Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 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
Glutathione biochemistry in asthma
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nutrim School for Nutrition, Toxicology and Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands. n.reynaert@pul.unimaas.nl
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|February 2, 2011
Summary
Asthma involves oxidative stress, with elevated glutathione (GSH) levels in lungs and blood acting as an adaptive response. Altered GSH-related enzymes in asthmatics may impact immune responses and disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Oxidative stress is a key feature of asthma.
- Glutathione (GSH), the primary lung antioxidant, is extensively studied in this context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of glutathione (GSH) biochemistry in asthma.
- To explore alterations in GSH levels and related enzymes in asthmatic patients and animal models.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data, animal studies, and cell culture research on GSH in asthma.
- Summary and discussion of findings related to GSH metabolism and antioxidant enzymes.
Main Results:
- Increased GSH levels are observed in lung and blood samples of asthma patients, indicating an adaptive response to oxidative stress and systemic inflammation.
- Alterations in enzymes crucial for maintaining the GSH/GSSG ratio and utilizing GSH are noted in asthmatics.
- Few studies have directly linked these enzymatic changes to GSH levels or correlated them with asthma severity.
Conclusions:
- Elevated GSH in asthma reflects an adaptive response to oxidative stress and systemic inflammation.
- Dysregulation of the GSH redox equilibrium may influence immune responses and contribute to asthma pathogenesis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the link between GSH biochemistry, enzymatic alterations, and disease severity.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Phase II Reactions: Glutathione Conjugation and Mercapturic Acid Formation
Glutathione, a tripeptide made up of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, is a critical player in the detoxification of drugs and xenobiotics via a process known as glutathione conjugation or mercapturic acid formation. This phase II biotransformation reaction involves the covalent binding of glutathione to a drug or its metabolite, enhancing the compound's water solubility and enabling its excretion.
Several distinctive characteristics distinguish glutathione conjugation from other phase II...
Several distinctive characteristics distinguish glutathione conjugation from other phase II...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:20Sulfur Assimilation
Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to become...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...