title: [Anti-inflammatory efficacy of N-acetylcysteine and therapeutic usefulness].
abstract: N-acetylcyteine (NAC) is a thiol containing compound which by providing Sulfhydryl groups, can act both as a precursor or reduced glutathione and as a direct scavenger of reactive oxygen species. By regulation the redox status in cells, it can interfere with several signaling pathways that play a role in regulation apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell growth, nuclear transcription and cytokine production. In humans NAC had been proven to improve idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), various forms of alveolitis and to avoid hepatoxic effects of paracetamol and paraquate through binding these compounds enabling biliary excretion. Overall, the anti-inflammatory action of NAC is well documented in vitro as well as in vivo. This review summarizes the biochemical effects of NAC and hints proven and likely diseases where NAC have or might have a beneficial effect.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Lungen- und Bronchialmedizin, Klinikum Kassel. adrian.gillissen@klinikumkassel.de
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gillissen
mesh_terms: D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001168:Arthritis / Q000188:drug therapy; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005100:Expectorants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000188:drug therapy; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D005100:Expectorants; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D000111:Acetylcysteine