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186 Multiple choice questions
Term 1 of 186
Define toxicant
compounds that remain in the environment, bioaccumulate thru the food chain or personal
product use increasing risk for disease burden
A synthetic compound (endogenous or environmental) that exerts an adverse effect on the
body, More likely to disrupt DNA structure. Ex: Mercury
-estrone E1- intermediate activity; rises with menopause
-estradiol E2- most active
-Estriol E3- least active; role in immune activation
Primary glucocorticoid involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism and the stress
response.
Term 2 of 186
How are DHEA and cortisol related?
dhea is produced in the liver while cortisol is produced in the kidneys. they have no direct
relationship.
cortisol is a precursor to dhea and is converted into dhea in times of stress.
-Both made in the adrenal gland. Should favor DHEA over cortisol in normal life. Under
chronic stress, shifts towards cortisol.
dhea and cortisol are both neurotransmitters that regulate muscle contractions and
movement.
,Term 3 of 186
What condition is associated with excess cortisol output, esp in the evening, when cortisol should
be naturally falling?
Acromegaly
Myxedema
Cushing's syndrome
Addison's disease
Term 4 of 186
What does high VMA indicate?
Palpitations, heat intolerance, nervousness, insomnia, breathlessness, increased bowel
movements, light/absent menstrual periods, fatigue, fast heart rate, trembling hands, weight
loss, muscle weakness, warm/moist skin, hair loss, staring gaze.
-Chronic stress response
-Heightened sympathetic reactions to stress
-Increased rate of catecholamine synthesis
-Ephedra, caffeine
-Hypertension
-GI dysfunction, headaches, decreased immunity, anxiety, fatigue, sleep probs
-May stimulate immune response.
-Increased breast cancer risk.
-Increased prostate cancer growth.
-Symptoms include anxiety, difficulty sleeping, irritability.
-Breast fibroids or cysts.
a protein that binds to antioxidant response elements (ARE) on a cells nucleus to activate
certain gene sequences that regulate literally everything to prevent aging and disease.
,Term 5 of 186
What are the possible effects of deficient estrogen?
Decreased appetite. higher energy levels.
Increased risk of osteoporosis. improved muscle strength.
Breast cells will not mature properly. Menopausal symptoms.
Enhanced cognitive function. reduced risk of Heart disease.
Term 6 of 186
Define toxic.
A compound capable of causing injury or death. Often defined by the target organ or site
of injury (nephrotoxic, neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, etc)
-Metabolic process that alters a compound in a way that increase its reactivity (think Phase
I)
-Necessary to achieve bio elimination- the ultimate removal of the compound
cumulative body burden of all toxicants → exogenous and endogenous toxic compounds
Body burden + toxic endogenous metabolites
-Come from diethyl phthalates- makeup, adhesives, inks, etc.
-Source: metabolite of diethyl phthalate, used to make plastics more flexible
-Diethyl phthalate is found in many products including food packaging, toothbrushes, toys,
cosmetics, detergents, insecticides, nail extenders, nail polish removers, skin care products,
hairstyling products
, Term 7 of 186
Explain how glycine insufficiency causes elevated pyroglutamate?
-Fasting plasma insulin
-Fasting blood glucose
-HA1C
-Insulin/proinsulin response to glucose challenge
-glycine is required in the kidney to sustain reformation of glutathione
-lack of glycine is one reason why the critical gamma-glutamyl pathway is truncated prior
to executing GSH reconstruction, causing release of the glutamic acid moiety as
pyroglutamate.
-elevated AHB indicates up-regulated hepatic glutathione synthesis, and that process
demands flow of HCys into L-Cys to form glutathione.
-Thus, low plasma HCys can signal a late-stage chronic glutathione depletion where total
body sulfur amino acid bioavailability is failing to keep up with demand.
-young children-- failure to grow
-adults-- met syn, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, impaired quality of life, increased
cardiovascular events
Term 8 of 186
Define iatrogenic compounds
Substances that promote health and well-being. ex: Vitamin c.
Compounds that cause disease or organ/tissue damage. Ex: acetaminophen.
Chemicals that are beneficial for the environment. Ex: oxygen.
Compounds that enhance physical performance. ex: creatine.