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COVID-19 and Glutathione: A Critical Relationship

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Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world, leaving a profound impact on healthcare systems and economies. Among the most vulnerable populations are the elderly and those with co-morbidities. These individuals are more likely to develop severe forms of the disease, or even succumb to infection. A central question remains: what underlying biological factors make these people more vulnerable?

Extensive research has highlighted the crucial role of redox homeostasis and oxidative stress in immune response and susceptibility to infection. In particular, glutathione, a potent endogenous antioxidant, appears to play a key role in determining the individual response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

In this article, we explore the hypothesis that glutathione deficiency is a major predisposing factor to the severe manifestations of COVID-19. This hypothesis, supported by solid scientific evidence, offers new prospects for the treatment and prevention of this disease.

Glutathione: A master antioxidant

Glutathione is a tripeptide made up of three amino acids: glutamine, cysteine and glycine. It is present in every cell of the human body and plays an essential role in maintaining the redox balance.

The main function of glutathione is to neutralise reactive oxygen species (ROS), harmful molecules produced during cellular metabolism. ROS can damage proteins, lipids and DNA, contributing to the development of various diseases.

Glutathione synthesis and metabolism are regulated in a complex way by a variety of factors, including nutritional status, hormones and environmental factors.

The link between Glutathione and COVID-19

Recent studies have shown that infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to a decrease in glutathione levels in lung cells and other tissues. This decrease is associated with increased oxidative stress, which may contribute to inflammation, impaired lung function and other serious complications of COVID-19.

In addition, several studies have reported an association between glutathione deficiency and severe forms of COVID-19. Patients with severe forms of the disease often have lower glutathione levels than patients with mild forms.

Several mechanisms could explain the link between glutathione deficiency and the severity of COVID-19. For example, glutathione may play a role in regulating the immune response and preventing thrombus formation, two important factors in the development of severe forms of the disease.

Glutathione as a therapeutic target

Given its crucial role in the response to COVID-19, glutathione could be a promising therapeutic target. Several strategies can be envisaged to increase glutathione levels in the body.

Glutathione supplementation is one potential option. However, the oral bioavailability of glutathione is limited. Modified forms of glutathione, such as S-acetylglutathione, may be more effective.

Other approaches could include stimulating endogenous glutathione synthesis by administering precursors such as cysteine and glycine. In addition, certain pharmacological agents can increase glutathione levels by inhibiting its catabolism.

The safety and efficacy of glutathione supplementation for the treatment of COVID-19 have yet to be evaluated in controlled clinical trials. However, the preliminary data are encouraging.

Conclusion

Glutathione is an essential antioxidant that plays a crucial role in the response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Glutathione deficiency is associated with severe forms of COVID-19, suggesting that this molecule could be a promising therapeutic target.

Further research is needed to assess the efficacy and safety of glutathione supplementation for the treatment of COVID-19. However, the current data suggest that glutathione could offer new prospects for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Reference

Endogenous Deficiency of Glutathione as the Most Likely Cause of Serious Manifestations and Death in COVID-19 Patients https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32463221/

Note

This article is based on a scientific study published in 2020, 1 year before the appearance of the new nanosupplements using Neumi's molecular encapsulation technology.

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