Glutathione and glutathione-dependent enzymes: From biochemistry to gerontology and successful aging.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing mechanistic and observational literature without systematic review methodology
PubMed 37683986 · doi:10.1016/j.arr.2023.102066
What was done
This narrative review synthesizes the biochemistry, metabolism, and physiological roles of glutathione (GSH) and GSH-dependent enzymes (including glutathione peroxidases, glutathione transferases, and peroxiredoxins). It details pathways of GSH synthesis (glutamate cysteine ligase and glutathione synthase) and degradation (gamma-glutamyl cycle and ChaC family), examines age-related changes in GSH homeostasis, and discusses therapeutic interventions to enhance GSH levels in humans, including precursor supplementation with N-acetylcysteine and glycine.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative data, effect sizes, or numerical comparisons. It reports qualitatively that tissue GSH concentrations generally decline during aging because of impaired biosynthesis, leading to cellular dysfunction. Conversely, it notes that elevated or preserved GSH levels are observed in elderly populations with excellent physical and cognitive status, and reviews strategies to restore GSH defenses to promote healthy aging.
Why it matters
It provides a unified overview connecting cellular glutathione biochemistry and enzymatic redox defense systems to the biology of aging and prospective translational supplementation strategies.
Limits
As a narrative review, it lacks systematic search methodology, study selection criteria, risk-of-bias assessments, and quantitative data synthesis. The abstract presents no numerical findings, clinical trial metrics, or safety and efficacy endpoints for human supplementation strategies, and observed associations between higher glutathione levels and healthy aging remain correlational.
Cited by
- supports Consuming leafy greens and supplementing with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can support glutathione production and detoxification.
- supports Supplementing with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and eating leafy greens supports glutathione production and detoxification.
- supports N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation supports glutathione production and detoxification.
- supports Eating leafy greens and supplementing with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can support glutathione production and detoxification.