ABSTRACT
Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant low molecular weight thiol-containing compound in living cells. GSH functions principally in the detoxification of electrophilic compounds and as a reductant of peroxides. 1 It is probably the ubiquitous distribution and versatile nature of GSH that have obscured its functional significance and potential for therapeutic applications for so long. 2 GSH has now been documented to protect cells against a variety of cytotoxic prooxidants and free radical generators and to maintain a number of cellular molecules in their functionally active forms. 3 Impaired GSH status is being implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases and degenerative conditions, especially those associated with free radical injury.
