SULT Genes and Phase II Detoxification
Hi there,
This week's new article is about one of the families of Phase II detoxification enzymes - the SULT genes.
When you read about "detox" on the internet, it seems pretty nebulous. A feeling of "oh no, I have some bad stuff in me and I should do some kind of cleansing to get clean again".
That's not really the way the body's Phase I and Phase II detoxification system works. Instead, we have many different genes that code for enzymes that catalyze reactions. Phase I detoxification enzymes work to make a lipid-soluble substance more polar. Then phase II enzymes add something to make the phase II metabolite water-soluble and thus more easily excreted.
Among the substances that phase I and phase II enzymes work to excrete are toxins - things that we ingest or inhale that are potentially bad for us. But more importantly, the detoxification pathways are also constantly breaking down and eliminating endogenous compounds such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and metabolic byproducts. Our cells are constantly sending out signals, like hormones or neurotransmitters, that need to be received in order for an action to take place. But then that hormone or neurotransmitter is done and needs to be neutralized and eliminated.
The SULT gene family encodes sulfotransferase enzymes that help attach a sulfur group to molecules that can neutralize the active compound and make it easier to eliminate. This is important for regulating levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and for eliminating hormones such as estrogen as well as estrogen-mimicking substances from plastics.
Gratefully yours,
Debbie
Sulfotransferases: SULT family of genes
Key takeaways:
~ Sulfotransforation adds a sulfur group to neurotransmitters, hormones, and xenobiotics to transform them into metabolites that can be excreted.
~ These enzymes play an important role in our body’s phase II detoxification processes.
~ Your genetic variants in the SULT family of genes can impact how well these enzymes work.
This is part of a series of articles on phase I and II detoxification.
Sulfotransferases: The Unsung Heroes of Phase II Detoxification
Sulfotransferases (SULTs) are a family of enzymes that play a critical role in the phase II detoxification process. These enzymes take substances that need to be eliminated, such as hormones, toxicants, and neurotransmitters, and attach a sulfur-containing molecule called a sulfonate group (SO3–). This process, known as sulfation or sulfonation, makes the substances more water-soluble so that they can be eliminated.
Rabbit trail: Sulfates and sulfonates are both used in shampoos and cleaning products as anionic surfactants — able to bind to substances, break them up, and make them easy to wash away with water.
More Phase II Detoxification Genes
Glucuronidation: UGT genetic variants, detoxification, and hormone balance
NQO1 Gene: Metabolism of quinones, benzene, and more
GSTM1: GST enzymes and glutathione for environmental toxins
Nrf2 Pathway: Increasing the body’s ability to get rid of toxins
What I've been reading:
1) Flavonoids: A treasure house of prospective pharmacological potentials
This is a big new review article of all the recent research on flavonoids. It covers the research on apigenin, galangin, hesperetin, kaempferol, myricetin, naringenin, and quercetin.