ABCC4 (MRP4) Gene: Drug Transport, Genetic Variants, and Medication Response
Learn how the ABCC4 (MRP4) gene transports drugs, toxins, cAMP, and prostaglandins. Explore common variants, medication interactions, and factors that alter ABCC4 activity.
Detoxification & Medication Metabolism
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?
- Start with the Phase I and Phase II Detoxification Overview
- Interesting: Are you a fast or slow metabolizer of caffeine (CYP1A2 gene)?
- Reacting to everything? Check out multiple chemical sensitivity.
- Worried about endocrine disruptors like phthalates or BPA?
Members: Start with the Detoxification Topic Summary Report for a quick overview of all your genetic variants related to how you detox or metabolize different compounds.
Latest articles on Detoxification & Metabolism of Medications:
NQO1 Gene: Metabolism of Quinones, Benzene, 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)
PFAS, Mitochondrial Function, Immune Response, and Genetics
PFAS “forever chemicals” accumulate in blood and tissue and resist normal clearance. This article covers their health effects and the genetic factors that shape individual susceptibility.
Risk of Osteonecrosis from Bisphosphonates
A small percentage of people taking bisphosphonates will experience osteonecrosis – bone death – in the jaw. Genetic variants are part of the susceptibility.
ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein): Response to Medications, HRT, and Environmental Toxins
ABCB1 encodes P-glycoprotein, a transporter that removes toxins – and medications – from the body. Genetic variants in the ABCB1 gene can affect how well a medication works for you.
Mold, Mycotoxins, and Your Genes: Detox Pathways, Symptoms, and SNPs
Mycotoxins from food and water-damaged buildings are cleared via CYP450, GST, and UGT pathways. Variants in these detox genes explain why mold and mycotoxin sensitivity varies.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS): Genetics, Causes, and Solutions
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity involves systemic reactions to low-level chemical exposures. Genetic research points to detox enzyme variants and olfactory gene interactions.
Opioid Receptors Genetic Variants and Addiction
Genetic variants in the OPRM1 gene impact both the amount of pain someone experiences and their response to opioid drugs. These variants are also important in susceptibility to opioid addiction.
Microplastics Research Roundup
Microplastics research shows that these microscopic bits of plastics are a real problem for health and wellness.
BPA and BPS: How Your Genes Influence Bisphenol Detoxification
BPA, a chemical found in some plastics, has been linked to a variety of health issues in people. Learn more about BPA and the research into genetic responses to this chemical.
Mushroom Intolerance: Ergothioneine and the OCTN1 Gene
Mushrooms contain a healthy antioxidant called ergothioneine. But for people with a SLC22A4 genetic variant, this antioxidant can be too much of a good thing, leading to intestinal problems. Check your genetic data to see if you carry this mushroom intolerance variant.
Glutathione: Master Antioxidant, Reducing Oxidative Stress, and Detoxification
Glutathione is an antioxidant produced in all cells to balance out ROS. Genetic variants can impact your glutathione levels, which can alter your ability to detoxify certain substances or withstand stressors in the body.
Will statins give you muscle pain? SLCO1B1 and ABCG2
Statins are one of the most prescribed medications in the world. One side effect of statins is myopathy, or muscle pain and weakness. Your genetic variants are significant in whether you are likely to have side effects from statins.
CYP2J2: Arachidonic Acid, Inflammation, and Heart Disease
The CYP2J2 gene is important in the metabolism of arachidonic acid into either pro- or anti-inflammatory lipid signals.
CYP2C9: Warfarin Dosing, NSAIDs, THC, and Drug Metabolism
Wonder why warfarin, ibuprofen, THC, or other drugs hit you harder than others? CYP2C9 genetic variants affect drug metabolism, side‑effect risk, and interactions with supplements and other medications.
CYP2C19 Gene: SSRIs, Medications, and Toxin Metabolism
CYP2C19 variants can affect how you respond to SSRIs, clopidogrel, oral progesterone, diazepam, and PPIs. Learn more about how your genes interact with toxins and medications.
Glyphosate Exposure: Genetics and the Impact on Our Health
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the herbicide Round-Up. A recent study showed that people with CYP1A1 genetic variants are more likely to have problems with acetylcholinesterase inhibition from glyphosate.
Arsenic Metabolism Genes: Exposure, Elimination, and Ways to Reduce It
Explore arsenic metabolism genes, including AS3MT, GSTO1, and MTHFR, plus practical ways to reduce arsenic exposure from water and food.
Phthalates: Genes, Diet, and Detoxification Pathways
Phthalates are a type of chemical used as plasticizers to make plastics more pliable. There has been a lot of research on the endocrine-disrupting effects of phthalates. Your genetic variants may impact whether phthalates are a problem for you.
DPYD (Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase) and 5-fluorouracil Reactions
Check your raw data to see if you have DPYD mutations that affect the toxicity of 5-FU (fluorouracil) cancer drugs.
Getting the Lead Out: Genetics and Lead Exposure
High blood lead levels are influenced by exposure and by genetic variants. Learn how your genes impact lead levels, and what to do about it.
Acetaminophen Toxicity: Genetic Susceptibility and Environmental Factors
Discover how genetics and liver health influence acetaminophen metabolism and the risk of liver damage. Learn about the role of CD44, SULT, UGT, and GST genes.
Sulfotransferases: SULT Genes, Phase II Detoxification, and Sulfur
The SULT genes help with phase II detoxification of estrogens, neurotransmitters, certain carcinogens, and steroid hormones.
Nrf2 Pathway: Increasing the Body’s Ability to Get Rid of Toxins
The Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor) signaling pathway regulates the expression of antioxidants and phase II detoxification enzymes. It is a fundamental pathway important in how well your body functions. Your genetic variants in the NFE2L2 gene impact this NRF2 pathway.
Low-Dose Naltrexone: LDN & Genetics
The use of low dose naltrexone (LDN) can be an effective treatment for some autoimmune diseases, pain syndromes, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Learn how this opioid antagonist works on the immune system and how your genetics can play a part in its efficacy.