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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
03:35
Rapid Quantification of Oxidized and Reduced Forms of Glutathione Using Ortho -phthalaldehyde in Cultured Mammalian Cells In Vitro
Published on: June 28, 2024
Cell proliferation, reactive oxygen and cellular glutathione
Regina M Day1, Yuichiro J Suzuki
1Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799, USA. rday@usuhs.mil
Summary
Low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) promote cell growth, while high levels induce cell death. Understanding ROS signaling in cell proliferation is key to its hormetic effects.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cellular activities are modulated by the redox environment.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) exhibit a biphasic effect on cell proliferation: low concentrations stimulate growth, while high concentrations induce apoptosis or necrosis.
- The mechanisms underlying ROS-mediated cell growth at low concentrations are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the signaling pathways involved in the proliferative response to low levels of ROS.
- To elucidate the role of cellular redox modulation in the hormetic effects of ROS on cell growth.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at varying concentrations.
- Measuring intracellular glutathione levels.
- Assessing DNA binding activity toward the antioxidant response element.
Main Results:
- Low levels of exogenous H2O2 up-regulate intracellular glutathione.
- Low levels of exogenous H2O2 activate DNA binding activity toward the antioxidant response element.
- These findings suggest a link between cellular redox modulation and ROS-induced cell growth.
Conclusions:
- The hormetic effect of ROS on cell growth may involve the modulation of the cellular redox environment.
- Regulation of cellular glutathione levels appears to be a key component of this hormetic effect.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the signaling pathways activated by low ROS concentrations.
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