GLUTATHIONE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE - PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC ISSUES

OBJECTIVE: To review the current research and importance of glutathion e (GSH) therapy in health and disease and to provide a basic overview of the widespread use and interest in this compound. DATA IDENTIFICATI ON: Articles were obtained via a MEDLINE search of the term glutathion e in conjunction with specific disease states mentioned, and via exten sive review of references found in articles identified by computer sea rch. STUDY SELECTION: Emphasis was placed on the most recent research, human research, and in discussing multiple disease states. DATA EXTRA CTION: The literature was reviewed for methodology, quality, and pract ical aspects of interest to clinical pharmacists. DATA SYNTHESIS: GSH is a tripeptide of extreme importance as a catalyst, reductant, and re actant. It continues to be investigated in diverse areas such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, toxicology, AIDS, aging, oncology, and liver disease. Despite the widespread clinical interest in GSH, we we re not able to identify an in-depth review of this compound in the pha rmacy literature. CONCLUSIONS: The list of potential indications for m odulation of GSH is extensive and broad. This review introduces clinic ians to what GSH is, its basic chemistry, and some areas of active res earch.