Question

G6PD deficiency renders RBCs susceptible to oxidative stress due to decreased NADPH and thus decreased reduced glutathione regeneration. What is the effect of G6PD deficiency on RBCs?

1) Increased NADPH and reduced glutathione regeneration
2) Decreased NADPH and reduced glutathione regeneration
3) Increased NADPH and increased reduced glutathione regeneration
4) Decreased NADPH and increased reduced glutathione regeneration

Answer 1

G6PD deficiency decreases NADPH and reduced glutathione regeneration in RBCs, making them susceptible to damage and leading to conditions like jaundice.

Step-by-step explanation:

G6PD deficiency leads to decreased NADPH and thus decreased reduced glutathione regeneration in red blood cells (RBCs). When glutathione is consumed, enzymes and proteins in RBCs, such as hemoglobin, become vulnerable to damage. This can lead to conditions like jaundice. Individuals with G6PD deficiency must avoid certain chemicals that can trigger damage to their glutathione-deficient RBCs.