Glutathione (cellular) (GSH)

Glutathione is a non-protein tripeptide (composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine) that functions as the major endogenous antioxidant in cells[2][3][6]. It maintains cellular redox balance by directly scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), detoxifying harmful substances, and serving as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidases[1][6]. Cellular glutathione is compartmentalized, most abundantly found in the cytosol and mitochondria, and its concentration is critical for protection against respiration-induced ROS, regulation of cellular metabolism, and apoptosis[2][3][4]. Depletion of glutathione leads to increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death, and is implicated in numerous diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease[2][3][4][6].

Other names

Reduced glutathioneGSHL-γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine

Antioxidant action via reduction and scavenging of ROS; Cofactor for glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzymes that reduce hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂); Regulation of apoptosis via mitochondrial pathways and caspase activation