The imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses determines a state known as oxidative stress. Higher levels of pro-oxidants compared to antioxidant defenses may generate oxidative damage, which, in turn, may lead to modifications in cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA, reducing functional capacity and increasing the risk of diseases. Nevertheless, the clearance of harmful reactive chemical species is achieved by the antioxidant defense systems. These protection systems are referred to as the first and second lines of defense and comprise the classic antioxidants, enzymatic and nonenzymatic defenses, including glutathione. This book presents and discusses the advancement of research on health and diseases and their underlying mechanisms, exploring mainly aspects related to the glutathione antioxidant system.

The complex roles of glutathione and sulfur amino acids in human health Glutathione (γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, GSH) is a major antioxidant acting as a free radical scavenger that protects the cell from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Sulfur amino acids (SAAs), such as methionine and cysteine, play a critical role in the maintenance of health. GSH depletion as well as alterations of SAA metabolism are linked to a host of disease states including liver cirrhosis, various pulmonary diseases, myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury, aging, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, sepsis, and others. This book provides researchers with a comprehensive review of the biochemistry, absorption, metabolism, biological activities, disease prevention, and health promotion of glutathione and sulfur amino acids. The twenty-two chapters explore such topics as: Chemistry, absorption, transport, and metabolism of GSH and sulfur amino acids Antioxidant and detoxification properties of GSH and sulfur amino acids, highlighting the enzymatic systems involved in antioxidant defenses Biological activities of GSH and sulfur amino acids and their role in modulating cell processes Role of GSH and sulfur amino acid deficiency and alteration in the onset of diseases and in aging Protective effects exerted by GSH and sulfur amino acids when used as drugs, functional foods, and nutraceuticals in humans and animals Special attention is paid to the molecular mechanisms for the modulation of transcription factors and enzyme activities, as well as the nutritional and therapeutic significance of dietary sulfur amino acids as shown in human and animal models. With more than 2,000 scientific references, this book provides food scientists, nutritionists, biochemists, food technologists, chemists, molecular biologists, and public health professionals with a comprehensive and up-to-date examination of glutathione and sulfur amino acids in human health and disease.

Ward off life-threatening disease and symptoms of aging with this guide to boosting your levels of glutathione (GSH), the "master antioxidant." The body has a remarkable ability to ward off disease and heal itself--and it does it with the help of the most important antioxidant you've never heard of: glutathione (GSH), the "master antioxidant." This indispensable molecule--which we make ourselves--holds the key to immunity, vitality, and lifelong health, helping to flush out toxins, fight DNA-damaging free radicals, and rebuild other essential antioxidants like Vitamins C and E. It's been linked to longevity in centenarians, and it protects against diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. It plays a role in lesser ailments too: low glutathione levels could be the culprit behind your fatigue, aches, and pains. At the forefront of the latest GSH research, Dr. Nayan Patel shares all the information you need to boost your glutathione levels, revitalize your body, and transform your life with this naturally-occurring super antioxidant. In The Glutathione Revolution, he addresses the most important questions about GSH: What exactly is glutathione? What happens when your GSH levels are low? What diseases does GSH ward off? How can you naturally increase the amount of GSH your cells produce? What foods should you eat--and not eat? What are the safest and most effective GSH supplements? With a wealth of practical information and three easy, accessible action plans that you can tailor to your own life and health concerns, you too can harness the power of glutathione.

Reduced glutathione (GSH) is the most important thiol in living organisms. It is the key component of antioxidant system and serves as a free radical scavenger. There is a cycle of GSH in biological systems and this cycle provides higher intracellular levels of GSH. GSH depletion and apparent oxidative stress may cause toxicity and can affect the general well-being of the organism. GSH was shown to be preventive against aging, cancer, heart disease, infections and dementia. This book is mainly focused on GSH in health and disease. The readers will gain qualified scientific knowledge on the diverse functions of GSH, the importance of GSH status against oxidative stress and the interaction between GSH and nervous system-related infections from this book.

The goal of this text is to focus readers attention on three major areas; the origin and localization of GSH in the nervous system; the multiple effects of GSH on neural health activity; and the potential for alterations on GSH status to lead to neurological damage of the type observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders. The text also touches upon the additional roles of the antoxidant GSH, including possible neurotransmitter action, redox modulation of ionotropic receptor function, and neuroprotection against exicitoxic actions of glutamate.

Through nutritional supplements, individual treatment plans, and delicious recipes designed to boost GSH in the bloodstream, Dr. Alan H. Pressman helps you battle allergies, arthritis, asthma, cancers, cataracts, chronic fatigue syndrome, digestive problems, heart disease, HIV, hyperactivity, infections, jet lag, mood swings, muscle pain, skin problems, weight gain, and much more.

Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds found in a wide variety of foods. Daily requirements of vitamin E can be met with a balanced diet. High-dose supplementation may be hazardous rather than beneficial. Vitamin E serves as an antioxidant, participates in anti-inflammatory processes, inhibits platelet aggregation, and enhances immunity. Vitamin E supplementation can be beneficial against coronary artery disease, eye disorders, cognitive decline, cancer, and skin aging. This book will mainly focus on the diverse functions of vitamin E, importance of vitamin E status to provide a healthy lifespan, and the interaction between vitamin E and several pathological conditions. Readers will receive a general overview of the importance of vitamin E in health and different pathological conditions.

Glutathione Centennial: Molecular Perspectives and Clinical Implications is a collection of papers presented at the international symposium by the same titles, held in Osaka, Japan on December 1-4, 1988. This symposium concentrates on the developments is glutathione field, especially those related to molecular and clinical problems. This book is organized into five parts encompassing 30 chapters. Part I deals with the metabolic regulation, thermodynamic and kinetic properties, and enzyme regulation of glutathione. Part II examines the gene expression and molecular mechanism of glutathione-related enzymes, while Part III explores the association between carcinogenesis, xenobiotic compounds, and glutathione. Part IV highlights the clinical implications of glutathione, particularly its effect on vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage and experimental hepatitis. Part V discusses the mechanism and regulation of biological transport of glutathione. This book will be of great value to glutathione enthusiasts and to many scientists in the brad fields of biology and medicine, and to their students.

Focusing on the practical use of N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) in medicine, this book provides a comprehensive review of the basic biological and clinical studies documenting its benefits in treating medical disease. NAC is perhaps best known as an antidote for acetaminophen, but its therapeutic effect in a wide range of medical diseases has recently been realized. In addition to its well recognized use in radiological contrast prophylaxis for renal disease and pulmonary disorders, studies have suggested significant promise in psychiatric and neurological disorders such as addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, ataxia, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, epilepsy, neuropathy, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury and trichotillomania in addition to promising studies in audiology, cardiology, exercise physiology, gastroenterology, hematology, infectious disease, infertility and ophthalmology. Given the promising studies for a wide range of medical conditions, coupled with a excellent safety profile, the potential for NAC in the treatment of human disease appears considerable. Dr Leonore A Herzenberg from Stanford University, a pioneer of redox physiology and the use of NAC, provides a succinct history of the development of the therapeutic use of NAC for medical disease. This is followed by a series of basic science chapters outlining the role of NAC in important physiological processes, including modulation of dopamine and glutamate neurotransmitter systems, redox and mitochondrial metabolism, apoptosis and inflammation. The last section of the book is dedicated to clinically oriented chapters that comprehensively review the literature on medical disorders in which NAC has been found to be effective, including toxicity and cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, psychiatric, pulmonary and renal disorders. Each chapter reviews the theoretical biological mechanisms of NAC for the specific diseases reviewed, rates the clinical studies using a standardized criteria in order to provide an objective level of evidence and grade of recommendation for the use of NAC for specific medical conditions and outlines the ongoing clinical trials examining NAC for the treatment of specific diseases. Final chapters review the clinical evidence verifying that specific theoretical biological mechanisms are actually being targeted by NAC in medical disease. Studies on the pharmacology, formulation and potential adverse effects of NAC are also reviewed. A final chapter synthesizes the clinical studies to suggest that the effectiveness of NAC may signal a new basic physiological disorder, glutathione deficiency, which may be an important pathophysiological mechanism of many diseases.