GLUTATHIONE METABOLISM IN CROHNS-DISEASE

A statistically significant decrease of glutathione (GSH) and an incre ase of GSH disulfide (GSSG) both in healthy and ill ileum of patients with Crohn's disease in comparison with the controls (without this pat hology) is demonstrated. However, the lowering of these levels was mor e remarkable in ill ileum in which high levels of GSSG were detected, too. These alterations may be in part explained by the changes obtaine d in GSH-related enzyme levels. Finally, considering the results that others and we obtained by studies on GSH oral absorption in rat intest ine, an oral therapy of GSH in Crohn's disease is suggested. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.