Theoretical study on the interaction of glutathione with group IA (Li+, Na+, K+), IIA (Be2+, Mg2+, Ca2+), and IIIA (Al3+) metal cations

The structures and energies of complexes obtained upon interaction between glutathione (GSH) and alkali (Li+, Na+, K+), or alkaline earth metal (Be2+, Mg2+, Ca2+), or group IIIA (Al3+) cations were studied using quantum chemical density functional theory. The characteristics of the interactions between GSH and the metal cations at different nucleophilic sites of GSH were examined selecting systematically, both mono- and multi-coordinating were taken into account. The results indicated that the heteroatom of GSH, the radius and charge of metal ion, and the coordination number of the metal cation with the ligand played important roles in determining the stability of these complexes. Moreover, the intramolecular hydrogen migration in GSH could be promoted by the metal cations during coordination reaction. Furthermore, the Al3+ cation might catalyze the decarboxylation reaction and stimulate the formation of covalent bond between S atom and adjacent O atom of GSH.