Question

NADPH, a by-product of G6PD, is needed to regenerate reduced glutathione. Therefore, what is the effect of G6PD deficiency on the ability to regenerate reduced glutathione?

1) Increased ability to regenerate reduced glutathione
2) No effect on the ability to regenerate reduced glutathione
3) Decreased ability to regenerate reduced glutathione
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

G6PD deficiency results in decreased NADPH levels, which in turn leads to a decreased ability to regenerate reduced glutathione (GSH), making red blood cells susceptible to oxidative stress and hemolytic anemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

Impact of G6PD Deficiency on Reduced Glutathione Regeneration

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency leads to decreased ability to regenerate reduced glutathione (GSH). G6PD is a crucial enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, which is responsible for maintaining co-enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels within cells. NADPH is a reducing agent that helps in keeping glutathione in its reduced form, GSH, which is vital for protecting red blood cells from oxidative damage.

In individuals with G6PD deficiency, the deficiency of NADPH leads to the inability to maintain adequate levels of reduced glutathione within the red blood cells. This situation causes the cells to become more prone to oxidative stress, which can lead to hemolytic anemia. Since NADPH is directly responsible for keeping glutathione reduced, the correct answer to the question is: 3) Decreased ability to regenerate reduced glutathione.