Cellular and clinical implications of glutathione.

Abstract

abundant intracellular thiol compound present in virtually all mammalian tissues -• Functions of GSH in reductive processes are essential for the synthesis and also degradation of proteins, formation of the deoxyribonucleotid precursors of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), regulation of enzymes, and protection of the cells against reactive oxygen species and free radicals produced even in normal metabolism•. By its multifunctional properties GSH attracts the interest of researchers in various subjects such as enzyme mechanisms, biosynthesis of macromolecules, intermediary metabolism, drug metabolism, radiation, cancer, oxygen toxicity, transport, immunology, endocrinology, environmental toxins, aging and exercise·-. Most of the new information about GSH biochemistry is produced with selective inhibitors of the enzymes involved in GSH turnover. Selective modulation of GSH metabolism also makes new therapeutic approaches possible• Glutathione metabolism still looks promising to scientists in cell biology and exercise physiology thanks to its central role in the antioxidant defense and modulation by specific inhibitors for experimental purposes. In addition, glutathione may have clinical importance since enzyme deficiencies of the glutathione metabolism may cause haemolytic anemia and neurologic symptoms in children· ' 11 and