What is Phase I and Phase II Detoxification Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms?
Phase I detoxification is mediated by cytochrome P450 enzymes that add reactive groups to xenobiotics, while phase II conjugation enzymes — including glutathione S-transferases (GST) and N-acetyltransferases (NAT) — render intermediates water-soluble for excretion. Genetic polymorphisms can create rapid or slow metaboliser phenotypes, altering the clearance of environmental toxins, pharmaceuticals, and endogenous compounds such as oestrogens.