What is N-Acetyl (2,Hydroxypropyl) Cysteine (NAHP)? And Why Does the Toxin Zoomer Test for It?

Glutathione-derived mercapturate

NAHP is a urinary mercapturic metabolite formed when reactive environmental chemicals are neutralized via glutathione conjugation and N‑acetylation. Measuring NAHP provides insight into recent exposure to electrophilic compounds and the activity of phase II detox pathways that help clear them.

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N-Acetyl (2,Hydroxypropyl) Cysteine (NAHP)

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About N-Acetyl (2,Hydroxypropyl) Cysteine (NAHP)

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About N-Acetyl (2,Hydroxypropyl) Cysteine (NAHP)

Overview and History

NAHP (N‑Acetyl (2,Hydroxypropyl) Cysteine) is a member of the mercapturate family — small, N‑acetylated cysteine conjugates excreted in urine after the body detoxifies electrophilic chemicals. Biochemically, these metabolites arise when reactive compounds are first conjugated to glutathione, often via glutathione S‑transferase enzymes, then processed enzymatically to form the stable N‑acetylcysteine derivative. Clinically and in occupational studies, mercapturates have been used as exposure biomarkers for chemicals that form electrophilic or epoxide intermediates. NAHP specifically serves as a measurable readout of both recent exposure to certain alkylating/epoxide‑forming agents and the downstream activity of glutathione‑dependent clearance pathways in the body.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Higher urinary NAHP can reflect greater recent exposure to parent electrophilic chemicals, or increased conversion of those chemicals into glutathione conjugates. In some cases, elevated NAHP may also indicate active detoxification where conjugation pathways are mobilized. Lower NAHP results may indicate little or no recent exposure, or reduced formation of the mercapturate due to limited glutathione availability or differences in enzyme activity (including inherited variants). Interpretation depends on the full toxicant profile, concurrent mercapturates, and detoxification genetics provided by the Toxin Zoomer.

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NAHP is included in the Toxin Zoomer because it reports on exposure to reactive environmental chemicals and on glutathione‑linked phase II clearance. When paired with other urinary toxicants and detox-related genetic data, NAHP helps clinicians distinguish whether measured chemical burdens reflect external exposure, efficient conjugation, or potential limits in detox capacity—supporting more individualized assessment and follow-up testing.

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N-Acetyl (2,Hydroxypropyl) Cysteine (NAHP) FAQs

What is N-Acetyl (2,Hydroxypropyl) Cysteine (NAHP) and why is it important?

NAHP is a urine metabolite produced when the body neutralizes certain reactive chemicals by attaching them to glutathione and then N‑acetylating the result. It’s important because its presence and amount give a window into recent exposure to electrophilic compounds and how the body’s phase II detox system is processing them. That information helps clinicians interpret exposure patterns alongside other toxicant and genetic data.

What does it mean if my N-Acetyl (2,Hydroxypropyl) Cysteine (NAHP) levels are low?

Low NAHP can mean little or no recent exposure to the chemicals that generate this mercapturate. It can also reflect reduced formation of the metabolite if glutathione levels or relevant enzyme activities are limited, or if genetic variants affect conjugation. Low results are best understood together with other urinary markers and detoxification genetics from the Toxin Zoomer.

What does it mean if my N-Acetyl (2,Hydroxypropyl) Cysteine (NAHP) levels are high?

Elevated NAHP often indicates greater recent exposure to parent electrophilic or epoxide‑forming chemicals or increased conversion of those chemicals into glutathione conjugates. Depending on the wider panel and genetic context, high levels may reflect active detoxification or a higher external burden, so clinical interpretation requires the full exposure and detox profile.

Why is NAHP included in the Toxin Zoomer?

NAHP helps quantify exposure to reactive environmental chemicals and the output of glutathione‑based clearance. When combined with other toxicant measurements and detox genetics on the Toxin Zoomer, it refines understanding of exposure versus detox capacity and supports more precise interpretation and follow‑up.

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