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Updated: Sep 11, 2025

Spectrophotometric Screening for Potential Inhibitors of Cytosolic Glutathione S-Transferases
Published on: October 10, 2020
Modulation of Glutathione-S-Transferase by Phytochemicals: To Activate or Inhibit-That Is the Question
Irina Anna-Maria Stoian1, Adelina Vlad2, Marilena Gilca1
1Department of Functional Sciences I/Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are crucial phase II detoxification enzymes. Plant compounds can activate or inhibit GSTs, offering potential benefits for detoxification and cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are versatile phase II detoxification enzymes.
- GSTs metabolize xenobiotics and endogenous compounds, playing a key role in cellular protection.
- GSTs exhibit diverse enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of plant-derived compounds in modulating GST activity and expression.
- To investigate the potential of GST activators and inhibitors in detoxification and cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on GSTs and phytochemical interactions.
- Analysis of enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions of GSTs.
- Exploration of therapeutic applications of GST modulators.
Main Results:
- Plant-derived compounds can significantly influence GST activity and expression levels.
- GST activators show promise for enhancing detoxification of toxic substances.
- GST inhibitors may serve as adjuvant therapies for drug-resistant cancers.
Conclusions:
- Phytochemicals represent a promising avenue for modulating GST-mediated detoxification pathways.
- Targeting GSTs with plant compounds offers potential therapeutic strategies for toxic exposures and cancer treatment.
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