Glutathione in health and disease: pharmacotherapeutic issues.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current research and importance of glutathione (GSH) therapy in health and disease and to provide a basic overview of the widespread use and interest in this compound.


METHODS
Articles were obtained via a MEDLINE search of the term glutathione in conjunction with specific disease states mentioned, and via extensive review of references found in articles identified by computer search.


METHODS
Emphasis was placed on the most recent research, human research, and in discussing multiple disease states.


METHODS
The literature was reviewed for methodology, quality, and practical aspects of interest to clinical pharmacists.


RESULTS
GSH is a tripeptide of extreme importance as a catalyst, reductant, and reactant. It continues to be investigated in diverse areas such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, toxicology, AIDS, aging, oncology, and liver disease. Despite the widespread clinical interest in GSH, we were not able to identify an in-depth review of this compound in the pharmacy literature.


CONCLUSIONS
The list of potential indications for modulation of GSH is extensive and broad. This review introduces clinicians to what GSH is, its basic chemistry, and some areas of active research.
Lomaestro
B M
BM
Department of Pharmacy, Albany Medical Center, Hospital, NY 12208, USA.
Malone
M
M
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology; D000931:Antidotes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005978:Glutathione / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D000931:Antidotes; D005978:Glutathione