ABSTRACT
Glutathione (GSH; L-γ-glutamyl-L-cysteineglycine) is found in almost all mammalian
cells, and liver has very high intracellular levels of GSH. It has many cellular functions,
such as being a coenzyme, maintaining thiol/disulfide status, protection against toxic
compounds and oxidative stress. GSH levels have been reported to be low in a number
of pathological conditions; thus methods for increasing GSH levels are desirable.
GSH may be increased by supplying its amino acid precursor, cysteine, in the form
of prodrugs, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and 2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate (OTC).
It may also be increased by giving γ-glutamylcysteine, a dipeptide precursor. GSH
monoester and GSH diester are effective GSH delivery drugs. Such compounds may be
therapeutically useful. Gene therapy may be useful for longer term therapy of GSH
deficiency.
KEY WORDS
2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate - GSH ester - γ-glutamylcysteine synthesase
