Glutathione - Educational material

Glutathione occurs naturally in our bodies to protect cells from harmful substances. In our cells, it can exist in two forms: reduced (glutathione) and oxidised (GSSG), with the reduced form being the most common and accounting for more than 98% of all glutathione in our body. Most of this glutathione (approximately 80-85%) is stored in the main part of our cells, known as the cytosol. About 10-15% is found in the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, while a small portion is also found in the endoplasmic reticulum, the part of the cell involved in protein and fat production [1, 2].

A deficiency of glutathione (GSH) in the body can lead to health complications. This can occur with age or due to certain diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, immune disorders or cancer. When glutathione is deficient, our body becomes more susceptible to harmful substances, which worsens health. Therefore, scientists are investigating ways to increase the amount of glutathione in our bodies. One such way is through supplements or certain foods. For example, cysteine, vitamins B, C, E, alpha-lipoic acid, selenium and certain vegetables and green tea can be helpful. Direct ingestion of glutathione can also be done orally (poor absorption), by injecting Glutathione tad 600 into the muscle or by drip into a vein [1, 2].

Glutathione tad 600 injection introduces the glutathione molecule, which plays a key role in many processes in the body. The small molecule Glutathione tad 600 (glutathione) is made up of three components - glutamate, cysteine and glycine. It helps to maintain balance in our body's chemical reactions and alleviate harmful oxidative stress. It achieves this by eliminating toxic substances from both inside and outside the body [1, 2].

Role of glutathione tad 600 (glutathione)

Glutathione tad 600 acts as a protection for cells against harmful substances. These harmful substances are generated internally, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) - unstable molecules that can cause damage to our cells, while others come from the environment, including pollutants and heavy metals. Endogenous Glutathione or Glutathione tad 600 protects us primarily in two ways. Firstly, it directly neutralises these harmful substances, rendering them harmless. Secondly, it helps our body to eliminate them by facilitating their excretion through the kidneys. Furthermore, Glutathione tad 600 supports enzymes in our cells that are integral to the removal of harmful substances [1, 2].

Glutathione also plays a key role in the recycling of vitamins C and E in our bodies. These vitamins serve as important antioxidants, protecting our cells from damage, and glutathione helps to rejuvenate them, enabling their continued function in protecting cells. Essentially, glutathione is a critical molecule that works in many ways to protect our cells from damage. Therefore, maintaining healthy glutathione levels may be one way to protect our cells from damage caused by harmful molecules [1, 2].

In addition to its role as an antioxidant and detoxifier, glutathione is involved in several other important processes in our cells. These include the proper formation of proteins, protecting certain parts of proteins from unwanted changes, breaking down certain types of proteins, managing the life cycle and growth of the cell, assisting in vitamin C metabolism and overseeing certain cell death processes [1, 2].

How does Glutathione tad 600 (Glutathione) benefit the liver?

Glutathione, or Glutathione tad 600, is a cornerstone for optimal liver health. It acts as a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in detoxification and immunity processes. The liver, which is the main detoxification organ in the human body, contains high concentrations of glutathione. This molecule plays a key role in neutralising harmful toxins, metabolising fats and proteins and strengthening the liver.

Studies in rats have shown that glutathione can potentially play a protective role during liver transplantation. The study showed that intravenous administration of glutathione during the critical reperfusion period, when blood flow is restored to the liver, significantly reduced liver damage. Furthermore, the elevated blood levels of glutathione also suggested its effectiveness as an antioxidant in neutralising harmful substances produced during reperfusion. Given its protective effect and low toxicity, glutathione may be a beneficial addition to liver transplantation procedures [3].

In another study investigating the effects of glutathione during reperfusion, glutathione significantly reduced liver cell damage and improved survival rates. When administered during blood flow restoration, glutathione was able to restore almost all blood flow in the liver and reduced the adhesion of immune cells to liver blood vessels, thus preventing inflammation and damage. As glutathione is well tolerated by humans, this approach could potentially be used in liver surgery to prevent damage [4].

Furthermore, studies have also shown that glutathione plays a role in neutralising harmful substances such as bromobenzene, thereby preventing liver damage. In the presence of sufficient glutathione, bromobenzene can be neutralised before it causes damage, demonstrating that the availability of glutathione is crucial in preventing liver damage from harmful substances [5]. Preliminary studies also suggest that glutathione may be beneficial in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A number of small-scale studies have shown promising results, including reduced liver cell damage and improved liver health [6].

Besides, another study focusing on the prevention of kidney damage caused by contrast dyes used in medical imaging showed that glutathione injection was more effective in preventing damage than oral administration of N-acetylcysteine. This suggests that glutathione may be a better treatment option to protect the kidneys from damage by contrast dyes [7].

Role of glutathione tad 600 (glutathione) in detoxification of the body

Glutathione acts as a detoxifier, especially when it comes to harmful substances or toxins. A study on rats showed that when their natural glutathione was depleted, they experienced more severe damage from a toxin called MCLR. The study clearly showed that lower glutathione levels make body tissues more susceptible to such toxins. In essence, glutathione is essential to help the body eliminate harmful substances [8].

In addition, glutathione helps to break down reactive peroxides and detoxify other harmful compounds. It even helps convert some harmful substances (known as endogenous carbonyls, such as methylglyoxal and formaldehyde) into a form that can be more easily broken down and removed by other detoxifying enzymes [9].

In addition, some studies have shown that glutathione plays a key role in protecting cells from the toxicity of certain metals, such as selenite and cadmium. In conclusion, glutathione's role in detoxification is fundamental to maintaining overall health [10].

The role of glutathione tad 600 (Glutathione) in supporting immunity

Recent research has illuminated the role of glutathione in controlling cellular function, a phenomenon known as 'redox regulation'. Previously, oxidation-related changes were considered detrimental, but it is now understood that such changes can have a regulatory effect on cellular activity. Glutathione, initially viewed solely as an antioxidant, is now recognised as a signalling molecule that helps to control cellular function even in the absence of oxidative stress [11]. This immunoregulatory role of glutathione is still being investigated and has implications for various diseases. In patients with tuberculosis, glutathione levels have been observed to be lower than normal in certain blood cell types. Treatment with N-acetylcysteine, a substance that promotes glutathione production, has been shown to better control TB infection. The treatment also reduced the levels of certain substances involved in inflammation and the immune response, thereby increasing the body's ability to fight TB infection. Thus, glutathione plays a key role in both cellular regulation and the immune response [12].

Why is glutathione injection (Glutathione tad 600) or intravenous administration a better option than oral administration? Why are injections better than oral supplementation?

To understand why injectable glutathione may be more effective than oral glutathione, it is useful to know a little about how our bodies process it. When glutathione is taken orally, our bodies quickly break it down, reducing the amount that can be used by our cells. Imagine pouring water on a sponge - the water (or glutathione in this case) is absorbed, but much of it also runs off and is not used. This is what happens when we take Glutathione orally [13].

On the other hand, when glutathione, such as Glutathione tad 600, is injected directly into the bloodstream, it bypasses this rapid breakdown process and is more readily available to our cells. It is like introducing a direct supply line to our cells, which can be particularly useful when glutathione levels in the body are low [13].

Studies with mice have shown that intravenous administration of glutathione can significantly increase glutathione levels in the liver, an important organ of detoxification, within hours. This is not the case when glutathione is taken orally. Furthermore, the liver, spleen and kidneys, all critical organs in our bodies, can absorb a significant amount of injected glutathione, further emphasising its potential benefits. Thus, while oral glutathione may be useful, injected glutathione appears to be more effective in increasing glutathione levels in our bodies, especially in critical organs such as the liver [13].

Glutathione and paracetamol toxicity

Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is a very popular painkiller and antipyretic. Sometimes, if a person takes too much, it can lead to serious health problems, including potential death.

In a study involving genetically modified mice, researchers found that having more of certain protective enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the plasma, helped these mice resist the harmful effects of acetaminophen overdose. The study also showed that injecting normal mice with glutathione peroxidase helped protect them from a lethal dose of acetaminophen [14].

In another study, mice were given a noxious dose of paracetamol (300 mg/kg) and then 1.5 hours later given GSH or NAC (0.65 mmol/kg). After 6 hours, the researchers found that both therapies helped to reduce the liver damage caused by acetaminophen. GSH was more effective, reducing damage by 82% compared to NAC's 46%. GSH treatment also helped the liver regain energy levels and the ability to process harmful substances more quickly [15]. These results suggest the potential of using glutathione as a form of treatment for acetaminophen overdose.

Alcohol and the risk of glutathione deficiency

People who consume large amounts of alcohol over a long period of time are at greater risk of liver damage and drug poisoning. This may be because their bodies either convert more of the drug into a harmful by-product, or because their bodies are less able to neutralise this harmful by-product.

In the study, researchers found that heavy drinkers had lower levels of glutathione in their blood, both before and after taking paracetamol. Glutathione helps the body neutralise harmful substances. It was also found that people with alcohol-induced liver damage had lower liver glutathione levels, suggesting that consuming large amounts of alcohol may reduce the body's ability to neutralise the harmful by-product of paracetamol and other drugs [16]. Furthermore, liver diseases, such as alcoholic hepatitis, can reduce the amount of a helpful molecule called glutathione in liver cells. This can reduce the liver's ability to detoxify or remove harmful substances. In some studies, administration of high doses of glutathione directly into the bloodstream of these patients improved some indicators of liver health (such as SGOT, SGPT, GTT levels) [17]. Thus, glutathione may be useful in the treatment of liver diseases such as alcoholic hepatitis.

How does glutathione reduce the side effects of chemotherapy in cancer treatment?

Despite some controversy surrounding the use of glutathione during cancer treatment, a limited number of studies have highlighted its protective role against the side effects of chemotherapy. Glutathione (GSH) plays a significant role in minimising the side effects of chemotherapy, particularly those caused by cisplatin and taxanes, which are important treatments for various cancers. Cisplatin, a key chemotherapeutic agent, works by attaching to the DNA in cancer cells, causing damage that leads to cell death. However, this process can also damage non-cancerous tissues, leading to side-effects that negatively affect a patient's quality of life. One common side effect is neurotoxicity, characterised by damage to peripheral nerves and can range from mild tingling to severe sensory disturbances, often requiring cisplatin treatment to be discontinued. However, glutathione binds to cisplatin via the enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST), helping to remove cisplatin from cells and potentially reducing its harmful effects. The effectiveness of this process may vary depending on genetic differences in GST in individuals, which may affect their response to chemotherapy and the likelihood of side effects such as peripheral neuropathy.

Interestingly, while exogenous glutathione may reduce cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity, high doses may inversely increase it. Additionally, taxanes, another class of chemotherapy drugs, cause toxicity through oxidative stress, against which glutathione and GST offer a protective mechanism. Studies, including a meta-analysis, have shown that concomitant administration of glutathione with chemotherapy can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of peripheral neuropathy in patients treated with cisplatin and oxaliplatin. These findings suggest the potential of glutathione as a neuroprotective agent in chemotherapy, indicating the need for larger studies to confirm its efficacy and establish it as a standard part of cancer treatment regimens.[18]

Means of administration and dosage of Glutathione tad 600?

Glutathione can be administered by direct intramuscular injection - in which case the entire vial (600mg) is dissolved in 4ml or 5ml of water and injected into the buttock. This is a quick and simple solution, but the downside is that such injections can be painful.

An alternative is to administer glutathione by drip - simply dissolve a vial of glutathione in water and add to 250 ml of saline. Vitamin c and solcoseryl are often added to such a drip to enhance the effect, but this is not necessary. This method of administration is the most recommended.

There is a third method of administration - direct intravenous injection. It is not officially recommended because glutathione given quickly (in a few seconds) especially in people with a severe glutathione deficiency can cause a temporary feeling of heaviness on the lungs, which then passes. However, it is the easiest and least painful method of administration. It is usually used by people who have already taken glutathione many times and who respond well to it. Such people are often forced to take glutathione once or twice a day for a month due to hepatitis, for example, in which case a direct intravenous injection performed by oneself is the easiest. In this method, the contents of the vial are dissolved in 5ml of sterile water, the solution is drawn into a 5ml syringe and an insulin needle is inserted. The injection can be self-injected, e.g. into a vein on the leg near the ankle. Administration of glutathione in this way should take about 5 minutes. Some people add 5ml of saline to the 5ml glutathione solution for extra safety.

Dosage varies according to the target. In cases of acute hepatitis, one to two vials per day are administered for about 30 days. In the case of mild intoxication or a heavily catered party, 2 vials of glutathione spread over 2 days can be used at a time. As a prophylactic measure to remove toxins from the body, approximately one vial is used every 2 weeks.

How to increase glutathione levels?

There are several potential methods to increase glutathione levels in our cells. This can be achieved by directly introducing glutathione into the body, for example by intravenous infusion, intramuscular injection or by using glutathione precursors such as N-acetylcysteine.

By manipulating glutathione metabolism, we can help our bodies to manage a variety of conditions, such as poisoning, diabetes, kidney failure, severe infections, lung inflammation, heart disease, cancer and immune deficiencies. Therefore, maintaining healthy glutathione levels could potentially be a valuable complementary approach to treating these conditions.

Disclaimer

This article is written to educate and raise awareness of the substance discussed. It is important to note that the substance discussed is a substance and not a specific product. The information contained in the text is based on available scientific studies and is not intended as medical advice or to promote self-medication. The reader is advised to consult a qualified health professional for all health and treatment decisions.

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