Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Metabolism of Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol is metabolized in the liver through a series of enzymatic reactions. Initially, it is converted to glycolic acid and then to oxalic acid, which is highly toxic. Understanding this metabolic pathway is crucial for grasping how ethylene glycol ingestion leads to toxicity and the subsequent health risks associated with oxalic acid.
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Ethanol as an Antidote
Ethanol is used as an antidote for ethylene glycol poisoning because it competes with ethylene glycol for the same enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase. By inhibiting this enzyme, ethanol slows down the conversion of ethylene glycol into its toxic metabolites, thereby reducing the formation of oxalic acid and mitigating its harmful effects on the body.
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Toxicity of Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is a toxic compound that can lead to severe metabolic acidosis and kidney damage when present in high concentrations. It binds to calcium in the body, forming insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can precipitate in the kidneys and cause renal failure. Understanding the toxicity of oxalic acid is essential for recognizing the urgency of treating ethylene glycol poisoning.
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