Glutathione-structure

Glutathione

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide comprised of three amino acids, cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid (Figure 1), is a critical component of the body’s primary antioxidant defense mechanism that is found in relatively high concentrations in most cells 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid combine to form glutathione (GSH) in a two-step biochemical reaction. First, cysteine is conjoined with glutamate through the action of glutamate cysteine ligase to produce gamma-glutamylcysteine, which proceeds to link with glycine via glutathione synthase 8. Therefore, the human body requires all three amino acids (glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid) and adequate enzymatic function to make sufficient quantities of glutathione 9. Cysteine is a sulfur amino acid, which might imply that consuming sulfur-rich foods, especially those containing the sulfur amino acids, may also support glutathione synthesis 10, 11. Cysteine is frequently identified as rate-limiting, which provides the rationale of why N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is frequently studied and suggested as a supplement for glutathione support 9, yet a review of the data indicates its use may be inconclusive or indeterminate 12.

Glutathione occurs in 2 free forms: the reduced (GSH) thiol and the oxidized (GSSG) disulfide forms (oxidized glutathione is actually 2 reduced glutathiones bound together at the sulfur atoms) 13, 5. The ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the oxidized glutathione (GSSG) determines cell redox status of cells 5. Under physiological conditions, more than 98% of total glutathione occurs in the reduced GSH form 14, 15. Healthy cells at rest have a GSH/GSSG ratio >100 while the ratio drops to 1 to 10 in cells exposed to oxidant stress 5. Glutathione is called an intracellular antioxidant (a free radical scavenger and a detoxifying agent) because of its role in protecting cells from the damaging effects of unstable and harmful oxygen-containing molecules that are generated during energy production 16, 17, 18, 19. Glutathione plays a pivotal role against free radicals and oxidative stress, by maintaining redox balance, enhancing metabolic detoxification, and regulating the immune system 5, 20. Glutathione directly scavenges diverse oxidants: superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide, and carbon radicals. Glutathione catalytically detoxifies: hydroperoxides, peroxynitrites, and lipid peroxides 21. Another way glutathione protects cells from oxidants is through recycling of vitamins C and E 5.

Glutathione is also important as a cofactor (a compound that is essential for the activity of an enzyme) for the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, in the uptake of amino acids, and in the synthesis of leukotrienes. As a substrate for glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reacts with a number of harmful chemical species, such as halides, epoxides and free radicals, to form harmless inactive products 22, 23. In red blood cells, these reactions prevent oxidative damage through the reduction of methemoglobin and peroxides. Glutathione is also involved in the formation and maintenance of disulfide bonds in proteins and in the transport of amino acids across cell membranes 24. Glutathione also plays a role in processing medications and cancer-causing compounds (carcinogens), and building DNA, proteins, and other important cellular components 25, 22, 15. The ability to upregulate glutathione synthesis in response to demands is hypothesized to be an important determinant of cell survival and provides protection of cells from many forms of stress 26. Evidence from several rat 27, 28, dog 29, 30 and human studies 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 suggests that glutathione levels in organs, red blood cells and plasma decline with age. During aging, glutathione levels appear to decline in a number of tissues, thereby putting cells at increased risk of succumbing to stress 26. The evidence for such a decline is strongest in the brain where glutathione loss is implicated in both Parkinson’s disease and in neuronal injury following stroke 26. Age-related increases in oxidative stress have been associated with chronic inflammation, heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease and neurodegenerative disease, osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes in humans 36, 37, 38.

Glutathione is ubiquitous in mammalian cells ranging in 1–10 mM concentrations 9. The largest amount of glutathione is found in the liver (5 – 10 mM), lining of the lungs, kidneys, heart and brain. Glutathione is necessary for the liver to detoxify toxic substances. Glutathione, especially in the liver, binds with toxic chemicals in order to detoxify them. It is also important as a hydrophilic molecule that is added to lipophilic toxins and waste in the liver during biotransformation before they can become part of the bile. Glutathione is also needed for the detoxification of methylglyoxal, a toxin produced as a by-product of metabolism. This detoxification reaction is carried out by the glyoxalase system. Glyoxalase I catalyzes the conversion of methylglyoxal and reduced glutathione to S-D-Lactoyl-glutathione. Glyoxalase II catalyzes the hydrolysis of S-D-Lactoyl-glutathione to glutathione and D-lactate.

Studies in aged humans and rats have shown that dietary supplementation with the precursors of glutathione, cysteine and/or glycine, can restore glutathione synthesis and reduce levels of oxidative stress. Sekhar et.al. 35 observed that significantly lower concentrations of red blood cell glutathione in elderly human subjects, compared with younger control subjects, could be re-established by dietary glycine (1·33 mM/kg/day) and cysteine (0·81 mM/kg/day) supplementation for 14 days. Not only was red blood cell glutathione significantly increased, but plasma reactive oxygen metabolites, plasma F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) and lipid peroxides were significantly reduced 35. A recent intervention study by Kumar et al. 39 supplementing 100 mg/kg/day glycine and cysteine, provided as N-acetylcysteine (100 mg/kg/day), improved glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and physical function. Perturbations to glutathione homoeostasis have also been explored in disease models. Linking HIV to glutathione deficiency, Nguyen et al. 40 explored supplementation with both glutathione precursors in HIV infected male patients. The authors observed 2 weeks of oral supplementation of 1·33 mM/kg/day glycine and 0·81 mM/kg/day cysteine restored glutathione synthesis, improved mitochondrial fat and carbohydrate oxidation, insulin sensitivity, body composition, muscle strength and dyslipidemia 40.

Critical roles of glutathione 5, 20

  • 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 2 reactions, which conjugate the activated intermediates produced by Phase 1 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)

Considering how important glutathione is to health, many researchers have looked for ways to increase intracellular and intramitochondrial levels. The good news is that there are several effective strategies. The first, of course, is to decrease the need for glutathione, which means decreasing toxic load. The most obvious is limiting alcohol consumption 41. The strategy is to directly administer glutathione. This can be done orally, topically, intravenously (IV), intranasally, or in nebulized form. Glutathione administered intravenously, inhaled, and ingested intranasally increases systemic glutathione levels 42. Intravenous glutathione has a short half-life but has shown at least short-term efficacy in several diseases. Oral glutathione administration is controversial; while most research shows that oral glutathione does not increase red blood cell glutathione, there are a few studies that show efficacy 43. Oral and transdermal liposomal glutathione show promise, but research is early 44.

Cysteine availability is the rate-limiting step in the body production of glutathione 5. While oral cysteine does not make it through the digestive track, supplemental cysteine in the form of whey or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is effective at raising glutathione levels. 1000 mg/day of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) will substantially increase glutathione in virtually all patients 45. Although N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is promising as a supplement to both boost glutathione levels and potentially mitigate some of the issues related to oxidative stress 46, 47, the research is not conclusive and some of the findings are disease specific 48, 49, 50, 51. There have also been studies with no significant impact by taking N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Moreover, it has been suggested that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may work synergistically with other supplemental nutrients. For example, it has been postulated that glycine may be as important as cysteine when it comes to glutathione production, especially when concurrently supplemented with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 8. While further studies are required, it may be the better approach to supplement with both cysteine and glycine to see a boost in glutathione, especially among those who may not have adequate quantities of the amino acids or require higher levels of glutathione. It is also important to note that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has antioxidant properties in addition to being able to provide cysteine for glutathione synthesis 3. It is unclear if the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on oxidative stress are due to these antioxidant properties or due to increased glutathione synthesis 3.

In one study 52 on five people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease and three controls, a high dose of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (3000 mg taken orally twice daily) for a period of four weeks led to an increase of cysteine levels and antioxidant measures, with no commensurate improvement in oxidative stress measurements (4-hydroxynonenal and malondialdehyde) nor did it increase the level of glutathione in the brain. Additionally, some of the participants experienced an exacerbation of Parkinson’s symptoms that were alleviated upon stopping the N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation 52. Another study 53 looking at those with neurodegenerative disorders found that a single intravenous dose of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) led to an increase of the blood reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio and levels of glutathione in the brain. Those who had the greatest percent change in that ratio also had a greater percent change in their levels of glutathione in their brain. While the study was too small and of too short duration to make any conclusions about the role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in these conditions, what is notable is that through intravenous administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), brain levels could be altered.

A 12-week clinical trial 54 with children (n = 31) with autism administered 60 mg/kg/day in three doses (maximum dose of 4200 mg/day) found that although there was no significant impact on the social impairment associated with autism, there was a significant impact on boosting the glutathione levels in the children. Similar to other studies, more needs to be explored as to how N-acetylcysteine (NAC) influences glutathione levels, factors that modify individual response to supplementation and how symptomatology interrelates. GST polymorphisms may play a role in the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). In one study 55 investigating the impact of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on noise-induced hearing loss in men (n = 53) taking 1200 mg per day for 14 days led to a significant reduction of noise-induced temporary threshold shift, or the amount of hearing loss after a period of heightened noise exposure in a work setting relative to baseline, or pre-shift levels. When the participants were grouped according to their GST genotypes, the researchers found that only those with the null genotypes experienced a significant effect from taking N-acetylcysteine (NAC).

For the rare patient who reacts to N-acetylcysteine (NAC), S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) can be used 56. Do not use methionine as it will increase homocysteine 5. Supplementing with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (600 mg/day for 4 weeks) decreases gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) 25%, suggesting that increasing de novo synthesis decreases the need for gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) recycling 57. For those looking for a nonsupplemental solution, 500 mL of alcohol-free beer per day raises red blood cell glutathione by 29% 58. There are many other examples of foods that increase glutathione. For example, 83 g/day of almonds increases glutathione in smokers by 16% and decreases their DNA damage by 29% 59. Lastly, people who meditate regularly have 20% higher levels of glutathione 60.

Diseases associated with glutathione depletion 6, 61, 5:

Direct administration and promotion of production of glutathione have been used effectively in a wide range of diseases: Parkinson’s, peripheral obstructive arterial disease, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, COPD, preterm infants autism, contrast-induced nephropathy, chronic otitis media, lead exposure, nail biting, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, exercise-induced fatigue 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 44, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90..

Glutathione is known as a substrate in both conjugation reactions and reduction reactions, catalyzed by glutathione S-transferase enzymes in cytosol, microsomes, and mitochondria. However, it is also capable of participating in non-enzymatic conjugation with some chemicals, as in the case of N-Acetyl-P-Benzoquinone Imine (NAPQI), the reactive cytochrome P450-reactive metabolite formed by acetaminophen, that becomes toxic when glutathione is depleted by an overdose of acetaminophen. Glutathione in this capacity binds to N-Acetyl-P-Benzoquinone Imine (NAPQI) as a suicide substrate and in the process detoxifies it, taking the place of cellular protein thiol groups which would otherwise be covalently modified; when all glutathione has been spent, NAPQI begins to react with the cellular proteins, killing the cells in the process 91. The preferred treatment for an overdose of acetaminophen is the administration (usually in atomized form) of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is used by cells to replace spent oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and renew the usable reduced glutathione (GSH) pool.

Glutathione conjugates to drugs to make them more soluble for excretion, is a cofactor for some enzymes, is involved in protein disulfide bond rearrangement and reduces peroxides.

Glutathione is also important in red and white blood cell formation and throughout the immune system.

Glutathione participates in leukotriene synthesis and is a cofactor for the enzyme glutathione peroxidase.

Glutathione is produced exclusively in the cytosol and actively pumped into mitochondria. Glutathione is made available in cells in 3 ways (Figures 2, 3 and 4) 5:

  1. Three conditionally essential amino acids, glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid combine to form glutathione (GSH) via a 2-step process catalyzed by the enzymes glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) and glutathione synthetase (requires ATP). First, cysteine is conjoined with glutamate through the action of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) to produce gamma-glutamylcysteine, which proceeds to link with glycine via glutathione synthase 8. Therefore, the human body requires all three amino acids (glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid) and adequate enzymatic function to make sufficient quantities of glutathione 9. Cysteine is a sulfur amino acid, which might imply that consuming sulfur-rich foods, especially those containing the sulfur amino acids, may also support glutathione de novo synthesis 10, 11.
  2. Regeneration of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) to reduced glutathione (GSH) by glutathione reductase (requires NADPH).
  3. Recycling of cysteine from conjugated glutathione via GGTP (requires NADPH).

All 3 glutathione synthesis pathways require energy. The rate of glutathione synthesis, regeneration, and recycling is determined primarily by 3 factors (Figure 3) 92:

  1. De novo glutathione synthesis is primarily controlled by the cellular level of the amino acid cysteine, the availability of which is the rate-limiting step.
  2. The enzymes glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) activity is in part regulated by glutathione feedback inhibition.
  3. If glutathione is depleted due to oxidative stress, inflammation, or exposure to xenobiotics, de novo synthesis of glutathione is upregulated primarily by increasing availability of cysteine through recycling of oxidized glutathione (GSSG).

Under physiological conditions, glutathione is mainly present in the cytoplasm (inside cells) in the reduced form (GSH), which is also the biologically active form. Reduced glutathione (GSH) is less easily oxidized than its precursors, cysteine and gamma-glutamylcysteine; the fully oxidized form with a disulfide between two identical glutathione molecules (GSSG) represents less than 1% of the total glutathione pool in the cell 93. Reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration in human cells typically ranges from 0.1 to 10 mmol/L, being most focused in the liver (up to 10 mmol/L), spleen, kidney, lens of the eyes, red blood cells, and white blood cells 94, 95, wherein its depletion and/or altered level are associated with various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, inflammatory, immune, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases 6. Maintaining optimal reduced glutathione (GSH):oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratios in the cell is critical to survival; hence, tight regulation of this system is important 96.

Natural dietary sources of glutathione include fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Tomatoes, avocados, oranges, walnuts and asparagus are some of the most common foods that help to increase levels of glutathione in the body. Whey protein is another rich source of glutathione and has been used to enhance systemic glutathione levels in cystic fibrosis 97.

Glutathione is synthesized by glutathione synthetase from glutamine and cysteine in a two-step process involving the enzymes glutathione synthatase and glutamate-cysteine ligase 98. Like cysteine, glutathione contains the crucial thiol (-SH) group that makes it an effective antioxidant 99. There are virtually no living organisms on this planet-animal or plant whose cells don’t contain some glutathione 99. Scientists have speculated that glutathione was essential to the very development of life on earth 99. People who are born with glutathione synthetase deficiency prevents their body from producing glutathione 100, 101. People with glutathione synthetase deficiency do not have enough of the molecule called glutathione synthetase, which helps the body produce glutathione. People with glutathione synthetase deficiency can have mild, moderate, or severe disease. The signs and symptoms of glutathione synthetase deficiency may include anemia, the buildup of too much acid in the body (metabolic acidosis), frequent infections, and symptoms caused by problems in the brain including seizures, intellectual disability, and loss of coordination (ataxia).

Glutathione synthetase deficiency is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder that has only been described in more than 80 individuals worldwide 102, 103. Glutathione synthetase deficiency is caused by genetic changes (pathogenic variants or mutations) in the GSS gene 25. The GSS gene provides instructions for making glutathione synthetase enzyme. The glutathione synthetase enzyme is involved in a process called the gamma-glutamyl cycle, which takes place in most of the body’s cells (Figure 2). The gamma-glutamyl cycle is necessary for producing a molecule called glutathione (Figure 2). Mutations in the GSS gene prevent cells from making adequate levels of glutathione, leading to the signs and symptoms of glutathione synthetase deficiency.

Glutathione synthetase deficiency is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the GSS gene in each cell have mutations (Figure 5). Each parent is a carrier which means they have a pathogenic variant in only one copy of the GSS gene.  The parents (carriers of an autosomal recessive disease) of an individual with glutathione synthetase deficiency each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition. When two carriers of an autosomal recessive disease have children, there is a 25% (1 in 4) chance to have a child who has the disease (Figure 5).

Mild glutathione synthetase deficiency usually results in the destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) 25, 104. In addition, affected individuals may release large amounts of a compound called 5-oxoproline in their urine (5-oxoprolinuria) 104. This compound builds up when glutathione is not processed correctly in cells. As 5-oxoproline is a highly acidic compound, it causes metabolic acidosis 105.

Individuals with moderate glutathione synthetase deficiency may experience symptoms beginning shortly after birth including hemolytic anemia, 5-oxoprolinuria, and elevated acidity in the blood and tissues (metabolic acidosis) 25.

In addition to the features present in moderate glutathione synthetase deficiency, individuals affected by the severe form of glutathione synthetase deficiency may experience neurological symptoms. These problems may include seizures; pathological electroretinograms and retinal pigmentation; a generalized slowing down of physical reactions, movements, and speech (psychomotor retardation); intellectual disability; spasticity, intention tremors and a loss of coordination (ataxia) 25, 106. Some people with severe glutathione synthetase deficiency also develop recurrent bacterial infections 104.

The diagnosis of a metabolic disorder such as glutathione synthetase deficiency may be suspected when a doctor observes signs of glutathione synthetase deficiency including metabolic acidosis. A doctor may order tests to confirm the diagnosis including enzyme assays, urine analysis, and genetic testing 101. Prenatal diagnosis of glutathione synthetase deficiency is possible by measuring 5-oxoproline in amniotic fluid, or by enzyme analysis in cultured amniocytes or chorionic villi samples 107, 108, 109 or a presumptive diagnosis can be made by detecting elevation of 5-oxoproline in newborn screen blood spots using tandem mass-spectrometry or massive excretion of 5-oxoproline (up to 1 g/kg per day) in the urine 110. Early diagnosis and treatment is thought to correlate with a better long term outcome 111.

Treatment for glutathione synthetase deficiency may include sodium bicarbonate to treat metabolic acidosis and taking high doses of vitamin C and vitamin E for protection against oxidative stress 101, 103, 112. Njalsson et al 113 demonstrated that early initiation of vitamin C and vitamin E could prevent the moderate disease from progressing to severe disease. In a study of 41 patients with glutathione synthetase deficiency, only 1/18 of the severely affected patients were started on vitamin therapy early in life as compared to 6/17 moderately affected patients. With this data and the fact that there is no significant difference between enzymatic activity in the moderate and severe disease, they posit that early initiation of vitamins could prevent or slow down progression of the disease 113. There were no specific comments on length of follow-up of this cohort however.

Selenium is another agent used in glutathione synthetase deficiency patients to prevent oxidative stress. Selenium is found to have strong antioxidant properties through formation of selenoproteins, which are thought to protect against reactive oxygen species 114.

Avoidance of foods and drugs known to cause hemolytic crisis in G6PD deficiency is also important as these same triggers can cause hemolytic crisis in glutathione synthetase deficiency 115. Vitamin E is also used to prevent granulocyte dysfunction, which could cause recurrent infections 116, 117. Patients with moderate and severe glutathione synthetase deficiency disease typically require treatment for metabolic acidosis. In acute crisis, IV bicarbonate is given for immediate correction, and for long term management, citrate (citric acid, potassium citrate, and sodium citrate) or trometamol (THAM) are given to maintain a normal serum bicarbonate level 98.

Glutathione synthetase deficiency prognosis depends on the type of mutation, severity of metabolic acidosis, associated bacterial infections and the quality of supportive therapy. A long-term follow up study of 28 patients with glutathione synthetase deficiency has indicated that the factors most predictive of survival and long-term outcome are early diagnosis and early supplementation with vitamins C and E 104.

Figure 1. Glutathione structure

Glutathione

Footnote: Structure of the tripeptide glutathione (GSH) (reduced form). Glutamic acid (Glu) is linked in a gamma (γ) peptide linkage (via its gamma-carboxyl group) to cysteine (Cys), which in turn forms an alpah (α) peptide linkage with glycine (Gly).

[Source 118 ]

Figure 2. Gamma-glutamyl cycle

Gamma-glutamyl cycle

Footnotes: Glutathione (GSH) is synthesized by glutathione synthetase from glutamine and cysteine in a two-step process involving the enzymes glutathione synthatase and glutamate-cysteine ligase.

[Source 98 ]

Figure 3. Synthesis and recycling of glutathione

Synthesis and recycling of glutathione

Footnotes: One-carbon metabolism and glutathione (GSH) synthesis and metabolism. Folic acid is reduced to tetrahydrofolate (THF) and subsequently converted to 5-methyl THF. In a reaction catalyzed by methionine synthetase (MTR), the methyl group of 5‑methyl-THF can be transferred to homocysteine, generating methionine. Methionine is activated to form S‑adenosylmethionine (SAM), the universal methyl donor. The by-product of methylation reactions, S‑adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), is hydrolyzed to homocysteine. Homocysteine is either used to regenerate methionine or is directed to the transsulfuration pathway. Reduced glutathione (GSH) is a product of the transsulfuration pathway. Reduced glutathione (GSH) can serve as a continuous source of cysteine, which is extremely unstable, via the gamma‑glutamyl cycle. Reduced glutathione (GSH) is exported from the cell, and the enzyme gamma‑glutamyltransferase (GGT) transfers the gamma-glutamyl moiety of glutathione (GSH) to an amino acid, often cystine, producing cysteinylglycine and gamma-glutamyl amino acid. The gamma-glutamyl amino acid can be transported back into the cell and ultimately metabolized to glutamate. Cysteinylglycine is converted to cysteine and glycine by dipeptidase (DP). Cysteine is unstable extracellularly and can oxidize to cystine; both cysteine and cystine can be imported back into the cell for glutathione (GSH) production.

Abbreviations: B12 = vitamin B12; BHMT = betaine homocysteine methyltransferase; DMA = dimethylarsinic acid; InAs = inorganic acids; MMA = monomethylarsonic acid; GSSG = oxidized glutathione; GSH = reduced glutathione

[Source 119 ]

Figure 4. The glutathione redox cycle

The glutathione redox cycle

Footnote: The glutathione redox cycle demonstrating the inter-conversion of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and reduced glutathione (GSH). Glutathione exists in two interconvertible forms, reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Reduced glutathione (GSH) is the predominant intracellular form, which acts as a strong antioxidant and defends against toxic compounds and xenobiotics. In this process, reduced glutathione (GSH) is constantly oxidized to GSSG (oxidized glutathione) by the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. To maintain the intracellular redox balance, reduced glutathione (GSH) is replenished through the reduction of GSSG (oxidized glutathione) by glutathione reductase enzyme.

[Source 120 ]

Figure 5. Glutathione synthetase deficiency autosomal recessive inheritance

glutathione synthetase deficiency autosomal recessive inheritance

Table 1. Glutathione rich fruits and vegetables

FoodGlutathioneN-Acetylcysteine (NAC)Cysteine
Asparagus349 ± 2646 ± 1122 ± 1
Avocado339 ± 10ND4 ± 1
BananaNDND7 ± 0
Broccoli4 ± 1NDND
Carrot4 ± 0NDND
Cauliflower6 ± 1ND7 ± 1
Cucumber123 ± 386 ± 111 ± 3
Grapefruit13 ± 34 ± 015 ± 2
Green Beans230 ± 2ND67 ± 11
Green Pepper8 ± 112 ± 29 ± 1
Green Squash47 ± 11ND6 ± 1
Lemon5 ± 04 ± 06 ± 0
Mango59 ± 6ND10 ± 0
Orange5 ± 11ND41 ± 2
Papaya136 ± 12ND58 ± 5
Parsley17 ± 99 ± 18 ± 1
Potato5 ± 0NDND
Red Pepper42 ± 225 ± 4349 ± 18
Spinach313 ± 33ND84 ± 2
Strawberry39 ± 85 ± 159 ± 5
Tomato64 ± 103 ± 155 ± 3
Yellow Squash39 ± 8ND27 ± 6

Footnote: Numbers represent nM/g wet weight (mean ± SD of three samples)

ND = not detectable

[Source 3 ]

Table 2. Nutrients and foods for support of glutathione levels

Nutrient and FoodsRecommended Dosage
Alpha lipoic-acid300 mg 3× day; 200–600 mg/day 121
Brassica vegetables250 g/day
CurcuminDoses up to 12 g/day safe; 1–2 g/day found to benefit antioxidant capacity; increased bioavailability with piperine 122
Fruit and vegetable juices300–400 mL/day
Glutathione (Liposomal)500–1000 mg/day 123
Glutathione (Oral)500–1000 mg/day 124, 125
Glycine100 mg/kg/day 126
Green tea4 cups/day
N-acetylcysteine (NAC)600–1200 mg/day in divided doses, but up to 6000 mg/day have been shown effective in studies 52, 12, 55, 127
Omega-3 fatty acids4000 mg/day 128
Salmon150 g twice a week 129
Selenium247 μg/day of selenium enriched yeast; 100–200 ug/day. Anything above 400 ug/day watch for toxicity 130, 127
Vitamin C500–2000 mg/day 131, 132
Vitamin E100–400 IU/day 133, 134
Whey Protein40 g/day 135
[Source 3 ]

Health benefits of glutathione

It has been found that low levels of glutathione exist in several diseases.

Diseases associated with glutathione dysregulation or deficiency 61, 6:

Glutathione uses

Glutathione is primarily available as oral formulations (pills, solutions, sublingual tablets, syrups and sprays) and parenteral formulations (intravenous and intramuscular). Glutathione has also been administered by intranasal and intrabronchial routes as well.

Oral glutathione is derived from torula yeast (Candida utilis). It is marketed as a food or dietary supplement, either alone, or in combination with vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid and other antioxidants. In humans, the effectiveness of an oral supplementation with glutathione is very controversial due to the poor absorption by the oral route manly due to the activity of the intestinal enzymes, which degrades glutathione 138. Oral glutathione did not significantly increase the glutathione level in the blood, as demonstrated in oral glutathione supplementation studies 138. A single-dose study conducted by Witschi et al. 139 where 7 healthy volunteers reported no significant increase in plasma glutathione levels for up to 270 minutes. However, Hagen and Jones 140 reported an increase in plasma glutathione levels in four out of five subjects after a single oral dose of 15 mg/kg body weight. In that study, the plasma glutathione levels increased to 300% of baseline levels after one hour, followed by a decrease to approximately 200% of baseline levels within the next three hours. The inadequate absorption of glutathione in humans compared to that in rats has been attributed to a higher hepatic gamma-glutamyl transferase activity in humans. This results in increased hydrolysis of glutathione with resultant low serum levels 141.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on oral glutathione supplementation (500 mg twice daily for four weeks) in 40 healthy adult volunteers failed to show any significant change in serum glutathione levels 43. Another randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 54 adults which administered oral glutathione for six months, either in a dose of 250 mg or 1000 mg per day 142. Results showed a steady increase in glutathione levels when compared to the baseline 142. There were higher levels in the high-dose group (30–35% increase vs 17% increase in the low-dose group). The raised levels returned to baseline after a one-month washout period 142. In another study 143, glutathione administered at a single dose of 50 mg/kg body weight led to a considerable increase of protein-bound glutathione levels in plasma but not of the deproteinized fraction, measured after two hours of supplementation. Since intracellular glutathione levels can increase only after its amino acid components are transported through the cell membrane after deproteinization, the results of this study remain inconclusive.

In summary, human trials performed before 2013 have shown that over-the-counter oral glutathione supplementation has a negligible effect on raising plasma levels in humans. The only trials that support the concept of oral supplementation to raise glutathione levels in healthy adults have been conducted by Richie et al. 142 and Park et al. 143. It is important to take note of the fact that both studies used a specific brand of glutathione, manufactured by the trial funding company. Therefore, the evidence for the clinically efficacious bioavailability of oral glutathione in humans remains scarce and controversial.

Glutathione has received “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) status from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as food ingredients in food products at levels ranging from 5 to 742.5 milligrams per serving 144. Glutathione as food ingredient is not intended to be used in any meat or meat-containing products 144. There is no restriction on the glutathione availability in United States, Philippines, Japan and India.

There is growing evidence that dysfunctional glutathione homeostasis is implicated in the cause of several diseases. The most well-known conditions associated with glutathione depletion include neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson’s disease 145, 146, pulmonary diseases 147, liver disease such as liver cirrhosis 148, immune disorder in HIV disease 149, cardiovascular diseases 150, 151 as well as the aging process itself 152. Several studies showed that plasma glutathione levels decrease with age. This deterioration of glutathione homeostasis could participate, with other physiological events, in the ageing process and the appearance of age-related diseases 153, 154. Therefore, dietary supplementation with glutathione has been studied extensively as a potential way to prevent these diseases by countering the negative effects of oxidative stress.

Glutathione clinical uses include the prevention of oxygen toxicity in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, treatment of lead and other heavy metal poisoning, lowering of the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation in cancer treatments, and reversal of cataracts 99.

Glutathione supplementation has been evaluated in clinical trials in various formulations including oral, intravenous (IV), topical, intranasal, and nebulized for its effects on HIV, Parkinson disease, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, cystic fibrosis, and cardiovascular diseases, among other conditions. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), as the precursor to glutathione, has demonstrated efficacy in raising glutathione levels and is frequently chosen for this purpose.

The oral glutathione formulation has shown mixed results, with some data suggesting it does not increase red blood cell glutathione and other data showing efficacy. Liposomal formulations of glutathione may confer better effects, but further research is needed. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), as the precursor to glutathione, has demonstrated efficacy in raising glutathione levels. In a clinical trial of children with cystic fibrosis, oral reduced glutathione 65 mg/kg/day (divided into 3 doses per day at mealtimes) was administered for 6 months 155. Oral reduced glutathione significantly improves measures of growth status and gut inflammation in cystic fibrosis 155.

A small clinical study in Parkinson’s disease patients used intravenous (IV) glutathione at a dosage of 1,400 mg 3 times per week for 4 weeks 156. There were no significant differences in changes in Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores between intravenous (IV) glutathione 1,400 mg or placebo 156.

Glutathione for skin

The role of glutathione as a skin-lightening agent was an accidental discovery when skin lightening was noticed as a side effect of large doses of glutathione 157. Various mechanisms for the hypopigmentary effect of glutathione have been proposed, with inhibition of tyrosinase being the most important 120. Glutathione can reduce tyrosinase activity in three different ways 158. Tyrosinase is directly inhibited through chelation of the copper site by the thiol group. Secondly, glutathione interferes with the cellular transfer of tyrosinase to premelanosomes, a prerequisite for melanin synthesis 158. Thirdly, tyrosinase inhibition is effected indirectly via its antioxidant effect. Melanin in human skin is a polymer of various indole compounds synthesized from L-tyrosine by the Raper–Mason pathway of melanogenesis with tyrosinase being the rate limiting enzyme (Figure 6). The ratio of the two different types of melanin found in skin, black-brown colored eumelanin and yellow-red pheomelanin, determines the skin color 159. An increased proportion of pheomelanin is associated with lighter skin color. Glutathione shifts the production of melanin (melanogenesis) from eumelanin to pheomelanin synthesis by reactions between thiol groups and dopaquinone leading to the formation of sulfhydryl-dopa conjugates 160.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the most important factor that causes undesirable hyperpigmentation. The crucial cellular event is enhanced tyrosinase activity. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation results in generation of excessive amounts of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species within the cells 161, 162. Oral antioxidants partially reduce melanogenesis by suppressing these free radicals.

Glutathione has potent antioxidant properties and glutathione has been suggested to possess antimelanogenic properties. The free radical scavenging effect of glutathione blocks the induction of tyrosinase activity caused by peroxides 160. Glutathione has been shown to scavenge ultraviolet radiation induced reactive oxygen species generated in epidermal cells 163. A recent study on melasma (a common acquired skin disorder that presents as a bilateral, blotchy, brownish facial pigmentation) patients noted significantly higher levels of glutathione-peroxidase enzyme in patients compared to controls, confirming the role of oxidative stress in melasma 164. Based on these observations, the potential of glutathione as an depigmenting agent in management of melasma and hyperpigmentation seems plausible 165. In the Philippines, glutathione is claimed to produce “magical skin whitening” 166.

The three major routes of glutathione administration used for skin lightening are topical (creams, face washes), oral (capsules and sublingual/buccal tablets) and intravenous injections. Glutathione has also become available in the form of soaps, face washes and creams. Recently, a glutathione based chemical peel has been launched. Although evidence of efficacy is lacking, the manufacturers claim improvement of melasma, hyperpigmentation and skin ageing. Experts including the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines warned against the to use intravenous glutathione for skin lightening due to the increased risk of adverse events 167, 168. The Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines clearly states the following in an advisory: “Side effects on the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening include toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Also of concern is the possibility of Stevens Johnson Syndrome167. It is advisable to avoid parenteral (IV) glutathione until more is known about the pharmacodynamics of parenterally administered glutathione. This becomes especially relevant when there are superior options like administration by the orobuccal route, whereby high serum levels are rapidly achieved 169, 170, 171. The orobuccal route has not been seriously considered as a widely prescribed option for skin lightening treatments 172. The effectiveness of the orobuccal route for glutathione administration in rapidly achieving high serum concentrations is well documented 172. The orobuccal administration of glutathione can be standardized by using the hydroxypropyl cellulose oral dispersible film 172. Thirdly, on the basis of published and empirical data, a dose of 100 to 400±50 mg per day, in single or divided doses, for periods of between 10 and 12 weeks can be administered by the orobuccal route, preferably using the oral dispersible film, depending upon severity of hyperpigmentation 172. This treatment advice is based on consideration of all aspects of glutathione absorption and its safety, until results of a more comprehensive trial become available.

Figure 6. Melanin synthesis (Raper–Mason pathway)

Melanin synthesis

Footnote: Role of glutathione in shifting the equation of melanin synthesis from eumelanin to pheomelanin.

Abbreviations: DHI = 5,6-dihydroxyindole; L-DOPA = LevoDOPA; DOPA = 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl alanine; DHICA = 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid; GST = glutathione-S-transferase; GGT = gamma glutamyl transpeptidase; TRP2 = tyrosinase-related protein 2.

[Source 172 ]

Topical glutathione

Glutathione is commercially available as face washes, solutions and creams. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted by Watanabe et al. 161 in 30 healthy Filipino women aged 30–50 years has provided some evidence favouring the efficacy of topical 2% oxidized glutathione (GSSG) lotion in temporary skin lightening 161. Patients were randomized to apply glutathione as 2% oxidized glutathione (GSSG) lotion and a placebo lotion in a split-face protocol, twice daily for ten weeks. GSSG was preferred over GSH, as GSH is unstable in aqueous solutions. GSSG eventually generates GSH after cutaneous absorption. The changes in the melanin index, moisture content of the stratum corneum, skin smoothness, skin elasticity and wrinkle formation were objectively assessed. The reduction of the melanin index with glutathione was statistically significant when compared to placebo 161. Glutathione treated areas had significant improvement in other parameters as well. Topical oxidized glutathione (GSSG) is safe and effective in whitening the skin and improves skin condition in healthy women with no adverse drug effects were reported 161. However, the results of these studies need to be interpreted with caution owing to certain limitations in their study design.

Oral glutathione

Arjinpathana and Asawanonda 173 conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study on 60 healthy Thai medical students who were given oral glutathione (500 mg/day of glutathione capsule in two divided doses) and studied over a four-week period. They showed some reduction in melanin indices at all the six sites evaluated in the glutathione group subjects, with a statistically significant reduction over placebo at two sites, but the study did not measure blood levels of glutathione. Handog et al 170, in a single-arm study administered glutathione as lozenges (500 mg/day of glutathione in two divided doses) for oral absorption in 30 healthy Filipino women (aged 22–42 years) with Fitzpatrick skin types IV or V over an eight-week period and showed a significant reduction in melanin index at both sun-exposed and sun-protected sites in all the subjects and moderate skin lightening observed by 90% of the subjects on global evaluation. The major limitations of these studies included: small sample size, cohort consisting of healthy volunteers, extremely short study period with an even shorter follow-up, and lack of measurement of blood levels of glutathione 174, 161, 170.

Bruggeman et al 175 conducted a placebo controlled trial using an orobuccal route for glutathione absorption thereby seeking to increase blood levels. Patients were given a solution with 200 mg glutathione or placebo. The solution was held in the mouth for 90 seconds and then swallowed. Blood samples were collected and glutathione levels determined. They found that glutathione absorption from oral mucosa massively and rapidly increased serum concentration. Campolo et al 176 conducted a randomized placebo-controlled trial on 16 male subjects with cardiovascular risk factors. They treated the subjects with 200 mg per day of a sublingual formulation of glutathione 176. They studied peripheral vascular function, liver function, lipid profile and oxidative stress on the subjects after four weeks of treatment. They found that sublingual administration of glutathione significantly increased the blood levels and after four weeks of treatment, beneficial therapeutic effects were discernible 176. They did not study the effects on skin pigmentation, but this study did reaffirm the rapid absorption of reduced glutathione (GSH) from oral mucosa to reach high serum concentrations which can have therapeutic value in many areas.

Safety of glutathione (GSH) when taken by the orobuccal route for an indefinite period of time, needs to be determined in a clinical trial especially using the oral dispersible film formulation.

Glutathione mesotherapy (injection into the subcutaneous fat tissue)

Despite the lack of published literature on the efficacy and methodology of using glutathione solution as mesotherapy (injection via a very fine needle into the subcutaneous fat tissue in the area selected), it is widely practiced by dermatologists for the treatment of melasma and other facial melanosis (abnormal deposition of melanins). Glutathione mesotherapy is used as monotherapy, or in combination with vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E, tranexamic acid, etc. Although the results are claimed to be very good, use of glutathione as mesotherapy needs more evidence and published data 120.

Glutathione dosage

Dosage of glutathione depends on the uses. Glutathione may be used for treatment of diverse conditions including autism, inborn errors of metabolism, male infertility, cystic fibrosis to improve airway clearance, atherosclerosis, diabetes, immune-stimulation, liver diseases, memory loss, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, melasma, hyperpigmentation, etc (see above in Health benefits of glutathione). Three commonly used routes for administration of glutathione are parenteral (intravenous and intramuscular), topical, and oral (pills, solutions, sublingual tablets, syrups and sprays). Glutathione has also been administered by intranasal and intrabronchial routes as well. Bioavailability of each route is different. There continues to be debate as to the best delivery system, whether oral, sublingual, liposomal, or intravenous. Intravenous, sublingual, and liposomal delivery can bypass the breakdown that may occur in digestion, and thus may be superior to oral supplementation.

While the data on providing oral glutathione are mixed and inconclusive, recent research suggests that when glutathione is administered in liposomal or sublingual forms it may be made more bioavailable and favorably impact systemic glutathione levels 3.

In a small study 123 with 12 healthy middle-aged non-smoker subjects taking either 500 or 1000 mg per day liposomal glutathione for four weeks, there was a trend towards increasing glutathione levels in a variety of body compartments, although it only became significant in plasma with the 500 mg dose after two weeks, which was also the largest increase at 25% 123 . There was also an improvement in the ratio of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) to reduced glutathione (GSH), with the largest decrease in this ratio among those taking the higher dose in the first and second weeks 3. There was also a decrease in the biomarkers for oxidative stress and an improvement in immune markers such as lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer cell activity 3.

In another small study 177 with 16 healthy men with cardiovascular risk factors, those with abnormal reactive hyperemia index, which measures peripheral endothelial function and stiffness, experienced a significant reduction in arterial stiffness after taking 100 mg twice daily of a sublingual glutathione.

Limited data using intravenous (IV) glutathione has been documented in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Sechi et al. 178 administered glutathione intravenously (600 mg twice daily for 30 days) to nine individuals with Parkinson’s disease, and reported significant improvements, which lasted for 2–4 months even after ceasing the therapy. A published case report in a 61 year old man with Parkinson’s disease utilized a multi-faceted protocol consisting of a gluten-free diet, along with medications, certain dietary supplements (such as N-acetyl-cysteine and Silybum), and glutathione injections (1400 mg) administered twice or three times weekly also reported symptom improvement 179.

In a study on the skin whitening effects of glutathione, Weschawalit et al 180 administered 250 mg glutathione daily, both reduced glutathione and oxidized GSSG forms, to 60 volunteers for 12 weeks showing a good depigmenting effect without any adverse effects. Since absorption of glutathione from the gastrointestinal tract is poor, the dose can be lower when administered in an orobuccal formulation. Absorption by this route is significantly higher as recent evidence suggests 169, 171, 181, 170. Therefore, it is safe to say that glutathione can be administered using the orobuccal route at a dose of 100–400 mg daily, variably depending upon severity of hyperpigmentation, for about 10 to 12 weeks. Safety of glutathione glutathione when taken by the orobuccal route for an indefinite period of time, needs to be determined in a clinical trial especially using the oral dispersible film formulation.

Glutathione side effects

Glutathione is quite nontoxic, its lethal dose being quite high, and it is generally well tolerated 182, 180. No serious adverse events were noted in a clinical study of healthy volunteers using oral glutathione 500 mg twice a day for 4 weeks 43. Increased flatulence and loose stools, flushing, and weight gain were reported 43. Furthermore, no significant changes were observed in biomarkers of oxidative stress, including glutathione status, in this clinical trial of oral glutathione supplementation in healthy adults  43.

However, high doses of glutathione for prolonged periods may cause chronic toxicity and carry some risks like zinc depletion, hypersensitivity, drug interactions, teratogenicity, etc. and this is more likely to happen when administered parenterally in an uncontrolled manner 183, 184, 185, 186.

Intravenous (IV) glutathione 1,400 mg given 3 times per week for 4 weeks in Parkinson’s disease patients was well tolerated in a small (N=21) clinical study 156; however, a case report shows reversible, severe hepatic injury related to IV glutathione 1,200 mg given daily, for a cumulative dose of 36,000 mg in 1 month 187.

Nebulized glutathione caused bronchial hyperreactivity, cough, and breathlessness in patients with mild asthma, possibly due to sulfite formation 188 or lack of buffering 6.

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