Glutathione, also referred to as GSH, is an endogenous
A tripeptide consisting of glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid. It is usually present in the liver at a concentration of 10 mmol L-1. It is an integral part of the bioconversion of isobiomass to protect the body from reducing agents. Glutathione binding (facilitated by the glutathione transferase family) contributes to detoxification by binding electrophiles that may bind to proteins or nucleic acids, resulting in cell damage and genetic mutations. The existence of truly specific binding sites for GSH in the central nervous system has been reported, which meets the main requirement for treating GSH as a neurotransmitter, among other functions.
Glutathione is made up of three amino acids – cysteine, glutamate and glycine. Glutathione is found in the diet and is also synthesized in the body. Heavy metals and fat-soluble toxins are the main binding substrates of glutathione, making them soluble in water for renal excretion. Glutathione is one of the most potent antioxidants in the body. Overactivity of liver activity at stage I depletes glutathione, exposing the organism to toxin damage. Glutathione is found in fruits, vegetables, fish and meat, and the main promoter of glutathione synthesis is vitamin C.
Glutathione is the main antioxidant in the lens and is found in foods such as Onions, garlic, avocados, cruciferous vegetables, asparagus and watermelon. Glutathione and its boosters are mercaptan compounds that scavenge free radicals. These glutathione enhancers include L-cysteine, lipoic acid and methyl sulfonyl methane. Glutathione also retains proteolytic enzymes in cortical lens fibers. In studies in the late 1960s, mature cataracts extracted were shown to contain very low levels of glutathione and ascorbic acid; This finding is thought to represent a second aspect of cataract formation. In retrospect, this defect appears to be a primal event that can be managed through nutrition.
Glutathione has been reported to have a protective effect on human RPE cell damage. Glutathione is produced by the liver with the proper intake of amino acids and sulfur-containing foods. This underrated water-soluble compound acts as an antioxidant and regenerator of vitamin E and carotenoids, as well as intracellular enzymes. Since glutathione hydrolyzes in the stomach, glutathione enhancers are recommended. The following have been found to increase glutathione: N-acetylcysteine, 600 mg twice daily; Methanosulfonyl methane, 1000 mg, qd; S-adenosine methionine (SAMe), 200 mg twice daily; And alpha-lipoic acid, 250 milligrams twice daily.