Glutathione has the function of inhibiting gene mutations in cells, increasing the concentration of glutathione in cells, initiating a negative feedback mechanism, significantly reducing the glutathione content in tumor cells, thereby lowering the activity of tumor cells and effectively slowing down the growth rate of tumor cells. When combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the therapeutic effect on cancer is more remarkable.
Double Defense lines protect the liver. A must-read liver-protecting tip for everyone
What is glutathione?
Glutathione Analysis
Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. It is the main non-protein thiol compound in most aerobic organisms.
It exists in every cell, especially at the highest concentration in the liver, kidneys and immune cells.
There are mainly two forms of existence: the reduced form (GSH) and the oxidized form (GSSG).
core role of glutathione in liver health
1. Promote regeneration and repair of liver cells
Glutathione has a spirit of self-sacrifice and contribution, actively oxidized by free radicals. When free radicals attack cells, it plays a defensive role, protecting cells from damage and maintaining normal immune function.
By eliminating free radicals and purifying the internal environment, it plays a role in detoxification, anti-oxidation and anti-aging.
It is helpful for the repair of liver cells and the improvement of liver function.
2. Antioxidant defense: core in combating oxidative damage to liver
Glutathione (GSH) functions as an antioxidant within cells and is the most abundant endogenous antioxidant in the human body.
The concentration in the liver can be as high as 5-10 mM.
Its thiol group (-SH) can directly neutralize free radicals (such as ROS and lipid peroxides), protect the functions of liver cell membranes and mitochondria, and reduce the release of inflammatory factors (such as TNF-α and IL-6), thereby preventing steatohepatitis and fibrosis.
3. Detoxification function: A key role in two-stage detoxification process
The first stage (biotransformation) : Cytochrome P450 enzyme converts the toxin into intermediate metabolites, which may produce stronger oxidizing substances.
The second stage (binding reaction) : Glutathione S-transferase (GST) catalyzes the binding of GSH with toxins to form water-soluble substances that are excreted through bile or urine.
For example, when acetaminophen is excessive, GSH can bind to the toxic metabolite N-APQI to prevent liver necrosis.
functions of glutathione range from molecular mechanisms to life applications
Antioxidant
Mechanism of action: Neutralize free radicals and regenerate vitamin C/E
Detoxification: It binds toxins and is excreted through bile/urine
Immune enhancement: Activate NK cells and promote lymphocyte proliferation
Typical scene:
Repair after smoking and ultraviolet radiation
Alcohol metabolism, first aid for drug overdose
Influenza season, chronic infection
Glutathione becomes the core regulator of liver function through a trinity network of action of “antioxidation – detoxification – promoting regeneration”.
In addition, glutathione is also very common in practical life scenarios.
Staying up late, stress and environmental pollution can produce a large number of free radicals, and these “destructive molecules” can attack the liver cell membrane.
A study in Hepatology indicates that for every 20% reduction in glutathione in liver cells, the risk of liver fibrosis will soar by 2.3 times.
The antioxidant effect of glutathione can directly neutralize strong oxidizing substances such as hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), protecting the structural integrity of liver cells.
Supplement glutathione scientifically
The truth of food therapy: The Gap between ideals and reality
Although broccoli, avocados, spinach and other foods contain glutathione, the daily intake is less than 15% of the required amount.
Moreover, glutathione in common food is easily destroyed by gastric acid, and the absorption rate is less than 10%.
“gold standard” of direct supplementation
The two forms of glutathione – reduced form (GSH) and oxidized form (GSSG) – each have their own focus in terms of physiological functions and application scenarios.
Reduced glutathione (GSH) can be directly utilized by the human body, inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase and reducing melanin production.
Neutralize ROS induced by ultraviolet rays and protect collagen.
Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) plays more important roles in the human body. Compared with GSH, its advantages are more reflected in:
1. Maintain REDOX balance
GSSG is the oxidized form of GSH, and the two regulate the REDOX state within cells through dynamic equilibrium.
When cells are under oxidative stress (such as inflammation and toxin exposure), the accumulation of GSSG can act as an “oxidative signal”, triggering antioxidant defense mechanisms, promoting the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes, and helping to restore balance.
2. Regulate cell functions
GSSG can affect cell proliferation, apoptosis or inflammatory responses by oxidizing and modifying the thiol groups (-SH) of target proteins.
3. It has more advantages in detoxification
Some toxins (such as drug metabolites) need to combine with GSSG to form conjugates (through glutathione -S-transferase) for easy excretion from the body.
References
- [1] Jiang Shuhua, Hu Liwei, Ping Lifeng, et al. Glutathione curative effect and mechanism of the treatment of sjogren’s syndrome in patients with liver injury [J]. Journal of health, wisdom, 2017, 3 (9) : 48-49 + 52. DOI: 10.19335 / j.carol carroll nki. 2096-1219.2017.09.21.
- [2] Source: “Science and Technology Innovation and Application”, Issue 11, 2021, pages 50-55, totaling 6.
- [3]Cellular Immunology , 1982, 74, 162-171.
- [4] Associate Professor Xue Meilan published her latest research findings in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, from the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao University
