glutathionspiegels

Glutathionspiegels refer to the amount of glutathione, the principal intracellular antioxidant, in body tissues and fluids. Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of glutamate, cysteine and glycine. Most cellular glutathione is in the reduced form (GSH); when it neutralizes reactive species it is oxidized to GSSG. The GSH/GSSG ratio is commonly used as an indicator of cellular redox status. Glutathione is synthesized inside cells, mainly in the liver, via a two-step pathway dependent on cysteine availability.

Measurement of glutathione can be done in blood or tissue samples. Plasma levels and red blood cell levels may diverge from intracellular stores, and sample handling affects results. Analytical methods include high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with derivatization and LC-MS/MS, or validated spectrophotometric assays for GSH and GSSG.

Levels are influenced by age, nutrition, disease and oxidative stress. Low glutathione status is associated with aging and conditions such as liver disease, chronic infections, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and heavy alcohol use. Adequate intake of sulfur-containing amino acids, especially cysteine, supports synthesis.

Strategies to modify glutathione status include supplementation with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or, in some formulations, oral glutathione or liposomal preparations; evidence for oral glutathione is mixed. The clinical interpretation of results should consider methodology and the underlying health context.