The body metabolizes toxic substances primarily through two phases: Phase I and Phase II reactions.
Phase I Reactions: These involve enzymatic modifications such as oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis. The goal is to introduce or expose a functional group on the xenobiotic. The cytochrome P450 enzyme family plays a major role in these reactions. Phase II Reactions: These involve conjugation processes where the metabolite from Phase I is combined with an endogenous substance, making it more water-soluble and easier to excrete. Enzymes such as glutathione S-transferases and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases are involved in these processes.
