Glutathione: Role in Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress, Antioxidant Defense, and Treatments

Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant cellular tripeptide (L-gamma-glutamate-L-cysteinyl-glycine) which is as critical as oxygen and water. This low molecular mass antioxidant has a very high intracellular concentration that ranges from 1-10 mM and reaches extreme concentration points in malignant cell types. This defender of the cell is compartmentalized in mitochondria, nucleus, peroxisomes, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and cytosol where it is synthesized. The enzymes involved in GSH redox cycling are important for both cellular free radical and non-radical detoxification. The present review article is covering the crucial roles of GSH to combat oxidative/nitrosative stress related to different diseases/disorders and possible drug designing for new therapies.

Automated summary

Glutathione is a crucial antioxidant in cells with high intracellular concentration, especially in malignant cells. It plays important roles in different cellular compartments and is essential for detoxification of both free radicals and non-radicals by participating in redox cycling.