Cancer Terms

Glutathione

Cancer Terms -> Drugs and Chemicals -> Pharmacologic Substance -> Protective Agent -> Antioxidant -> Glutathione

Glutathione Definition

A tripeptide comprised of three amino acids (cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine) present in most mammalian tissue. Glutathione acts as an antioxidant, a free radical scavenger and as a detoxifying agent. Glutathione is also important as a cofactor for the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, in the uptake of amino acids and participates in leukotriene synthesis. Under the influence of glutathione S-transferase, glutathione can react with a number of harmful products, such as halides, epoxides and free radicals, to form harmless inactive products. In erythrocytes, these reactions prevent oxidative damage by reduction of methemoglobin and peroxides. Glutathione is also involved in the formation and maintenance of disulfide bonds in proteins and in transport of amino acids across cell membranes.

Glutathione Synonyms

Glutathione, GLUTATHIONE, GSH, N-(N-L-gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl)glycine, Reduced Glutathione

Terms in Glutathione category



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