Glutathione synthesis is compromised in erythrocytes from individuals with HIV.
We demonstrated that the levels of enzymes responsible for the synthesis of glutathione (GSH) such as glutathione synthase (GSS), glutamate-cysteine ligase-catalytic subunit (GCLC), and glutathione reductase (GSR) were significantly reduced in the red blood cells (RBCs) isolated from individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and this reduction correlated with decreased levels of intracellular GSH. GSH content in RBCs can be used as a marker for increased overall oxidative stress and immune dysfunctions caused by HIV infection. Our data supports our hypothesis that compromised levels of GSH in HIV infected individuals' is due to decreased levels of GSH-synthetic enzymes. The role of GSH in combating oxidative stress and improving the functions of immune cells in HIV patients' indicates the benefit of an antioxidant supplement which can reduce the cellular damage and promote the functions of immune cells.
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CA, USA.
Devin
D
Morris
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CA, USA.
Judy
J
Ly
Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CA, USA.
Po-Ting
PT
Chi
Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CA, USA.
John
J
Daliva
Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CA, USA.
Truongson
T
Nguyen
Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CA, USA.
Charleen
C
Soofer
Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CA, USA.
Yung C
YC
Chen
Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CA, USA.
Minette
M
Lagman
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CA, USA.
Vishwanath
V
Venketaraman
GCL; GSR; GSS; HIV; glutathione