Clinical significance of the glutathione-conjugating system

Glutathione displays important functions in living cells of many species, human included. Apart from its direct antioxidative activity, which supports the maintenance of the reduced state of proteinthiols, and its possible role in amino acid transport across membranes, it appears to exert several detoxification functions. These include the conjugation of electrophilic compounds and the reduction of H2O2 and lipid hydroperoxides. Disorders in GSH synthesis and metabolism are known and produce hemolysis in the first place. Little data exist concerning GSH and the GSH-dependent enzymes involved in its various functions in normal and diseased human tissues. The aim of this review is to stimulate research in this area.