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Cell biology

Glutathione

DEGlutathion

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Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant intracellular low-molecular-weight thiol, synthesised in two ATP-dependent steps from glutamate, cysteine, and glycine by glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) and glutathione synthetase. It serves as a substrate for glutathione peroxidases (GPx) that neutralise hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides, is conjugated to electrophilic toxins by glutathione S-transferases, and maintains the thiol-redox status of proteins. Total GSH declines with ageing in most tissues, due in part to reduced biosynthesis and increased oxidative load, and low GSH:GSSG (oxidised glutathione) ratios are associated with accelerated cellular senescence and disease risk; N-acetylcysteine and glycine supplementation are being evaluated as strategies to restore GSH levels in older adults.

Sources

  1. Kumar et al.. (2023). Supplementing Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) in Older Adults Improves Glutathione Deficiency, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Inflammation, Physical Function, and Aging Hallmarks: A Randomized Clinical Trial. *The Journals of Gerontology: Series A*doi:10.1093/gerona/glac135
  2. Ballatori et al.. (2009). Glutathione and the regulation of apoptosis and aging. *Biological Chemistry*doi:10.1515/BC.2009.148