Under acetaminophen poisoning, the not-detoxified metabolite NAPQI causes damage to which organ?

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Multiple Choice

Under acetaminophen poisoning, the not-detoxified metabolite NAPQI causes damage to which organ?

Explanation:
When acetaminophen is taken in excess, a reactive metabolite called NAPQI forms in larger amounts than the body can neutralize. The liver handles most of the drug’s metabolism and detoxification, and normally NAPQI is quickly conjugated with glutathione to become non-toxic. In an overdose, glutathione stores are depleted, allowing NAPQI to bind to hepatic proteins and mitochondria, causing oxidative damage and hepatocellular injury. This is why the liver is the primary organ damaged in acetaminophen poisoning. N-acetylcysteine helps by replenishing glutathione, facilitating detoxification of NAPQI.

When acetaminophen is taken in excess, a reactive metabolite called NAPQI forms in larger amounts than the body can neutralize. The liver handles most of the drug’s metabolism and detoxification, and normally NAPQI is quickly conjugated with glutathione to become non-toxic. In an overdose, glutathione stores are depleted, allowing NAPQI to bind to hepatic proteins and mitochondria, causing oxidative damage and hepatocellular injury. This is why the liver is the primary organ damaged in acetaminophen poisoning. N-acetylcysteine helps by replenishing glutathione, facilitating detoxification of NAPQI.

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