Problems of toxicology on the human organism - Assignment Example

Problems of toxicology on the human organism 1. Bio-activation and detoxification of the same chemical Bio-activation is also referred to as toxification. It is the process whereby enzymes in the body act upon a compound in order to biotransform it. The compound is not fully biotransformed thereby forming metabolite of the original chemical compound which is toxic. This compound will remain in the body causing damage to the liver. Detoxification is a process whereby all the toxins in the body are removed. Can either be poison from a substance, heavy chemicals, chemical addictives and other toxins that can be found in food, water and also from metabolic waste products that are produced by the body. 2. Basic functions of the liver Liver being the largest organ in the digestive system, its functions includes: It helps indigestion. Liver cells contain bile which produces bile juice that helps in digesting fats before they are absorbed in the small intestines. Bile also helps in the excretion of toxins from the liver detoxification processes. Liver helps in metabolic and synthetic functions. Liver regulates blood sugar level in the body. It also helps in the generation and transportation of bilirubin to and through the liver cells. Liver deactivates hormones It helps in the synthesis and release of lipids, decomposition of fatty acids and the synthesis and transport of cholesterol. Liver help in synthesizing blood clotting factors. Liver also help in removal of toxins in the body. 3. Characteristic of organochloride pesticides Organochloride pesticides are denser than water due to higher weight of chlorine and they are good alklyating agents. They are also less biodegrable. 4. Some pesticides cause inactivation of acetylcholinesterase. What symptoms might this cause? Why? Symptoms include fatigue, headache, dizziness, not seeing well, vomiting, chest discomfort and excessive sweating. The reason is because pesticides are chemicals that inhibit the work of an enzyme. 5. Neurotransmitter Neurotransmitter is a chemical that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another neuron. Examples include amino acids and peptides. 6. Enterohepatic circulation It is the circulation of substances, such as bile salts, which are absorbed from the intestines and carried to the liver for secretion into the liver then back to the intestines again. 7. Major toxic effects of organophosphates and carbamates insecticides These compounds inhibit an enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is critical to the control of nerve impulse transmission from one cell to the other. This will cause overstimulation then paralysis of the secondary cell. Organophosphates are more toxic because it has a wide spectrum for acute toxicity than carbamates. 8. Why are herbicides, such as chlorophenoxy compounds, toxic to humans? This is because chlorophenoxy compounds causes irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory and gastrointestinal linings. 9. How does warfarin, a rodenticide, cause toxicity? Overdose of anticoagulant warfain or drug interactions with warfain can lead to toxicity. 10. What initiates a nerve impulse transmission? Nerve impulse transmission is initiated when the signals that are transmitted from neuron to neuron through an action potential are depolarized and repolarised in the axon membrane. 11. What is the mucociliary clearance mechanism? It is a mechanism that involves integration of the ciliated epithelium, periciliary and mucus to protect the airways in lungs from respiratory pathogens. 12. What is the lung clearance mechanism? This is a mechanism that was used to dertemine the efficiency of airway clearance. Radioaerosol was used in obstructing the airways from one bronchus to the opposite by passing through the trachea. 13. What is a nephrotoxin This is a chemical or a substance that shows poisonous effects on the kidney. They can either be toxic chemicals or toxic medication. 14. What cells are more susceptible to air pollutants in the gas exchange area; in the conducting airways? Why? Cells that form the respiratory system are more susceptible. These are the lungs and heart cells. This is because the respiratory system is open to airborne microorganisms and outside pollution. 15. How does particle matter causes toxic effects to the lungs? Particles are foreign bodies in the lungs and they are large in size making them difficult to disappear after being inhaled; thus, settling in the alveolus causing difficulty in breathing. 16. What part of the respiratory tract is most affected by SO2? Why? The part of the respiratory tract that is most affected is the trachea. This is because high concentration of SO2 increases metabolic activity of epithelial cells thus causing morphological damage. 17. How does cigarette smoke increase the chances of pulmonary infections? When one smoke cigarette, the cilia in the lungs which help in sweeping out microbes that can cause diseases are paralysed 18. What defense mechanism the gas exchange area has? Respiratory system’s defense mechanism involves tiny, muscular hair-like projections on the cells that line the airways. The airways are covered with mucus like liquid that is propelled by the cilia. Particles or pathogens that are trapped on this mucus are coughed out. 19. What is emphysema? This is a lung disease in which tiny air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are filled up with air thus causing difficulty in breathing 20. What is pneumoconiosis? It is an occupational and restrictive lung disease that is caused by inhalation of dust or chemical irritants. 21. Why are the kidneys so susceptible to toxic agents? Kidneys are responsible for the filtration of the blood and they come in contact with chemicals that are toxic during the process. 22. What is the major function of the nephron tubules? Nephron tubule helps in filtering fluids from the blood and concentrates the solution of waste materials, which is passed out as urine. 23. What is an antidiuretic? Antidiuretic is an agent or a drug that when administered into the body of an organism helps in controlling body water loss by reducing urination. Read More