What effect does glutathione supplementation have on immune function?

 

HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is one of the leading causes of death in the world. AIDS is a progressive disease of the human immune system characterized by a decrease in CD4+ T lymphocytes caused by infection with the HIV virus. Researchers found that HIV-positive individuals exhibit reduced GSH levels, which leads to increased viral replication and increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, further contributing to the high mortality rate in HIV patients.

Researchers studied the role of glutathione in the pathophysiology and treatment of HIV and HIV-related diseases.

1. Glutathione plays a vital role in regulating the functions of various immune cells.

Glutathione (GSH) is a powerful antioxidant that is found in all mammals and is primarily synthesized in the liver. Its protective effects include neutralizing oxygen free radicals, maintaining mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA, chelating heavy metals such as mercury, regenerating vitamins C and E, regulating apoptotic pathways, and acting as a cofactor enzyme for antioxidants. Low glutathione levels lead to increased inflammation and free radical production, as well as disrupting a coordinated immune response, disrupting cell-mediated immunity and impairing the ability to fight infection.

2. Maintaining glutathione levels is integral to metabolic health

GSH improves inflammatory status through various macrophages and neutrophils, most of which involve improvements in reactive oxygen species or reactive nitrogen pathways.

Studies have shown that increasing GSH levels can reduce inflammation and slow the decline in CD4+ T cell counts in HIV-positive individuals. GSH supplements may have potential therapeutic value in managing infections and enhancing immune responses.

This literature review explores the important role of GSH in the immune system of HIV-infected individuals and suggests that GSH supplementation may have potential benefits in improving immune responses and treating HIV-related diseases in HIV-infected individuals.

references:

[1] Lin N, Erdos T, Louie C, Desai R, Lin N, Ayzenberg G, Venketaraman V. The Role of Glutathione in the Management of Cell-Mediated Immune Responses in Individuals with HIV. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Mar 3 ;25(5):2952. doi: 10.3390/ijms25052952. PMID: 38474196; PMCID: PMC10932396.

[2] Ly J, Lagman M, Saing T, Singh MK, Tudela EV, Morris D, Anderson J, Daliva J, Ochoa C, Patel N, Pearce D, Venketaraman V. Liposomal Glutathione Supplementation Restores TH1 Cytokine Response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in HIV-Infected Individuals. J Interferon Cytokine Res. 2015 Nov;35(11):875-87. doi: 10.1089/jir.2014.0210. Epub 2015 Jul 2. PMID: 26133750; PMCID: PMC4642835.

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