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Glutathion

Glutathione · GSH · Reduced Glutathione · Master Antioxidant

Longevity & Biohacking
Einheit:
mmol/L
Abbreviation
GSH

Glutathione (GSH) levels in the blood, reflecting antioxidant capacity and redox balance.

Reference Ranges

Reference
0.5–5mmol/L
0.5
1
3
5
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · mmol/L

Reference ranges may vary based on laboratory and population. No standardized range universally accepted.

Overview

Übersicht

Glutathione (GSH), also known as reduced glutathione, is a tripeptide composed of glutamine, cysteine, and glycine. It functions as a critical antioxidant within the body, participating in cellular redox reactions to maintain oxidative balance. GSH plays a vital role in detoxifying xenobiotics, protecting protein thiols from oxidation, and regulating the cell cycle. Clinically, GSH is significant due to its involvement in reducing oxidative stress and enhancing immune function. Researchers have found that altered GSH levels are associated with various conditions, including schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease, where oxidative stress is a contributing factor. In the context of longevity and biohacking, GSH is valued for its potential to mitigate age-related oxidative damage, thereby supporting cellular health and longevity. Athletes and biohackers may focus on optimizing GSH levels to enhance recovery and performance. However, researchers observed that GSH levels can be influenced by factors such as age, diet, and environmental toxins. Time-of-day variations and fasting states may also affect GSH measurements, necessitating standardized testing conditions to ensure accurate assessments.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated GSH levels may indicate enhanced antioxidant capacity, while reduced levels can suggest oxidative stress or impaired detoxification processes.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising GSH levels suggest improved antioxidant capacity. Re-test in 6 months to confirm stability.

Falling Values

Falling GSH levels may indicate increased oxidative stress or impaired synthesis.

Re-test Interval

6 months if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Supplementation
  • Diet rich in sulfur-containing foods
  • Reduced oxidative stress
  • Increased detoxification demand
Cause

Low Levels

  • Oxidative stress
  • Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., cysteine)
  • Chronic disease
  • Aging
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular exercise
  • Stress management
  • Adequate sleep
Lever

Nutrition

  • Consume cruciferous vegetables
  • Increase intake of sulfur-rich foods
  • Maintain a balanced diet
Lever

Supplementation

  • N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
  • Alpha-lipoic acid
  • Glutathione supplements

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Testing Guidelines

✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive

GSH levels may fluctuate throughout the day; morning samples recommended.

Testing Frequency

Annually for health monitoring; more frequently if managing specific health conditions.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent intense exercise
  • Dietary intake of antioxidants

Related Peptides & Hormones

Glutathione Peroxidase

Correlated with

hormone or peptide

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that reference ranges for glutathione (GSH) levels in various populations, particularly in relation to specific diseases like schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease, remain debated. Researchers have not yet established optimal GSH targets for different clinical contexts or identified all potential confounders affecting GSH measurements. Additionally, unanswered clinical questions include the precise role of GSH dysregulation in the heterogeneity of schizophrenia and its predictive value for the onset of Parkinson's disease.

44 Research Publications

1,080

Total Citations

9

Human/RCT

4.4

Avg. Influence

2018

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

Molecular mechanisms and potential clinical significance of S-glutathionylation.

ReviewInfluence12.0
309
Researchers explored the molecular mechanisms of protein S-glutathionylation, which involves the reversible binding of glutathione to proteins. They noted its potential role in various diseases, including cataracts and Alzheimer's, emphasizing the need for further investigation into its clinical significance.
View on PubMed
#02

Glutathione redox imbalance in brain disorders.

ReviewInfluence11.0
224
This review summarized evidence linking glutathione redox imbalance to various brain disorders. Researchers found that glutathione depletion is associated with neurodegenerative diseases and may serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and treatment strategies.
View on PubMed
#03

Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione.

HumanInfluence3.0
120
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores in healthy adults. They found that glutathione levels in blood and other compartments increased significantly after supplementation, indicating its bioavailability and potential to reduce oxidative stress.
View on PubMed
#04

Glutathione Peroxidase GPX1 and Its Dichotomous Roles in Cancer.

ReviewInfluence4.0
107
Researchers reviewed the role of glutathione peroxidase GPX1 in cancer. They found that GPX1 has complex roles in tumor biology and may serve as a potential biomarker for cancer risk, though its associations remain controversial.
View on PubMed
#05

Glutathione as a Redox Biomarker in Mitochondrial Disease-Implications for Therapy.

ReviewInfluence1.0
76
Researchers discussed the importance of glutathione as a redox biomarker in mitochondrial diseases. They found that measuring glutathione levels could aid in evaluating mitochondrial dysfunction and guide the development of new therapies.
View on PubMed
#06

An Update on Glutathione's Biosynthesis, Metabolism, Functions, and Medicinal Purposes.

ReviewInfluence2.0
68
This review examined glutathione's role in physiological processes, highlighting its importance in antioxidant defense, detoxification, and immune regulation. Researchers found that maintaining proper glutathione levels is essential for health and may aid in treating age-related disorders.
View on PubMed
#07

In Vivo Brain GSH: MRS Methods and Clinical Applications.

In VitroInfluence1.0
52
This study focused on in vivo brain glutathione measurement using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Researchers aimed to establish normal GSH concentrations in different brain areas, which could aid in understanding neurological disorders and GSH's role as a biomarker.
View on PubMed
#08

Glutathione dynamics in subcellular compartments and implications for drug development.

ReviewInfluence1.0
27
Researchers reviewed the dynamics of glutathione in subcellular compartments and its implications for drug development. They highlighted the importance of understanding GSH regulation in various organelles to inform therapeutic strategies targeting intracellular GSH levels.
View on PubMed
#09

Plasma Glutathione and Prodromal Parkinson's Disease Probability.

Human
24
This study examined the association between plasma glutathione levels and the risk of prodromal Parkinson's disease. Researchers found that higher plasma glutathione levels were linked to a slower increase in the probability of developing Parkinson's disease over time.
View on PubMed
#10

Microsomal glutathione transferase 1 in cancer and the regulation of ferroptosis.

Review
20
This review focused on microsomal glutathione transferase 1 (MGST1) and its role in cancer and ferroptosis. Researchers highlighted MGST1's protective functions against oxidative stress and its potential implications in cancer progression and therapeutic responses.
View on PubMed

Clinical Trials (13)

13

Total Trials

1,161

Total Enrolled

Intestinal Ischemia Biomarker in Patients With Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia

NCT06468774RECRUITING
Sponsor

Oslo University Hospital

Enrollment

180

Started

2024

Primary outcome

Plasma alpha Glutathione S transferase

Chronic Mesenteric IschemiaMedian Arcuate Ligament SyndromeCrohn DiseaseCholelithiasis

The Impact of Oral Glutathione on Oxidative Damage and Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

NCT06313164COMPLETED
Sponsor

S.LAB (SOLOWAYS)

Enrollment

217

Started

2023

Primary outcome

Сhanged glutathione (GSH) levels in erythrocyte hemolysate change in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 Diabetes

Honey Consumption, Oxidative Stress and Health

Sponsor

University of Thessaly

Enrollment

20

Started

2023

Primary outcome

Change in glutathione concentration of erythrocytes

Oxidative Stress

Sideritis Supplementation, Oxidative Stress and Health

NCT05729659COMPLETED
Sponsor

University of Thessaly

Enrollment

30

Started

2023

Primary outcome

Change in glutathione concentration

Oxidative StressLipidemia

Assessment of N-Acetylcysteine as Therapy for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

NCT04542161Phase 2ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Sponsor

Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Enrollment

95

Started

2020

Primary outcome

Change in GSH levels of treatment response: measure 1

Chronic Fatigue SyndromeMyalgic Encephalomyelitis

Bioavailability of PRUVIN® and Its Effects in Healthy Subjects (INDIGO)

NCT05041179COMPLETED
Sponsor

Société des Produits Nestlé (SPN)

Enrollment

128

Started

2019

Primary outcome

Total reduced glutathione

Oxidative Stress

Alpha-Glutathione-S-Transferase (AlphaGST) and MARINA Index in Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated-Steatotic-Liver-Disease (MASLD)

NCT05804955COMPLETED
Sponsor

University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli

Enrollment

260

Started

2017

Primary outcome

Alpha-Glutathione-S-Transferase (alpha GST) prediction of advanced fibrosis

Fatty Liver

Pharmacological Treatment of a Rare Genetic Disease: N-acetylcysteine in Myopathy Associated Selenoprotein N-related Myopathy (SEPN1-RM)

NCT02505087Phase 2/3TERMINATED
Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrollment

7

Started

2015

Primary outcome

Ratio of reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione in blood erythrocytes.

Selenoprotein N-related Myopathy

Vitamin B-6 and Glutathione on Inflammation, Homocysteine, Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Capacities

Sponsor

Taichung Veterans General Hospital

Enrollment

25

Started

2014

Primary outcome

Oxidative stress marker (MDA concentation)

Liver CirrhosisLiver Cancer

The Effects of Obesity on Glutathione Levels in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis Before and After Periodontal Therapy

NCT02498561Phase 1COMPLETED
Sponsor

Figen ÖNGÖZ DEDE

Enrollment

60

Started

2013

Primary outcome

Biochemical parameters (GSH and GSSG levels, GSH/GSSG ratio )

Obesity

Effect of Undenatured Cysteine-Rich Whey Protein Isolate (HMS 90®) in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

NCT01662414Phase 4COMPLETED
Sponsor

Chulalongkorn University

Enrollment

38

Started

2011

Primary outcome

Biomarkers of oxidative stress, i.e., plasma glutathione (reduced and oxidized forms), urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and urinary total antioxidant status

Parkinson DiseaseParkinsonian DisordersBasal Ganglia DiseasesBrain DiseasesCentral Nervous System DiseasesNervous System DiseasesMovement DisordersNeurodegenerative Diseases

Oral Glutathione Supplementation on the Levels of Blood Glutathione

NCT01044277COMPLETED
Sponsor

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Enrollment

61

Started

2010

Primary outcome

Evaluation of the effect of glutathione on key biomarkers

Healthy Adults

Treating Oxidative Stress in Children With Autism

NCT00692315COMPLETED
Sponsor

Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute

Enrollment

40

Started

2006

Primary outcome

Glutathione redox status (GSH/GSSG)

Autistic Disorder

Publication Trend

Research publications about Glutathion over time

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