What two substances cannot be produced in G6PD deficiency?

What two substances cannot be produced in G6PD deficiency?

• A. NADPH and glutathione
• B. ATP and NADH
• C. NADPH alone
• D. Glutathione alone

Answer: (A)

G6PD deficiency cripples the pentose phosphate pathway, removing the cell’s major source of NADPH. NADPH provides the reducing power for glutathione reductase to convert oxidized glutathione back to its active reduced form. Without enough NADPH, the reduced form of glutathione cannot be regenerated, leaving red blood cells vulnerable to oxidative damage. So the two substances that cannot be produced/maintained are NADPH and reduced glutathione. This is why oxidative stress can trigger hemolysis in G6PD deficiency.

G6PD deficiency cripples the pentose phosphate pathway, removing the cell’s major source of NADPH. NADPH provides the reducing power for glutathione reductase to convert oxidized glutathione back to its active reduced form. Without enough NADPH, the reduced form of glutathione cannot be regenerated, leaving red blood cells vulnerable to oxidative damage. So the two substances that cannot be produced/maintained are NADPH and reduced glutathione. This is why oxidative stress can trigger hemolysis in G6PD deficiency.