Potential use of glutathione as a treatment for Parkinson's disease

Abstract

The quality of the included articles was assessed using the bias risk assessment tool of the Cochrane systematic evaluator manual (version 5.1.0). Pooled analysis of the relevant data was performed using RevMan 5.3 software and subgroup analysis was performed to determine the impact of the dosage (300 vs. 600 mg) on the outcome measures. A total of seven randomized controlled trials involving 450 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the present study indicated a statistically significant difference between the GSH and control groups, in terms of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III [standard mean difference (SMD),-0.48; 95% CI,-(0.88-0.08); P= 0.02] and GSH peroxidase (SMD, 1.88; 95% CI, 0.52-3.24; P= 0.007). However, the differences in the UPDRS I (SMD,-0.04; 95% CI,-0.25-0.16; P= 0.70) and UPDRS II (SMD, 0.03; 95% CI,-0.17-0.24; P=0.77) score and in side effects were not statistically significant between the groups. Subgroup analyses revealed that the dosage (300 vs. 600 mg) was an influencing factor for UPDRS III. The present study demonstrated that GSH may mildly improve motor scores in PD, but not at the expense of increased adverse events.

Health consequences of improving the content of ergothioneine in the food supply

“…For example, ERGO and GSH are maintained at high levels in erythrocytes likely due to their ability to maintain haemoglobin in its active and reduced form. Also, both ERGO and GSH have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease [14,15] and Parkinson's disease [16][17][18]; these effects have been targeted for the development of potential therapeutic strategies [19].…”

Evidence for Oxidative Pathways in the Pathogenesis of PD: Are Antioxidants Candidate Drugs to Ameliorate Disease Progression?

“…Furthermore, MDS-UPDRS scores increased in four of the five PD patients treated with oral NAC, a worsening of clinical parameters which the authors suggested may have occurred due to drug-drug interactions between NAC and other PD medications, such as amantadine [87]. A recent meta-analysis, which considered both intranasal and intravenous administration of GSH identified a statistically significant increase in glutathione peroxidase levels as well as an improvement in section III, the motor examination component of the under the revised MDS-UPDRS criteria [88]. Interestingly, the authors also performed a subgroup analysis [88] which found that 300 mg/d GSH was more effective than 600 mg/d in reducing MDS-UPDRS III scores.…”

“…A recent meta-analysis, which considered both intranasal and intravenous administration of GSH identified a statistically significant increase in glutathione peroxidase levels as well as an improvement in section III, the motor examination component of the under the revised MDS-UPDRS criteria [88]. Interestingly, the authors also performed a subgroup analysis [88] which found that 300 mg/d GSH was more effective than 600 mg/d in reducing MDS-UPDRS III scores. However, there is significant variation in both the dose and method of administration in clinical trials of GSH and further research is necessary to investigate both the optimal treatment strategy as well as to confirm any clinical benefit identified.…”

Comprehensive Transcriptome Profiling of Antioxidant Activities by Glutathione in Human HepG2 Cells

“…It has garnered significant attention for its potent antioxidant properties since it acts as a detoxifier of free radicals and helps regulate ROS balance [ 14 , 15 ]. Numerous studies show the effectiveness of GSH in neurones, skin, and other tissues [ 16 , 17 ]. Notably, GSH has promising effects in liver diseases [ 18 ].…”