What Role Do Metabolic Pathways Play in Toxicology?
Metabolic pathways are integral to the body's ability to process and neutralize toxins. These pathways involve enzymatic reactions that convert lipophilic toxins into hydrophilic metabolites, which can be excreted. Phase I and Phase II biotransformation reactions are crucial in this process. Phase I reactions, often involving cytochrome P450 enzymes, introduce reactive or polar groups into toxins. Phase II reactions involve conjugation with endogenous substrates, increasing water solubility and facilitating excretion. Disruptions in these pathways can lead to toxicity due to the accumulation of active or reactive intermediates.
