The Science of Glutathione1
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Glutathione (GSH)
is a small molecule found in almost every cell. It cannot enter
most cells directly and therefore must be made inside the cell, from
its three constituent amino acids: glycine, glutamate and cysteine.
The rate at which glutathione can be made depends on the
availability of cysteine, which is relatively scarce in
foodstuffs. Furthermore, the cysteine molecule has a
sulfur-containing portion which gives the whole glutathione molecules
its “biochemical activity”, i.e. Its ability to carry out the following vitally important functions:
Firstly, glutathione is the major antioxidant produced by the cell, protecting it from ‘free radicals’ (oxygen radicals, oxyradicals). These Highly reactive substances, if left unchecked, will damage or destroy key cell components (e.g. Membranes, DNA) in microseconds. Oxyradicals are generated in many thousand mitochondria located inside each cell, where nutrients like glucose are burnt using oxygen to make energy. (Mitochondria can be thought of as the batteries that provide the power for the cells to operate). Oxyradicals also come from pollutants , from UV radiation and as other sources. In addition, glutathione recycles other well know antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, keeping them in their active state.
Secondly, glutathione is a very important detoxifying agent,
enabling the body to get rid of undesirable toxins and
pollutants. It forms a soluble compound with the toxin that can
then be excreted through the urine or the gut. The liver and kidneys contain high levels of glutathione as they have the greatest exposure to toxins. The lungs
are also rich in glutathione partly for the same reason. Many
cancer producing chemicals, heavy metals, drug metabolites etc. Are
disposed of in this way.
Thirdly, glutathione plays a crucial role in maintaining the normal balance between oxidation and anti-oxidation. This, in turn, regulates many of the cell’s vital functions, such as the synthesis and repair of DNA, the synthesis of proteins and the activation of regulation of enzymes.
Fourthly, glutathione is required in may of the intricate steps needed to carry out an immune response. For example, it is needed for the lynphocytes to multiply in order to develop a strong immune response, and for ‘killer’ lymphocytes to be able to kill undesirable cells such as cancer cells or virally infected cells.
The importance of glutathione cannot be overstated. It has multiple roles as indicated and, indeed, as one examines each systems or organ more closely, the necessity for glutathione becomes increasingly evident. Glutathione values decline with age and higher values in older people are seen to correlate with better health, underscoring the importance of this remarkable substance for maintaining a healthy, well-functioning body.
1. by Patricia A.L. Kongshavn, Ph.D.
Reference - Lomaestro B. Malone M. Glutathione Health and disease: Pharmacotherapeutic Issue, Ann Phamacother 29: 1263-73.1995.