Phase II detoxification is the second step in the body’s process of eliminating toxins and harmful substances. During this phase, enzymes modify the toxins that have undergone Phase I detoxification, making them more water-soluble and easier to excrete from the body.
The main reactions involved in Phase II detoxification include conjugation processes such as glucuronidation (UGT genes), sulfation (SULT genes), acetylation (NAT genes), and glutathione conjugation (GST genes). These reactions attach specific molecules to the toxins, transforming them into less harmful and more readily eliminable compounds.
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 SULT genes help with phase II detoxification of estrogens, neurotransmitters, certain carcinogens, and steroid hormones.
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.
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.
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.
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.