Impact of Supplementary Amino Acids, Micronutrients, and Overall Diet on Glutathione Homeostasis

Abstract

Glutathione (GSH) is a critical endogenous antioxidant found in all eukaryotic cells. Higher GSH concentrations protect against cellular damage, tissue degeneration, and disease progression in various models, so there is considerable interest in developing interventions that augment GSH biosynthesis. Oral GSH supplementation is not the most efficient option due to the enzymatic degradation of ingested GSH within the intestine by γ-glutamyltransferase, but supplementation of its component amino acids—cysteine, glycine, and glutamate—enhances tissue GSH synthesis. Furthermore, supplementation with some non-precursor amino acids and micronutrients appears to influence the redox status of GSH and related antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, lowering systemic oxidative stress and slowing the rate of tissue deterioration. In this review, the effects of oral supplementation of amino acids and micronutrients on GSH metabolism are evaluated. And since specific dietary patterns and diets are being prescribed as first-line therapeutics for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, the impact of overall diets on GSH homeostasis is also assessed.

Hepatoprotective and Anti-Oxidative Effects of Total Flavonoids From Qu Zhi Qiao (Fruit of Citrus Paradisi cv.Changshanhuyou) on Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis In Vivo and In Vitro Through Nrf2-ARE Signaling Pathway

“…, 2009;Zhang et al, 2017). r-GCS encodes a catalyzer for the synthesis of Glutathione which acts as an intracellular antioxidant (Gould and Pazdro, 2019). Thus, up-regulation of Nrf2 and its target genes could decrease ROS generation and keep oxidant/antioxidant balance.…”

Defatted Tenebrio molitor Larva Fermentation Extract Modifies Steatosis, Inflammation and Intestinal Microflora in Chronic Alcohol-Fed Rats

“…Hepatic GSH depletion above 20% has been observed to impair the cellular antioxidant defenses against ROS and causes hepatic injury [ 54 , 55 ]. A previous study showed that the supplementation of cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid increased the GSH level [ 56 ]. In the current study, the increase in GSH content is believed to be influenced by the amino acids contained in MWF.…”

Antioxidant Activity with Increased Endogenous Levels of Vitamin C, E and A Following Dietary Supplementation with a Combination of Glutathione and Resveratrol Precursors

“…Previous studies demonstrated that the metabolic pathways that lead to the generation of glutathione can be boosted by dietary supplementation with its precursors [18]. To the best of our knowledge however the potential synergy between the increase of sirtuin activity induced by resveratrol, as well as its precursor polydatin, and reduced glutathione (GSH) have not yet been reported.…”

“…To overcome this limitation, different approaches have been attempted, including delivering glutathione by liposomes [17]. Thus far, the most effective approach has been shown to be the induction of endogenous synthesis of glutathione through dietary supplementation of its precursors [18].…”