Glutathione has been studied/researched for many years. The research in
this section has been conducted on various forms of glutathione in
different deficiency states.
This section will constantly be updated with the newest research
and data available.
DISCLAIMER: The research information cited in this report is not based on
the use of Gluta-C™ or Gluta-C™ Plus NAC. This information is intended
as an educational aid only.
Acetaminophen Toxicity
Administration of NAC (a glutathione precursor) has been used in emergency
medicine with great hepatoprotective success against acetaminophen
toxicity. Acetaminophen has been shown to reduce glutathione production,
thus paving the way for enhanced brain destruction by free radicals. (Perlmutter
D.
BrainRecovery.com. July 2004, 5th ed:108)
Cancer
Cancer-causing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been found to alter
levels of glutathione compounds in experiments, which may alter the body’s
resistance to certain types of cancer. Glutathione deficiencies have been
linked to many forms of cancer.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Oxidative stress appears to play a major role in the development of
cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies have shown that total glutathione
concentrations were lower in all cardiovascular disease cases than in
control subjects. Both the cerebral infarction cases and cerebral
hemorrhage cases had significantly lower glutathione levels than the
corresponding control groups among subgroups of subjects with various
types of CVD.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
An article in the journal Medical Hypothesis proposed that glutathione, an
antioxidant essential for lymphocyte function, may be depleted in Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome patients. Glutathione is needed for both the immune
system and for aerobic muscular contraction. The authors proposed that
glutathione depletion by an activated immune system also causes the
muscular fatigue and myalgia associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Bounous
et al. 1999).
COPD & Lung Disorders
Glutathione is the most efficient free radical scavenger in the airways,
and dozens of studies have confirmed that free radical damage is a primary
player in COPD. > Read articles about COPD and
Glutathione
Cystic Fibrosis
Glutathione neutralizes harmful oxidants introduced into the lungs or
those released by cells. Bactericidal oxidants can overload the
endobronchial terrain and feed the fires of inflammation. This staggering
burden increases the oxidative sensitivity of the CF lung, resulting in
further injury of lung parenchyma. Data supports evidence of a decrease in
the antioxidant tri-peptide glutathione (Roum et al 1993). In the reduced
form, glutathione protects erythrocytes by detoxifying hydrogen peroxide.
Diabetes
The blood and tissues of diabetics are marked by critically low GSH
levels. Glutathione depletion may have adverse consequences in diabetic
patients, independent of glycemic control, and it may weaken the defense
against oxidative stress.
Heavy Metal Toxicity
Elevated glutathione levels have been shown to protect tissue from lipid
peroxidation created by exposure to certain metals. Consider infusions of
glutathione in an IV push to relieve the body burden of both neurotoxins
and metal toxicity, including mercury. A weekly push of glutathione may be
of significant benefit in treating the neurotoxicity patient. (Foster, JS,
Kane PC, Speight N. The Detoxx Book. 2002;90.)
HIV
Low glutathione levels in HIV patients may contribute to their immune
deficiency since glutathione plays an important role in the function of
lymphocytes. Some lymphocytes require adequate levels of glutathione in
order to function normally, and HIV induces oxidative stress that depletes
these cells of glutathione.
Liver Disease
Glutathione is the most important antioxidant for neutralizing the free
radicals produced in phase I of liver detoxification. Studies have shown
that depletion of liver glutathione can lead to increased damage from
these highly reactive free radicals.
Mascular Degeneration
Glutathione exists in high
concentrations in the lens. Studies have shown that oxidative stress plays
a major role in damaging retinal pigment epithelium which is an early
event in age related macular degeneration (AMD). Glutathione is vital in
preventing further oxidative stress in those with age related macular
degeneration.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Observed depletion of GSH,
elevation of ceramide level and apoptosis in banked human brains from
patients with neuroinflammatory diseases (e.g. x-adrenoleukodystrophy and
multiple sclerosis) suggest that the intracellular level of GSH may play a
crucial role in the regulation of cytokine-induced generation of ceramide
leading to apoptosis of brain cells in these diseases. J Biol Chem, Vol.
273, Issue 32, 20354-20362, August 7, 1998 - “Cytokine-mediated Induction
of Ceramide Production Is Redox-sensitive.
Other Neurodegenerative Disease States
Glutathione is a critically important to our brains, as it is one of the
most important brain antioxidants. Glutathione helps preserve brain tissue
by preventing damage from free radicals. In addition to quenching
dangerous free radicals, glutathione also acts to recycle vitamin C and
vitamin E, which also have the ability to reduce free radicals in the
brain. (Perlmutter D.
BrainRecovery.com.
July 2004, 5th ed:13)
Parkinson’s Disease
Glutathione helps to preserve brain tissue by preventing damage from free
radicals – destructive chemicals formed by the normal processes of
metabolism, toxic elements in the environment, and as a normal response of
the body to challenges by infectious agents or other stresses. With the
understanding that glutathione is important for brain protection, and that
this protection may be lacking in the brains of Parkinson’s patients
because of their glutathione deficiency, it may be beneficial.
Stroke
Cell death and free radical
damage are results from stroke victims. Enhancing mitochondrial energy
production is key to re-establishing function in these cells. Glutathione’s
profound antioxidant activity plays a vital role in this process.
As a Depigment Agent - Skin Lightening
Glutathione is an ubiquitous compound found in our bodies. Aside from
its many ascribed biologic functions, it has also been implicated in
skin lightening. We review in vitro and in vivo
studies that show evidence of its involvement in the melanogenic
pathway and shed light on the its anti-melanogenic effect. Proposed
mechanisms of action include: (a) direct inactivation of the enzyme
tyrosinase by binding with the copper-containing active site of the
enzyme; (b) mediating the switch mechanism from eumelanin to
phaeomelanin production; (c) quenching of free radicals and peroxides
that contribute to tyrosinase activation and melanin formation; and d)
modulation of depigmenting abilities of melanocytotoxic agents. These
concepts supported by the various experimental evidence presented form
basis for future research in the use of glutathione in the treatment of
pigmentary disorders. C. D.
Villarama*,† and H. I.
Maibach* *School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
and
†College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
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