We break down toxins and medications using specific detoxification pathways and enzymes. Genetic variants (SNPs) in detoxification genes can cause some people to be more sensitive to environmental toxins or medications. The goal here is to understand which phase 1 and phase II detoxification genes may cause problems for you in conjunction with exposure to toxicants, heavy metals, or medications.
Where to start?
Arsenic exposure occurs via well water, in certain foods, and through breathing. This article covers the pathways the body uses to get rid of arsenic, and it includes information on genetic variants that may impair the detoxification of arsenic.
Genetics plays a role in the susceptibility to antibiotic allergies. Learn which genetic variants increase your risk.
The UGT family of enzymes is responsible for an important part of phase II detoxification. This article explains what the UGT enzymes do in the body, how your genes impact this part of detoxification, and lifestyle factors that can increase or decrease this detox process.
CYP2C8 pharmacogenomics: see how variants in this detox gene change the metabolism of ibuprofen and other drugs, influence bleeding risk, and interact with CYP2C9 and supplements.
The CYP1A2 gene breaks down caffeine, melatonin, several major prescription drugs, and interacts with smoking. Learn how your genes influence caffeine metabolism and more.
The NQO1 gene codes for an important enzyme in phase II detoxification. This enzyme is responsible for metabolizing the cancer-causing benzene (e.g. from air pollution) and cigarette toxins. Learn more and check your genes. (Member’s article)
The CYP2D6 enzyme is responsible for metabolizing about 25% of commonly used medications. There are several fairly common genetic variants in CYP2D6 that affect how quickly you will break down a drug.
The CYP2E1 enzyme is part of the phase I detoxification system. Discover how variants might affect your alcohol metabolism and more.
Exposure to many different man-made chemical compounds occurs every day, and our exposure to new toxicants exceeds what our ancestors experienced. Several common GST variants decrease the function of the GST enzymes.
Our body has built-in antioxidants that fight against cellular stress. The superoxide dismutase enzyme fights against oxidative stress in your cells.
The CYP3A family of genes is involved in metabolizing about half of the drugs on the market today. Check your genes to see if you carry variants that impact the speed at which you metabolize medications.
CYP2A6 gene variants shape how fast you break down nicotine and key medications, influencing smoking habits, chemo response, and drug side effects.
This phase I detoxification gene is important in the breakdown of the hydrocarbons produced in smoke and air pollution. It also affects the metabolism of estrogen.
Is buying organic worth the extra cost? Pesticides that are sprayed on conventionally grown foods affect people differently. Some people carry genetic variants that decrease their ability to detoxify specific pesticides, others may be more resilient. This is Part One in a multipart series on pesticide detoxification. (Member’s article)
Genetic variants impact how well the flu antiviral medication, Tamiflu, works for an individual. Learn how your genes impact this medication. (Member’s article)
Ever wonder why a certain medication may work great for a friend and do nothing for you? One reason could be the genes involved in transporting the medication into and out of your cells. This article looks at the research studies on fexofenadine and the Multidrug Resistance Protein variants.
Wondering why you don’t react the same way to alcohol as your friends do? Some people metabolize alcohol faster leaving a build-up of acetaldehyde. Learn more about why this can be a health problem for some.
Pyrethroids are commonly found in household insecticides. Genetic variants can impact how fast or slowly you break down the chemical. Learn more about this chemical in part 3 of a pesticide series.
Is buying organic worth the extra cost? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to that question. Pesticides that are sprayed on conventionally grown foods affect people differently. Some people carry genetic variants that decrease their ability to detoxify specific pesticides, others may be more resilient. This is Part Two in a multipart series on pesticide detoxification.
Many genetic variants have been studied for Gulf War Illness. Take a look into the research behind the illness and discover some possible solutions to help with symptoms.
Utilize our Detoxification Topic Summary Reports with your 23andMe or AncestryDNA genetic data to see which articles may be most relevant to you. These summaries are attempting to distill the complex information down into just a few words. Please see the linked articles for details and complete references. (Member’s article)
N-acetyltransferase is a phase II detoxification enzyme that gets rid of several types of toxicants. It helps your body eliminate aromatic amines, drugs, cigarette smoke, and carcinogens.