Physiological importance of glutathione in health and disease

Nourooz-Zadeh, J.; Eftekhar, E.

Volume 14, Issue 3 (October 2007) J Birjand Univ Med Sci. 2007, 14(3): 9-15 | Back to browse issues page

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Nourooz-Zadeh J, Eftekhar E. Physiological importance of glutathione in health and disease. Journals of Birjand University of Medical Sciences 2007; 14 (3) :9-15
URL: http://journal.bums.ac.ir/article-1-147-en.html

Physiological importance of glutathione in health and disease

J. Nourooz-Zadeh ^*

¹, E. Eftekhar²

1- Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Uraemia University of Medical Sciences. Uraemia, Iran , jnouroozzadeh@yahoo.co.uk
2- MSc. in Biochemistry, Uraemia University of Medical Sciences. Uraemia, Iran

Abstract: (22646 Views)

Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant low molecular weight- thiol and thus representing the first line of cellular defense against oxidative stress in biological systems. Other important functions of glutathione include regulation of gene expression, signal transduction, cell proliferation and apoptosis, cytokine production and immune response. Intracellular glutathione concentrations vary from 1-10 mM with the reduced GSH being the predominating form. Consequently, the measurement of the ratio of GSH/GSSG is considered as an important index of cell functionality and viability. Glutathione deficiency has been implicated in aging as well as pathogenesis of many diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, AIDS, pulmonary and neurodegenerative diseases. Preventive measures against glutathione depletion include consumption of protein diet containing glutathione precursors, protection against ionizing radiation and avoiding smoking, exhaustive sports as well as overuse of over counter drugs.

Keywords: Glutathione, Biosynthesis, Oxidative stress

Full-Text [PDF 219 kb] (3290 Downloads)

Type of Study: Review | Subject: Biochemistry
Received: 2006/09/6 | Accepted: 2016/03/10 | ePublished: 2016/03/10