Glutathione

metabolite · digestive · Oral · IV · Inhaled

Glutathione, a metabolite. γ-Glu-Cys-Gly tripeptide synthesized by γ-GCS (rate-limiting) and GS. Donates electrons via cysteine thiol in… Oral half-life 0.2 h.

γ-Glu-Cys-Gly tripeptide synthesized by γ-GCS (rate-limiting) and GS. Donates electrons via cysteine thiol in GPX-catalyzed peroxide reduction, oxidizing to GSSG; regenerated by GR using NADPH. Central cofactor for phase-II conjugation (GSTs), electrophile detox, and maintaining protein thiol redox state. Oral free GSH is largely hydrolyzed; NAC is the preferred cysteine delivery precursor for raising intracellular GSH.

Pharmacokinetics

• Oral — t½ 10 min · F 2% · Vd 17.5 L
• IV — t½ 10 min · F 100% · Vd 17.5 L

Sources: PMID:1907548, PMID:24791752