Mechanism of Glutathione Action

GSH, a crucial intracellular regulatory metabolite, serves as both a cofactor for glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase and a coenzyme for glyoxalase and triose dehydrogenase. It participates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glucose metabolism, and activates various enzymes, such as sulfhydryl (SH) enzymes and coenzymes, thereby promoting carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. The GSH molecule is characterized by its reactive sulfhydryl (-SH) group, a key functional group that participates in numerous important biochemical reactions, protecting the sulfhydryl groups of key enzymes and proteins from oxidation and inactivation, thereby ensuring energy metabolism and cellular utilization. Furthermore, through its sulfhydryl groups, GSH can directly reduce free radicals to acidic substances, accelerating their excretion and counteracting free radical damage to vital organs. Haddad et al. found that GSH is involved in the regulation of lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine transcription and the I-κB/NF-κB signaling pathway. Armstrong et al. found that decreased GSH levels are a potential early activation signal for apoptosis, with the subsequent generation of oxygen free radicals promoting cell apoptosis.