(again, link to full text, and this is also a "review" article, so be advised. madelyn)

http://www.adltests.com/assets/files...view_Liska.pdf



The Detoxification Enzyme Systems
by DeAnn J. Liska, Ph.D.
Abstract

The human body is exposed to a wide array of xenobiotics in one’s lifetime, from food components to environmental toxins to pharmaceuticals, and has developed complex enzymatic mechanisms to detoxify these substances. These mechanisms exhibit significant individual variability, and are affected by environment, lifestyle, and genetic influences. The scientific literature suggests an association between impaired detoxification and certain diseases, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia,
and chronic fatigue/immune dysfunction syndrome. Data regarding these hepatic detoxification enzyme systems and the body’s mechanisms of regulating them suggests the ability to efficiently detoxify and remove xenobiotics can affect these and other chronic disease processes. This article reviews the myriad detoxification enzyme systems; their regulatory mechanisms; and the dietary, lifestyle, and genetic factors
influencing their activities; as well as laboratory tests available to assess their functioning.
(Altern Med Rev 1998;3(3):187-198)

Madelyn,

Does this statement mean that this slow metabolism allows acetylcholine to build up ? And they have associated that with early onset pd?

"Polymorphisms in the Phase II activity of N-acetyltransferase can also lead to slow
metabolizers. Associations have been found between slow metabolism through the Nacetyltransferase pathway and high risk of some types of cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

5,7,10

Hi Paula, will get back with you on this tomorrow--just lost the entire posting I had with references and all my comments....ugghhh. Just FYI, CHOLINE N-acetyltransferase is an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of acetyl CoA and choline to produce acetylcholine. there exists many "acetyltransferase" enzymes--serotonin N acetyltransferase (catalyzes serotonin to melatonin), carnitine acetyltransferase, etc. Choline acetyltransferase is specific to acetylcholine.


acetylcholine is rapidly removed by acetylcholine esterase



http://www.whatislife.com/reader2/Me...ansmitter.html

From the minimal research I did, appears that a deficiency in acetyltransferase due to genetic mutation of gene encoding this group of enzymes results in problems with detoxification/metabolization of xenobiotics--specifically toxins, pesticides and pollutants. there is no mention of effect upon neurotransmitters or other chemicals catalyzed by these enzymes.
madelyn