Ageing, Alzheimer's, MS and Parkinson's - Detoxification and ageing Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the role of phase I detoxification enzymes?
They transform xenobiotics, steroid hormones, and drugs into reactive intermediates by adding oxygen.
What can overactivation of phase I detoxification lead to?
Accelerated ageing, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
What compounds desensitise the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)?
Green tea, turmeric, quercetin, resveratrol, garlic, and ginger.
What is the AhR?
AhR is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, a cellular sensor for environmental toxins.
What is the effect of hydrocarbons from smoked foods?
They induce phase I detoxification enzymes, potentially contributing to ageing and disease.
What is the function of phase II detoxification?
It conjugates or binds reactive intermediates from phase I detox to make them less harmful.
What is the function of phase III detoxification?
It removes detoxified metabolites from cells.
How does hormesis support detoxification?
By activating Nrf2, hormesis promotes phase II and III detoxification enzymes.
What is the role of Nrf2 in detoxification?
Nrf2 activates antioxidant and detoxification genes, offering neuroprotection in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Why did fire and cooked food pose risks to Neanderthals?
They had highly active hydrocarbon detoxification genes, making them vulnerable to smoke-induced toxins.
