What role does the liver play in detoxification?

The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification by metabolising and eliminating harmful substances from the body.

The liver, the largest internal organ in the human body, is a multifunctional organ that plays a vital role in maintaining the body's overall health. One of its primary functions is detoxification, which involves the breakdown and removal of harmful substances, including toxins, drugs, and metabolic waste products.

Detoxification in the liver occurs in two phases: Phase I and Phase II. In Phase I, enzymes, primarily from the cytochrome P450 family, modify toxic substances to make them more water-soluble. This process often involves oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis. However, this phase can sometimes make the substances more reactive and potentially more harmful.

In Phase II, the liver makes these substances even more water-soluble through a process called conjugation. This involves combining the substances with other molecules such as glutathione, sulphate, or glycine, which neutralises them and makes them easier to excrete through the kidneys or bile.

The liver also plays a role in the detoxification of alcohol. Alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme found in the liver, converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound. Acetaldehyde is then further metabolised by another enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase, into acetate, a less harmful substance that can be broken down into water and carbon dioxide.

Furthermore, the liver filters the blood coming from the digestive tract before it goes to the rest of the body. This allows the liver to remove harmful substances ingested with food or drink before they can reach and potentially damage other parts of the body.

In summary, the liver's role in detoxification is to metabolise and eliminate harmful substances from the body. It does this through a series of enzymatic reactions that modify these substances, making them more water-soluble and easier to excrete. This function is vital for maintaining the body's overall health and protecting it from potential harm.