home > articles > additional usages > glutathione, reduced (gsh) monograph
Glutathione Articles - Additional Usages
Glutathione, Reduced
(GSH) Monograph
Thorne Research, Inc
Alt Med Review. 2001.Vol 6;No 6; 601-607.
>
download full text
version as PDF
INTRODUCTION
Reduced glutathione, most commonly called glutathione or GSH, is a relatively small molecule ubiquitous in living systems. Occurring naturally in all human cells, GSH is a water-phase orthomolecule. Its intracellular depletion ultimately results in cell death and its clinical relevance has been researched for decades.
GSH is the smallest intracellular thiol (–SH) molecule. Its high electron-donating capacity (high negative redox potential) combined with high intracellular concentration (millimolar levels) generate great reducing power. This characteristic underlies its potent antioxidant action and enzyme cofactor properties, and supports a complex thiol-exchange system, which hierarchically regulates cell activity.
GSH levels in human tissues
normally range from 0.1 to 10 millimolar (mM), most concentrated in the
liver (up to 10 mM) and in the spleen, kidney, lens, erythrocytes, and
leukocytes. Plasma concentration is in the micromolar range (approx. 4.5
μM). Oxidative stressors that can deplete GSH include ultraviolet and other
radiation; viral infections; environmental toxins, household chemicals, and
heavy metals; surgery, inflammation, burns, septic shock; and dietary
deficiencies of GSH precursors and enzyme cofactors.
Glutathione Experts | What is Glutathione (GSH)?
| Glutathione Articles |
GSH FAQs
| GSH & Diseases |
Contact
