Nutritional biochemistry of cellular glutathione

Glutathione (GSH) has emerged to be one of the most fascinating endogenous molecules virtually present in all animal cells often in quite high (mM) concentrations. In addition to the detoxicant, antioxidant, and cysteine-reservoir functions of cellular glutathione the potential of this ubiquitous thiol to modulate cellular signal transduction processes has been recently evident. Lowered tissue GSH levels have been observed in several disease conditions. Restoration of cell GSH levels in a number of these condition have proven to be beneficial. Thus, strategies to boost cel glutathione level are of marked therapeutic significance. Availability of cysteine, a precursor for glutathione synthesis, inside the cell is a critical determinant of cellular glutathione level. N-acetylcysteine and alpha-lipoic acid are two pro-glutathione agents that have remarkable clinical potential. The ability of these two clinical drugs to enhance cellular glutathione level, coupled with their favorable effect on the molecular biology of HIV infection may make them useful tools for AIDS treatment. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc. 1997.