Glutathione = GSH (reduced form)
Oxidized glutathione = GSSG
GSH/GSSG ratio = key indicator of cellular redox state
-Neutralizes H₂O₂ and lipid peroxides
-Maintains redox homeostasis
Most cancers show:
-Elevated GSH levels
-Increased GSH synthesis and recycling
-High GSH/GSSG ratio
This supports:
-Survival under oxidative stress
-Resistance to chemotherapy and radiation
-Detoxification of drugs (e.g., irinotecan, cisplatin)
-Cancer cells often develop a “GSH addiction”.
Natural Products Affecting GSH
Compound Effect
Curcumin ↓ GSH in cancer cells
Sulforaphane Transient NRF2 activation → later depletion
Resveratrol Disrupts GSH recycling
Quercetin Consumes GSH during detox
Selenium compounds Dose-dependent: support GPX or induce redox stress
High-dose Vitamin C Depletes GSH via ROS overload
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