N-Acetylcysteine--a safe antidote for cysteine/glutathione deficiency

Kondala R Atkuri, John J Mantovani, Leonard A Herzenberg, Leonore A Herzenberg, Kondala R Atkuri, John J Mantovani, Leonard A Herzenberg, Leonore A Herzenberg

Abstract

Glutathione (GSH) deficiency is associated with numerous pathological conditions. Administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a cysteine prodrug, replenishes intracellular GSH levels. NAC, best known for its ability to counter acetaminophen toxicity, is a safe, well-tolerated antidote for cysteine/GSH deficiency. NAC has been used successfully to treat GSH deficiency in a wide range of infections, genetic defects and metabolic disorders, including HIV infection and COPD. Over two-thirds of 46 placebo-controlled clinical trials with orally administered NAC have indicated beneficial effects of NAC measured either as trial endpoints or as general measures of improvement in quality of life and well-being of the patients.

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