB1 (MDR1): o Function: Pumps a variety of drugs and toxins across cellular membranes. o SNP: Variants can affect the efficiency of drug and toxin excretion. Estrogen Detoxification: Estrogen detoxification primarily involves Phase I and Phase II detoxification. Estrogens are hydroxylated by CYP450 enzymes in Phase I and then conjugated in Phase II (via sulfation and glucuronidation) before excretion. Key Genes in Estrogen Detoxification: 1. CYP1A1: o Converts estradiol to 2-hydroxyestradiol, a less harmful estrogen metabolite. o SNPs that reduce CYP1A1 activity can lead to estrogen dominance and an increased risk of breast cancer. 2. CYP1B1: o Converts estrogen to 4-hydroxyestradiol, a more harmful metabolite linked to cancer risk. o Overactivity of CYP1B1 leads to more carcinogenic estrogen metabolites. 3. COMT: o Methylates and deactivates harmful estrogen metabolites (e.g., 4- hydroxyestradiol). o Slow COMT activity (due to SNPs) can lead to the accumulation of harmful estrogens. 4. SULT and UGT: o Conjugate estrogens (sulfation and glucuronidation) for safe excretion. o SNPs in these genes can reduce estrogen detoxification efficiency, leading to hormone imbalance. Recommendations to Support Estrogen Detox: Increase intake of cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, Brussels sprouts) as they contain compounds like indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which stimulate CYP1A1 and promote safer estrogen metabolism. Ensure adequate fiber intake to bind and excrete estrogens through the stool. Use calcium D-glucarate to inhibit beta-glucuronidase (produced by dysbiotic gut bacteria), which can deconjugate estrogens and cause reabsorption. Summary: Phase I (CYP450 enzymes) transforms fat-soluble toxins into more reactive intermediates. Phase II (conjugation) neutralizes and detoxifies these intermediates using pathways like glucuronidation, sulfation, and glutathione conjugation. Phase III ensures the elimination of these detoxified substances via bile or urine. Estrogen Detoxification: CYP1A1, CYP1B1, COMT, UGT, and SULT enzymes play crucial roles in processing and safely eliminating estrogens from the body. SNPs in these genes can impact hormone balance and detox efficiency. Card 1: Detoxification Overview Phases: o Phase I: Transformation (via CYP450 enzymes). o Phase II: Conjugation (neutralizing toxins). o Phase III: Excretion (removing toxins via bile/kidneys). Main Function: Convert fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble forms for excretion. Card 2: Phase I Detoxification (CYP450) Function: Transforms fat-soluble toxins into more reactive, water-soluble intermediates. Key Genes & SNPs: 1. CYP1A1 (rs1799814): Detoxifies estrogens and PAHs. Reduced activity increases estrogen dominance and cancer risk. 2. CYP1A2 (rs762551): Detoxifies caffeine and estrogens. Slow caffeine metabolism with CC genotype. 3. CYP2E1: Detoxifies alcohol and small molecules. SNPs can increase harmful intermediate production. Card 3: Phase II Detoxification (Conjugation) Function: Adds water-soluble groups (e.g., glucuronic acid, sulfate, glutathione) to reactive toxins from Phase I. Key Pathways: 1. Glucuronidation: Uses UGT enzymes to detoxify estrogen, NSAIDs. 2. Sulphation: Uses SULT enzymes to detoxify steroid hormones and neurotransmitters. 3. Glutathione Conjugation: Uses GST enzymes to detoxify heavy metals and carcinogens. Card 4: Phase II Detoxification – Key Genes & SNPs 1. GST (Glutathione S-transferase): o Function: Conjugates glutathione to toxins. o SNP: GSTM1-null variant reduces detox capacity. o Support: Increase cruciferous veg, milk thistle, selenium. 2. SULT (Sulfotransferases): o Function: Conjugates sulfate to estrogens and toxins. o SNP: Variants can impair estrogen detoxification. o Support: Increase sulfur-containing foods. 3. UGT (UDP-glucuronosyltransferases): o Function: Glucuronidates estrogens, NSAIDs, and toxins. o SNP: Variants reduce detoxification efficiency. o Support: Consume apples, citrus, and turmeric. Card 5: Phase III Detoxification (Excretion) Function: Transports detoxified products into bile (for bowel excretion) or urine (via kidneys). Key Transporter: ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Gene: ABCB1 (MDR1) – Pumps toxins across membranes. SNPs can impair excretion efficiency. Card 6: Estrogen Detoxification – Overview Key Phases: o Phase I: Hydroxylation of estrogens by CYP450 enzymes. o Phase II: Conjugation via glucuronidation and sulfation for excretion. Goal: Safely convert and eliminate estrogen to avoid harmful accumulation. Card 7: Key Genes in Estrogen Detoxification 1. CYP1A1: o Converts estradiol to 2-hydroxyestradiol (protective). o SNP: Reduced activity increases estrogen dominance. o Support: Increase cruciferous vegetables. 2. CYP1B1: o Converts estrogens to harmful 4-hydroxyestradiol. o SNP: Overactivity can increase cancer risk. 3. COMT: o Methylates (deactivates) estrogen metabolites. o SNP (rs4680): Slow COMT activity leads to estrogen buildup. o Support: Magnesium, B vitamins, choline. 4. UGT and SULT: o Conjugate estrogens for excretion. o SNPs reduce efficiency, increasing hormone imbalance risk. Card 8: Supporting Estrogen Detoxification Dietary Support: o Increase cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage). o Ensure fiber intake for proper bowel elimination. o Use calcium D-glucarate to inhibit estrogen reabsorption in the gut. Avoid: o Non-organic meats, plastic water bottles (BPA), and excessive alcohol/caffeine. These cards should help you quickly review the key concepts around detoxification phases, key genes involved, SNPs, and estrogen detoxification! Card 1: Nutrigenomics Key Terms Nutrigenomics: Study of how nutrition interacts with genes to affect health and disease. Gene: Unit of heredity made up of DNA. SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism): A variation in a single base pair in the genome that can influence health and metabolism. Card 2: Important Genes and SNPs 1. BCO1 Gene: o Codes for an enzyme converting beta-carotene to vitamin A. o SNPs can reduce this activity, leading to vitamin A deficiency. 2. VDR Gene: o Codes for the Vitamin D receptor. o SNP A allele: Linked to lower bone density and higher osteoporosis risk. Card 3: Methylation Definition: Addition of a methyl group (CH₃) to a molecule, critical for gene regulation, detoxification, and energy production. Key Co-factors: Folate, B12, B6, choline, betaine, and zinc. Common SNP: MTHFR gene (C677T) – Reduces conversion of folate to its active form, affecting methylation. Card 4: Transsulphuration Definition: Converts homocysteine into cysteine, leading to glutathione production. Key Gene: CBS gene (Cystathionine β-synthase) regulates this process. SNP: CBS C699T – Increases conversion to cysteine, leading to potential ammonia buildup. Support: Increase zinc, choline, and activated charcoal. Card 5: Detoxification – Phase I Function: Transforms fat-soluble toxins into reactive intermediates using CYP450 enzymes. Key Genes: 1. CYP1A1: Detoxifies estrogens and PAHs. SNPs can increase estrogen dominance and cancer risk. 2. CYP1A2: Detoxifies caffeine. Slow metabolizers (CC genotype) should avoid caffeine. Support: Avoid smoking, reduce alcohol, and increase B vitamins. Card 6: Detoxification – Phase II Function: Conjugates reactive intermediates with water-soluble groups for excretion. Pathways: 1. Glucuronidation: Detoxifies estrogens, requires glucuronic acid.  2. Sulphation: Detoxifies hormones and toxins, needs sulfur-rich foods (garlic, onions). 3. Glutathione Conjugation: Requires glutathione to neutralize heavy metals and oxidative stress. Card 7: Estrogen Detoxification Key Genes: 1. CYP1A1: Converts estrogens to less harmful forms (2-OH). 2. CYP1B1: Converts estrogens to more harmful forms (4-OH), increasing cancer risk. 3. COMT: Methylates estrogens, deactivating them for excretion. Support: Increase cruciferous vegetables, fiber, and avoid BPA, caffeine, and alcohol. Card 8: Liver Detoxification Support Phase I to Phase II Transition: o Ensure progression from Phase I to II is smooth to prevent accumulation of reactive intermediates. o B Vitamins: Essential for cytochrome P450 function in Phase I. o Antioxidants: Protect against free radicals generated in Phase I. Card 9: Testing and Recommendations Genetic Testing: Useful for identifying SNPs affecting detoxification pathways. Tests for Poor Methylation: 1. Homocysteine levels. 2. SNP testing for MTHFR or CBS genes. General Detox Support: 1. Increase antioxidant-rich foods (berries, green tea). 2. Saunas and exercise for toxin excretion. Card 10: Deeper Detoxification Water Fast: 2–3 liters of water daily, minimal exercise, no supplements or herbs. Fasting Mimicking Diet: Low calories (500–800 kcal/day), 8–10 portions of liver- supporting vegetables, reduced eating window (8 hours). This set of cards summarizes the key areas from the lecture and can guide your revision for Nutrigenomics and Metabolic Detoxification. Flashcard 1: Nutrigenomics Basics Question: What is nutrigenomics? Answer: The study of how nutrition interacts with genes, affecting health and the prevention or treatment of diseases. Flashcard 2: Key Definitions Question: What is a SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism)? Answer: A variation in a single base pair in the genome that can influence gene function and metabolism. Flashcard 3: Vitamin A and BCO1 Gene Question: What does the BCO1 gene code for, and how can SNPs affect vitamin A levels? Answer: The BCO1 gene codes for the enzyme that converts beta-carotene to retinol (vitamin A). SNPs can reduce enzyme activity, leading to vitamin A deficiency. Flashcard 4: Vitamin D and VDR Gene Question: What is the impact of the VDR gene SNP on bone health? Answer: The A allele of the VDR gene SNP is associated with reduced bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Flashcard 5: Methylation Question: What is the primary role of methylation in the body? Answer: Methylation regulates gene expression, detoxification, neurotransmitter production, and energy metabolism. Flashcard 6: Transsulphuration Pathway  Question: What does the CBS gene code for, and how does the CBS C699T SNP affect the transsulphuration pathway? Answer: The CBS gene codes for the enzyme that converts homocysteine to cystathionine, leading to glutathione production. The SNP can increase activity, potentially leading to ammonia buildup. Flashcard 7: Phase I Detoxification Question: What is the function of Phase I detoxification, and which enzymes are involved? Answer: Phase I transforms fat-soluble toxins into reactive intermediates using CYP450 enzymes. Flashcard 8: Key Phase I Genes Question: How does the CYP1A1 SNP affect estrogen metabolism? Answer: The CYP1A1 SNP can reduce the ability to deactivate harmful estrogens, increasing the risk of estrogen dominance and related cancers. Flashcard 9: Phase II Detoxification Question: What is the role of Phase II detoxification, and what are the main pathways involved? Answer: Phase II neutralizes toxins by adding water-soluble groups (e.g., glucuronidation, sulphation, glutathione conjugation), making them safe for excretion. Flashcard 10: Glutathione Conjugation Question: What is the role of glutathione conjugation in Phase II detoxification? Answer: It neutralizes reactive intermediates, especially heavy metals like mercury, by binding them to glutathione for excretion. Flashcard 11: Estrogen Detoxification Question: What role does the COMT gene play in estrogen detoxification? Answer: The COMT gene codes for the enzyme that methylates and deactivates estrogen metabolites, preparing them for excretion. Flashcard 12: Oestrogen Detoxification Support Question: Name two foods that support estrogen detoxification by stimulating the CYP1A1 enzyme. Answer: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale. Flashcard 13: Phase III Detoxification Question: What is Phase III detoxification, and how does it contribute to toxin elimination? Answer: Phase III involves the transport of detoxified products into bile or urine for excretion using ATP-binding transporters. Flashcard 14: Testing for Detox Efficiency Question: What two tests can detect poor methylation? Answer: Homocysteine testing and SNP testing for genes like MTHFR or CBS. Flashcard 15: Supporting Phase I Detoxification Question: What are three ways to reduce toxic load and slow down Phase I detoxification? Answer: 1. Go organic to avoid pesticides. 2. Reduce alcohol intake. 3. Avoid smoking and caffeine. Flashcard 16: Sluggish Liver Detoxification Question: Name three signs of a sluggish liver. Answer: Fatigue, difficulty digesting fatty foods, and waking between 1–3 am. Flashcard 17: Increasing Glutathione Levels Question: What are two ways to increase glutathione levels in the body? Answer: 1. Increase intake of cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli). 2. Supplement with N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Card 18: Deep Detoxification Question: What is the fasting mimicking diet, and how does it support detoxification? Answer: A low-calorie diet (500–800 kcal/day) with liver-supporting vegetables and an 8-hour eating window, aimed at supporting detoxification without complete fasting. Card 19: Genetic Terms Question: Define SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism). Answer: An SNP is a variation in a single base pair in the genome, which can influence gene function and affect health. Card 20: Methionine Codon Question: What is the codon combination for methionine and what is the impact of incorrect translation? Answer: The codon for methionine is AUG. Incorrect translation can lead to the production of isoleucine instead, which can impair methylation and increase cancer risk. Card 21: Oestrogen and SNP Risk Question: How does an SNP for oestrogen metabolism increase breast cancer risk? Answer: SNPs in genes like CYP1B1 can result in increased production of harmful estrogen metabolites, raising the risk of breast cancer. Card 22: Vitamin C and SLC23A1 Question: What is the role of the SLC23A1 gene in vitamin C status, and how can you optimize vitamin C levels? Answer: The SLC23A1 gene codes for a transporter involved in vitamin C absorption. To optimize levels, increase intake of vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits and consider supplementation. Card 23: Areas for Genetic Information Use in Clinics Question: Name four areas where genetic information is useful in clinics. Answer: 1. Methylation (e.g., homocysteine regulation). 2. Detoxification (e.g., alcohol metabolism). 3. Neurotransmitter synthesis. 4. Vitamin receptor function. Card 24: Methylation Functions Question: Name four critical functions associated with methylation. Answer: 1. Gene regulation. 2. Detoxification. 3. Neurotransmitter production. 4. DNA synthesis and repair. Card 25: Methylation Disruptors Question: List six factors that can disturb methylation. Answer: 1. Insufficient folate or methionine. 2. Lack of B vitamins (B2, B6, B12). 3. SNPs affecting enzymes. 4. Increased stress. 5. Toxin exposure (e.g., heavy metals). 6. Inflammation. Card 10: MTHFR Gene Question: What does the MTHFR gene code for and what is the impact of the C667T SNP? Answer: The MTHFR gene codes for an enzyme that converts folate to its active form, methylfolate. The C667T SNP reduces this conversion, leading to impaired methylation. Card 11: CBS Gene and Transsulphuration Question: What does the CBS gene code for and how does its SNP affect the transsulphuration pathway?  Answer: The CBS gene codes for an enzyme that converts homocysteine into cystathionine in the transsulphuration pathway. The CBS C699T SNP increases activity, leading to a buildup of ammonia. Card 12: Detoxification Question: Define detoxification. Answer: Detoxification is the process by which the body transforms and eliminates toxins, converting fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble compounds for excretion. Card 13: Supporting Detoxification Question: Name three ways to support detoxification in a clinical setting. Answer: 1. Minimize toxin exposure (e.g., reduce environmental pollutants). 2. Support liver detox pathways (with foods like cruciferous vegetables). 3. Optimize elimination (e.g., through proper hydration and fiber intake). Card 14: BPA Toxicity Question: List two sources of BPA and two medical conditions associated with it. Answer: o Sources: Plastic packaging, canned foods. o Conditions: Type 2 diabetes, hormone disruption. Card 15: Symptoms of Sluggish Liver Question: List six symptoms of sluggish liver detoxification. Answer: 1. Fatigue. 2. Poor appetite. 3. Intolerance to fatty foods. 4. Yellowing of eyes. 5. Dark circles under eyes. 6. Waking between 1–3 am. Card 16: Antioxidant Enzymes Question: Name four key antioxidant enzymes involved in detoxification. Answer:  1. Superoxide dismutase (SOD). 2. Catalase. 3. Glutathione peroxidase. 4. Glutathione reductase. Card 17: Phase I Detoxification Question: What happens during Phase I detoxification? Answer: Phase I involves cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450) that transform fat- soluble toxins into reactive intermediates, preparing them for further detoxification in Phase II. Card 18: CYP1A1 Gene Question: What is the role of the CYP1A1 gene, and how can its SNP affect detoxification? Answer: The CYP1A1 gene detoxifies estrogens and harmful environmental toxins like PAHs. The SNP reduces its activity, increasing cancer risk. Card 19: Phase II Detoxification Question: Name three Phase II detoxification pathways. Answer: 1. Glucuronidation. 2. Sulphation. 3. Glutathione conjugation. Card 20: Glutathione Conjugation Question: What is required for the glutathione conjugation pathway, and what does it detoxify? Answer: Glutathione conjugation requires glutathione, and it detoxifies heavy metals like mercury, paracetamol, and other xenobiotics. Card 21: Nrf2 Activation Question: Why is Nrf2 key to detoxification, and how can it be activated? Answer: Nrf2 regulates the body’s detoxification and antioxidant systems. It can be activated by phytochemicals such as curcumin (turmeric), broccoli, and green tea.