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The Role of Glutathione and Its Precursors in Type 2 Diabetes

Dawn Tuell1, George Ford1, Evan Los1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.

Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 24, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Glutathione (GSH) and its precursors, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and glycine (GLY), show promise in managing type 2 diabetes (T2D) by combating oxidative stress. Further research in children is crucial for early intervention against T2D complications.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Endocrinology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health issue, with rising rates of prediabetes in children.
  • Oxidative stress (OxS) is implicated in T2D development and progression.
  • Glutathione (GSH), a major antioxidant, and its precursors (NAC, GLY) are being investigated for T2D management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms linking GSH and its precursors to T2D and OxS.
  • To evaluate the in vivo effects of GSH/NAC/GLY on T2D progression, including hyperglycemia.
  • To highlight the need for pediatric research in T2D prevention and intervention.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on GSH, NAC, GLY, T2D, and oxidative stress.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms connecting these factors.
  • Evaluation of clinical trial data, with a focus on potential pediatric applications.

Main Results:

  • GSH and its precursors demonstrate potential in mitigating T2D through antioxidant pathways.
  • These supplements may modulate hyperglycemia and other pro-oxidant factors driving T2D.
  • Existing research predominantly focuses on adults, indicating a gap in pediatric data.

Conclusions:

  • GSH and its precursors (NAC, GLY) offer a promising therapeutic avenue for T2D and associated oxidative stress.
  • Early intervention strategies targeting pediatric populations are essential for long-term T2D prevention.
  • Further investigation into the efficacy and safety of these supplements in children is warranted.

Keywords:
N-acetyl-L-cysteineglutathioneglycineoxidative stressprediabetesreactive oxygen speciestype 2 diabetes

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