The liver metabolizes toxins through a two-phase process. In Phase I, enzymes like cytochrome P450 introduce reactive or polar groups into the toxin. This phase often results in the formation of more reactive intermediates, which may be more toxic than the parent compound. In Phase II, these intermediates undergo conjugation reactions, making them more water-soluble and easier to excrete. Glucuronidation, sulfation, and glutathione conjugation are common Phase II reactions.
