Final answer:
G6PD is essential for the production of NADPH, which maintains glutathione levels to protect red blood cells from oxidative damage. G6PD deficiency leads to susceptibility to oxidative stress, causing hemolytic anemia and necessitating avoidance of certain triggers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a red blood cell enzyme that plays a crucial role in metabolizing glucose. It's part of the pentose phosphate pathway where G6PD catalyses the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate into 6-phosphogluconolactone. This process is vital for the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), which in turn helps maintain the levels of glutathione, an important antioxidant.
NADPH acts to protect red blood cells by preserving the integrity of the cell's reduced glutathione store. Reduced glutathione is critical because it shields hemoglobin and other proteins within the red blood cells from oxidative damage, preventing conditions such as jaundice. A deficiency in G6PD can lead to a reduced level of glutathione, leading to increased susceptibility to oxidative damage and the resulting conditions.
Patients with G6PD deficiency are at risk of hemolytic anemia, particularly during states of oxidative stress, which can be triggered by severe infections, certain medications, and foods like broad beans that contain high levels of oxidants.