Glutathione in the treatment of liver diseases: insights from clinical practice.
Liver diseases markedly contribute to the global burden of mortality and morbidity. The pathogenesis of alcohol- and non-alcohol-induced liver diseases is complex, and many factors have been described to contribute to the progressive loss of liver functions, including the over-generation of reactive oxygen species. Glutathione (GSH) is the most important low-molecular-weight antioxidant synthesized in cells, as it is a reducing molecule which can react to oxygen species by neutralizing the unpaired electrons that make them highly reactive and dangerous. ROS over-production impairs the intracellular GSH homeostasis, leading to GSH deficiency, a pathophysiological hallmark in alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases.Judging on the basis of the evidence obtained from experimental research and previous clinical studies, GSH administration seems to be a promising strategy to recover oxidative stress-induced liver damages in alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases.
Department of Gastroenterology, Cisanello Hospital, Pisa, Italy - lu.giacomelli6@gmail.com.
Rodolfo
R
Sacco
Roberto
R
Eggenhoffner
Luca
L
Giacomelli
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005978:Glutathione / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D008108:Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / Q000188:drug therapy; D065626:Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000975:Antioxidants; D005978:Glutathione