phase 1 Detoxiofication: The First Line of Defense

In Phase 1 detoxifrication, enzymes, known collectively as the cytochrome P-450 system, use oxygen to modify toxic compounds, drugs, or steroid hormones. Many toxins must undergo Phase II detoxification after a reactive site has been formed. Because there are many different toxic compounds the body might encounter, there are many variants of Phase I enzymes.

Your Results: Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes coding for a particular enzyme can increase or, more commonly, decrease the activity of that enzyme. Both increeased and decreased activity may be harmful. Increased phase 1 clearance without increased clearance in Phase II can lead to the formation of toxic intermediates that may be more toxic than the original toxin. Decreased Phase I clearance will cause toxic accumulation in the body. Adverse reactions to drugs are often due to a decreased capacity for clearing than from the system.