Glutathione: Indications & Usage
Direct chemical neutralization of singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radicals.
Cofactor for several antioxidant enzymes.
Regeneration of vitamins C and E.
Neutralization of free radicals produced by Phase I liver metabolism of chemical toxins.
One of approximately 7 liver Phase II reactions, which conjugate the activated intermediates produced by Phase I to make them water soluble for excretion by the kidneys.
Transportation of mercury out of cells and the brain.
Regulation of cellular proliferation and apoptosis.
Vital to mitochondrial function and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
Glutathione is involved in the detoxification of both xenobiotic and endogenous compounds. It facilitates excretion from cells (Hg), facilitates excretion from body (POPs, Hg) and directly neutralizes (POPs, many oxidative chemicals). Glutathione facilitates the plasma membrane transport of toxins by at least 4 different mechanisms, the most important of which is formation of glutathione S-conjugates. Low levels of glutathione and/or transferase activity are also associated with chronic exposure to chemical toxins and alcohol, cadmium exposure, AIDS/HIV, macular degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Glutathione directly scavenges diverse oxidants: superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide, and carbon radicals. Glutathione catalytically detoxifies: hydroperoxides, peroxynitrites, and lipid peroxides.11 Another way glutathione protects cells from oxidants is through recycling of vitamins C and E as shown in Figure 4.10.
Another indication of the key roles of glutathione in health is that the accumulation of GSSG due to oxidative stress is directly toxic to cells, inducing apoptosis by activation of the SAPK/MAPK pathway.12 Glutathione depletion triggers apoptosis, although it is unclear whether it is mitochondrial or cytosol pools of GSH that are the determining factor.
Perhaps the best indicator of the importance of glutathione is that its cellular and mitochondrial levels directly are highly associated with health and longevity.
Citations From The United States Food And Drug Administration