Nonenzymatic, self-elimination degradation mechanism of glutathione.
In the present in vitro studies, evidence is provided showing that glutathione (GSH) can undergo spontaneous, nonenzymatic auto-degradation. The initial cleavage of the Glu-Cys bond involves nucleophilic attack of the N-terminal amino group of GSH at the gamma-carbonyl side chain, followed by an unusual cleavage of the Cys-Gly amide bond that is complete within 3-5 weeks in the physiological pH range. These observations may be useful for the development of novel biodegradable polymers and releasable prodrugs for sustained and targeted drug delivery applications.
Department of Pharmaceutics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
Manjeet
M
Deshmukh
Hilliard
H
Kutscher
Stanley
S
Stein
Patrick
P
Sinko
D002853:Chromatography, Liquid; D005978:Glutathione / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D013058:Mass Spectrometry
D005978:Glutathione