Inhibition of which of the following vitamin is caused by Isoniazid?
But wait, I've heard before that INH can cause a deficiency in B6, vitamin B6. How does that connect? Let me think. Isoniazid is a structural analog of pyridoxine (B6), so it might interfere with B6 metabolism. Oh right, INH inhibits the enzyme that converts pyridoxine to its active form, pyridoxal phosphate. That would lead to B6 deficiency. So the correct answer should be B6.
Now, looking at the options. The question didn't list the options, but the correct answer is supposed to be B6. Let's check the other possible vitamins. For example, B3 is involved in NADH, which is part of the activation process of INH. But the inhibition here is on B6. So the core concept is that INH interferes with B6 metabolism. The correct answer is B6. The other options, like B1 or B2, aren't directly related. So the explanation should highlight that INH's mechanism involves B6 inhibition, leading to deficiency. Also, the clinical pearl is that pyridoxine supplementation is given to prevent neuropathy in INH users. That's a high-yield fact for exams.
**Core Concept**
Isoniazid (INH), an antitubercular drug, interferes with **vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)** metabolism. It acts as a structural analog of B6, inhibiting the conversion of pyridoxine to its active coenzyme form, **pyridoxal phosphate**, which is critical for amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Isoniazid inhibits the enzyme **pyridoxine kinase**, which phosphorylates pyridoxine to its active form. This leads to **pyridoxine deficiency**, increasing the risk of **neuropathy** due to impaired synthesis of neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin. Supplementation with pyridoxine is standard in INH therapy to prevent this complication.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is not involved in INH’s mechanism. Thiamine deficiency causes Wernicke’s encephalopathy, unrelated to INH.
**Option B:** Vitamin B3 (niacin) is part of NADH, used in INH activation but not directly inhibited.
**Option C:** Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia, not linked to INH.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Never forget: **INH causes B6 deficiency**, so **pyridoxine supplementation** is mandatory in all patients on INH to prevent **peripheral neuropathy**. This is a classic exam trap—confusing B6 with B3