Research
Glutathione
50 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Glutathione-Related Metabolite Levels and Enzyme Activities in Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing levels of glutathione-related metabolites and enzyme activities between patients with depression and healthy controls. Found significantly decreased activity of GPx in patients with depression, while levels of GSH and GR were not significantly different. Highlights the need for further research on GSSG, GST, GCL, and GS.
Glutathione in Skin Aging and Tissue Regeneration: A Systematic Review of Molecular Mechanisms, Redox Modulation, and Biomedical Implications.
This systematic review evaluated the molecular, clinical, and translational evidence of glutathione's applications in dermatology and regenerative medicine. It found that topical and oral glutathione have favorable effects on pigmentation, skin brightness, hydration, and oxidative stress markers, while injectable glutathione increases systemic levels rapidly but with short-lasting effects and potential safety concerns.
The assessment of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and oxidized glutathione in patients with periodontitis-A systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the levels of glutathione and related enzymes in patients with periodontitis. The findings indicate a notable decrease in antioxidant enzymes in systemic biological samples, suggesting a potential role in periodontitis.
Measurement of brain glutathione with magnetic Resonance spectroscopy in Schizophrenia-Spectrum disorders - A systematic review and Meta-Analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies measuring brain glutathione levels in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. No significant difference in glutathione levels was found between total psychosis patients and controls, but a small reduction was observed in patients with stable schizophrenia. The study suggests standardizing MRS acquisition methods to address discrepancies.
Association of reduced glutathione levels with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the differences in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in relation to Plasmodium infection. The majority of studies reported a significant decrease in GSH levels in malaria patients compared with uninfected controls, confirmed by meta-analysis. No significant difference in GSH levels was found between Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax malaria, or between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Blood Glutathione Redox State in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Systematic review and meta-analysis assessing blood concentrations of total and reduced glutathione in COPD patients versus healthy controls. Reduced GSH concentrations were significantly lower in COPD patients, while total GSH concentrations were higher, suggesting an impaired antioxidant defense system in COPD pathogenesis.
Randomized Clinical Trial of How Long-Term Glutathione Supplementation Offers Protection from Oxidative Damage and Improves HbA1c in Elderly Type 2 Diabetic Patients
RCT examining the effects of 500 mg oral glutathione supplementation in 125 diabetic patients over six months. Results showed significant increases in blood GSH and decreases in oxidative damage marker 8-OHdG, with improvements in HbA1c and fasting insulin levels, particularly in patients above 55 years.
The effects of the oral supplementation of L-Cystine associated with reduced L-Glutathione-GSH on human skin pigmentation: a randomized, double-blinded, benchmark- and placebo-controlled clinical trial.
RCT of 124 Asian female subjects evaluating the effects of oral supplementation with L-Cystine and L-Glutathione on skin pigmentation. The combination significantly lightened skin and reduced facial dark spots after 12 weeks, outperforming placebo and individual components.
Effects of Oral Liposomal Glutathione in Altering the Immune Responses Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the Mycobacterium bovis BCG Strain in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Clinical trial of oral liposomal glutathione supplementation in individuals with type 2 diabetes. L-GSH reduced oxidative stress, maintained glutathione levels, reduced mycobacterial burden in in vitro granulomas, and modulated cytokine levels.
Oral Glutathione and Growth in Cystic Fibrosis: A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind Trial.
The GROW study was a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessing oral glutathione supplementation in pancreatic insufficient children with cystic fibrosis. Over 24 weeks, no significant differences were observed between the glutathione and placebo groups in growth metrics or inflammatory markers. Glutathione was safe and well tolerated.
Antioxidant Activity with Increased Endogenous Levels of Vitamin C, E and A Following Dietary Supplementation with a Combination of Glutathione and Resveratrol Precursors.
RCT evaluating the effects of dietary supplements containing glutathione and resveratrol precursors on redox status in healthy humans. Both supplements improved redox status and increased endogenous levels of vitamins C, E, and A, with more pronounced effects in the GluReS group, which also showed reduced neopterin levels.
Glutathione levels and activities of glutathione metabolism enzymes in patients with schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis examining glutathione levels and enzyme activities in patients with schizophrenia. Findings indicate lower levels of glutathione and decreased activity of glutathione peroxidase in patients compared to controls, suggesting potential glutathione deficits in schizophrenia.
The potential role of the antioxidant and detoxification properties of glutathione in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining glutathione metabolism pathways in autism spectrum disorders. The review found consistent evidence for the involvement of the γ-glutamyl cycle and trans-sulphuration pathway in autism, particularly regarding the glutathione redox ratio, suggesting further investigation is warranted.
Effectiveness of oral glutathione in reducing nitric oxide and IL-1α concentrations for clinical improvement in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized controlled trial.
RCT investigating the effectiveness of 500 mg oral glutathione supplementation on serum nitric oxide and IL-1α concentrations in 40 subjects with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. The glutathione group showed non-significant reductions in oxidative and nitrosative stress markers and clinical improvement in 31.8% of subjects.
Glutathione, Vitamin C, and Cysteine Use in Autistic Children With Disruptive Behavior: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Study.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study testing glutathione and its combination with vitamin C and N-acetylcysteine in 24 autistic children with severe behavior disorders. No differences in behavioral or biologic measures were found between treatment groups, and no significant adverse side effects were observed.
Combination of topical and oral glutathione as a skin-whitening agent: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.
Double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing the skin-whitening effect of topical and oral glutathione combination therapy against monotherapy in 46 participants. The combination group showed significantly lower melanin index and higher L* score, indicating superior skin-lightening effects.
Eight weeks of resistance training in conjunction with glutathione and L-Citrulline supplementation increases lean mass and has no adverse effects on blood clinical safety markers in resistance-trained males.
RCT of 75 resistance-trained males assessing the effects of glutathione and L-citrulline supplementation during an 8-week resistance training program. The study found that lean mass increased significantly in the glutathione + L-citrulline group after 4 weeks, with a positive correlation to muscle strength. No adverse effects on blood clinical safety markers were observed.
Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione.
A 6-month randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation in 54 non-smoking adults showed increased GSH levels in blood, erythrocytes, plasma, lymphocytes, and buccal cells. The study found dose and time-dependent increases in GSH levels and a reduction in oxidative stress, with enhanced natural killer cytotoxicity in the high-dose group.
Glutathione as an oral whitening agent: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effect of orally administered glutathione, 500 mg per day for 4 weeks, on skin melanin index in 60 healthy medical students. Glutathione significantly reduced melanin indices at two sites compared to placebo, indicating a skin lightening effect. Both treatments were well tolerated.
Glutathione treatment suppresses the adverse effects of microplastics in rice.
The study evaluated the exogenous application of glutathione (GSH) on rice plants exposed to microplastics (PET and HDPE) in the root zone. GSH treatment improved various growth parameters and physiological traits, helping rice plants counteract the negative effects of microplastics.
The effect of glutathione and N-acetylcysteine on lipoperoxidative damage in patients with early septic shock.
RCT of 30 patients with early septic shock examining the protective role of glutathione and N-acetylcysteine against oxidative damage. Significant decreases in peroxidative indexes and improved clinical scores were observed in groups receiving these antioxidants, especially when both were administered together.
Two Fe mining sub-products and three thiol compounds alleviate Fe deficiency in soybean (Glycine max L.) grown in a calcareous soil in greenhouse conditions
The study tested the hypothesis that Fe mining sub-products and thiols can alleviate Fe deficiency in soybean grown in calcareous soil. Application of Fe-EDDHA, Fe mining sub-products, and thiols relieved Fe deficiency symptoms, increased Fe concentrations, and altered redox states in plants. Thiols improved leaf regreening with Fe(III)-EDDHA but not with Fe mining sub-products.
Glutathione Deficiency during Early Postnatal Development Causes Schizophrenia-Like Symptoms and a Reduction in BDNF Levels in the Cortex and Hippocampus of Adult Sprague–Dawley Rats
The study evaluated the effects of l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), a glutathione synthesis inhibitor, on schizophrenia-like behaviors and BDNF levels in Sprague–Dawley rats. BSO decreased BDNF mRNA and protein levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and induced schizophrenia-like behaviors in adolescence and adulthood.
Polymerized Whey Protein Concentrate-Based Glutathione Delivery System: Physicochemical Characterization, Bioavailability and Sub-Chronic Toxicity Evaluation
The study developed a polymerized whey protein concentrate-based delivery system for glutathione (GSH) to improve its bioavailability and antioxidant capacity. In vivo pharmacokinetics showed enhanced maximum concentration and area under the curve for PWPC-GSH compared to free GSH. No adverse toxicological reactions were observed in rats with a diet containing PWPC-GSH up to 4% (w/w).
Multifunctional glutathione-dependent hydrogel eye drops with enhanced drug bioavailability for glaucoma therapy
The paper reports the development of a new hydrogel eye drop using glutathione (GSH) to enhance drug bioavailability for glaucoma therapy. The GN-GSH hydrogels showed good ocular biocompatibility, high antioxidant activity, and improved drug retention in a rabbit glaucoma model, leading to prolonged disease suppression.
Plasma Sulphur-Containing Amino Acids, Physical Exercise and Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight Dysglycemic and Normal Weight Normoglycemic Men.
RCT examining the effect of exercise on plasma sulphur-containing amino acids and insulin sensitivity in dysglycemic and normoglycemic men. Insulin sensitivity increased after 12 weeks of exercise, with changes in plasma concentrations of cysteine and glutathione strongly correlating to improved insulin sensitivity.
Glutathione synthesis is compromised in erythrocytes from individuals with HIV
The study found that enzymes responsible for glutathione synthesis were significantly reduced in red blood cells from individuals with HIV, correlating with decreased intracellular glutathione levels. This suggests compromised glutathione synthesis contributes to oxidative stress and immune dysfunction in HIV patients, indicating potential benefits of antioxidant supplementation.
Glutathione in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders
Narrative review of trials on glutathione supplementation in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The review finds disease-specific results and suggests that the effects of glutathione may vary based on the specific neurocognitive disease.
Glutathione-Related Enzymes and Proteins: A Review
This review discusses the role of glutathione-related enzymes and proteins in redox and detoxification reactions. It highlights glutathione's synthesis, transport, and its function as a marker of the redox state in various diseases and aging processes.
Glutathione and Glutathione-dependent Enzymes: From Biochemistry to Gerontology and Successful Aging.
This narrative review discusses the biochemical roles of glutathione (GSH) and its dependent enzymes, highlighting its importance in antioxidant protection, detoxification, and redox homeostasis. The review also explores the relationship between GSH levels and aging, suggesting that higher GSH levels may contribute to increased healthspan and lifespan, and considers supplementation strategies to enhance GSH levels for improved health and aging.
The Key Role of GSH in Keeping the Redox Balance in Mammalian Cells: Mechanisms and Significance of GSH in Detoxification via Formation of Conjugates
The paper reviews the role of glutathione (GSH) in maintaining cellular redox balance and its mechanisms in detoxification through the formation of conjugates. It discusses GSH's antioxidant capacity, its interaction with electrophilic compounds, and the significance of GSH-S conjugates in cellular metabolism and disease states.
Oral delivery of glutathione: antioxidant function, barriers and strategies
This review discusses the challenges and strategies for oral delivery of glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide with potent antioxidant activity. It explores various approaches to improve GSH delivery, such as co-administration with penetration enhancers and encapsulation into nanoparticles, to enhance bioavailability and protect against degradation in the GI tract.
Role of Glutathione Depletion and Reactive Oxygen Species Generation on Caspase-3 Activation: A Study With the Kinase Inhibitor Staurosporine
The study investigates the role of glutathione and reactive oxygen species in staurosporine-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. Staurosporine treatment decreased glutathione levels and increased ROS, leading to caspase-3 activation. Pre-treatment with N-acetylcysteine did not prevent these effects.
Design of novel proliposome formulation for antioxidant peptide, glutathione with enhanced oral bioavailability and stability
The study developed proliposome formulations to improve the oral bioavailability of l-glutathione (GSH). GSH-loaded proliposomes were prepared and evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. An oral bioavailability study in rats showed that the proliposome formulation enhanced the bioavailability of GSH compared to commercial and pure GSH forms.
Bioavailability Study of an Innovative Orobuccal Formulation of Glutathione
The study evaluated the bioavailability of an innovative orobuccal formulation of glutathione (GSH) in vitro and in vivo. In vitro tests showed good absorption by the oral epithelium, and in vivo results from 15 healthy volunteers indicated improved GSH blood levels with fast absorption through the oral mucosa.
Decreased glutathione and elevated hair mercury levels are associated with nutritional deficiency-based autism in Oman.
The study investigated redox and methylation metabolites, protein homocysteinylation, and hair mercury levels in autistic and neurotypical Omani children. Autistic subjects had significantly lower serum glutathione levels and higher homocysteine and mercury levels, indicating oxidative stress and decreased methylation capacity.
Glutathione protects human nucleus pulposus cells from cell apoptosis and inhibition of matrix synthesis.
In vitro study investigating the protective effects of glutathione on human nucleus pulposus cells against apoptosis and matrix synthesis inhibition induced by oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Glutathione efficiently prevented the deleterious effects of H2O2 and IL-1β, suggesting its potential as an intervention for disc degeneration.
Effect of increasing glutathione with cysteine and glycine supplementation on mitochondrial fuel oxidation, insulin sensitivity, and body composition in older HIV-infected patients.
Open-label study of 8 older GSH-deficient HIV-infected males before and after 14 days of oral supplementation with cysteine and glycine. Supplementation restored GSH synthesis and improved mitochondrial fuel oxidation, insulin sensitivity, body composition, muscle strength, and lipid profiles.
A clinical trial of glutathione supplementation in autism spectrum disorders
An eight-week, open-label trial of oral and transdermal glutathione supplementation in children with autism spectrum disorders. The oral treatment group showed significant increases in plasma reduced glutathione, while both groups showed increases in plasma sulfate, cysteine, and taurine.
Allosteric modulation of the calcium-sensing receptor by gamma-glutamyl peptides: inhibition of PTH secretion, suppression of intracellular cAMP levels, and a common mechanism of action with L-amino acids.
The study investigates γ-glutamyl peptides, including glutathione and its analogs, as positive allosteric modulators of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) in HEK-293 cells. These peptides promote Ca(2+)(o)-dependent Ca(2+)(i) mobilization, suppress intracellular cAMP levels, and inhibit PTH secretion from normal human parathyroid cells, sharing a common mechanism with L-amino acids.
Thiol regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines reveals a novel immunopharmacological potential of glutathione in the alveolar epithelium.
In vitro study using fetal alveolar type II epithelial cells to investigate glutathione's effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines. Modulating redox equilibrium with pharmacological thiols showed differential regulation of cytokines, suggesting potential therapeutic implications for pediatric pathophysiology.
Modulation of cisplatin cytotoxicity and cisplatin-induced DNA cross-links in HepG2 cells by regulation of glutathione-related mechanisms.
The study investigates the role of glutathione (GSH) and related mechanisms in modulating cisplatin cytotoxicity and DNA cross-links in HepG2 cells. Depletion of GSH by buthionine sulfoximine increased cisplatin cytotoxicity, while enrichment by monoethyl GSH ester decreased it. Inhibition of GST and GS-X pump had no significant effects.
Editorial: the changing faces of glutathione, a cellular protagonist
Editorial discussing the multifaceted roles of glutathione, highlighting its importance beyond being an intracellular antioxidant, including its extracellular roles and prooxidant functions in certain conditions.
Intestinal oxidative state can alter nutrient and drug bioavailability
The study evaluated the influence of oxidative stressors, particularly glutathione, on intestinal organic cation absorption using Caco-2 cells. It found that cellular oxidative state modifications, including changes in glutathione levels, can modulate MPP+ uptake, potentially affecting nutrient and drug bioavailability.
Oatp2 mediates bidirectional organic solute transport: a role for intracellular glutathione.
The study investigates the role of rat Oatp2 as an anion exchanger and its potential energization by the glutathione (GSH) electrochemical gradient. It demonstrates that Oatp2 mediates bidirectional transport of organic anions via a GSH-sensitive facilitative diffusion mechanism, suggesting a role in cellular export of specific organic molecules.
Glutathione-associated enzymes in the human cell lines of the National Cancer Institute Drug Screening Program.
The study reports on the expression of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in 60 tumor cell lines used by the National Cancer Institute Drug Screening Program. It identifies and quantifies individual GST isozymes and examines their correlation with chemosensitivity or chemoresistance to 175 agents. GSTP1 was the predominant isozyme, and gamma-GCS levels were linked to resistance to alkylating agents.
Glutathione and protein thiol homeostasis in brain during reperfusion after cerebral ischemia.
The study examined glutathione (GSH) and protein thiol homeostasis in rat brain regions during reperfusion after cerebral ischemia. GSH levels decreased during reperfusion, with maximal loss in the striatum and hippocampus. The study found that rapid restoration of thiol homeostasis may help the brain recover from reperfusion injury.
Acetaminophen-induced hepatic necrosis. IV. Protective role of glutathione.
The study examined the protective role of glutathione against acetaminophen-induced hepatic necrosis in mice. Pretreatment with diethyl maleate, which depletes glutathione, potentiated hepatic necrosis, while cysteine, a glutathione precursor, prevented damage. The study suggests glutathione protects tissues against electrophilic attack by drug metabolites.
Glutathione S-conjugates as prodrugs to target drug-resistant tumors
The paper reviews the use of glutathione S-conjugates as prodrugs to target drug-resistant tumors. It discusses the role of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and gamma-glutamyl transferases (γGT) in the detoxification process and their potential in selectively targeting tumors with GST- or γGT-activated drugs.
Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy in Late-Onset Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency Unmasked By Acetaminophen Overuse (P7.035)
Case report of a 15-year-old male with late-onset OTC deficiency experiencing hyperammonemic encephalopathy unmasked by acetaminophen overuse. The patient presented with lethargy and altered mental status, leading to severe complications and death. Genetic analysis revealed a pathogenic mutation in the OTC gene.