Glutathione and Sulfur Amino Acids in Human Health and Disease (PDF)

The complex roles of glutathione and sulfur amino acids in human
health

Glutathione (gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, GSH) is a
major antioxidant acting as a free radical scavenger that protects
the cell from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Sulfur amino acids
(SAAs), such as methionine and cysteine, play a critical role in
the maintenance of health. GSH depletion as well as alterations of
SAA metabolism are linked to a host of disease states including
liver cirrhosis, various pulmonary diseases, myocardial ischemia
and reperfusion injury, aging, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's
disease, sepsis, and others. This book provides researchers with a
comprehensive review of the biochemistry, absorption, metabolism,
biological activities, disease prevention, and health promotion of
glutathione and sulfur amino acids.

The twenty-two chapters explore such topics as:

* Chemistry, absorption, transport, and metabolism of GSH and
sulfur amino acids

* Antioxidant and detoxification properties of GSH and sulfur
amino acids, highlighting the enzymatic systems involved in
antioxidant defenses

* Biological activities of GSH and sulfur amino acids and their
role in modulating cell processes

* Role of GSH and sulfur amino acid deficiency and alteration in
the onset of diseases and in aging

* Protective effects exerted by GSH and sulfur amino acids when
used as drugs, functional foods, and nutraceuticals in humans and
animals

Special attention is paid to the molecular mechanisms for the
modulation of transcription factors and enzyme activities, as well
as the nutritional and therapeutic significance of dietary sulfur
amino acids as shown in human and animal models.

With more than 2,000 scientific references, this book provides
food scientists, nutritionists, biochemists, food technologists,
chemists, molecular biologists, and public health professionals
with a comprehensive and up-to-date examination of glutathione and
sulfur amino acids in human health and disease.