title: Decreased cysteine and glutathione levels: possible determinants of liver toxicity risk in Ghanaian subjects.
abstract: Cysteine, methionine, vitamin A, beta-carotene and glutathione (GSH) are known to protect body tissues against oxidative damage and inflammation but their value as protection against liver inflammation in tropical areas has received little attention. Blood levels of these nutrients were measured in Ghanaian volunteers with (Group 2) or without (Group 1) increased lipid peroxidation and signs of liver inflammation, as indicated by blood malonic dialdehyde, serum alpha 1-antitrypsin and triglyceride levels, and the alpha 1-acid glycoprotein:pre-albumin ratio. Serum levels of cysteine and blood glutathione were significantly lower (P < 0.02) in group 2 than in group 1 volunteers. In contrast, serum levels of methionine, vitamin A and beta-carotene were similar in both groups. Deficits in cysteine and glutathione may increase the risk of liver toxicity from oxidants in Ghanaians.
authors.affiliation: Chemical Pathology Unit, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon.
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Ankrah
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rikimaru
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Ekuban
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Addae
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000097:blood; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000097:blood*; D003545:Cysteine / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana; D005978:Glutathione / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000097:blood; D008715:Methionine / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood; D019207:beta Carotene
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D015415:Biomarkers; D019207:beta Carotene; D014801:Vitamin A; D002338:Carotenoids; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D008715:Methionine; D005978:Glutathione; D003545:Cysteine