Glutathione role in antioxidant protection and in functioning of biotransformation system

Glutathione is a unique peptide contained not only in the cells of all eukaryotic organisms but in many prokaryotes as well. Unlike other peptides generated by the matrix synthesis or posttranslational modification, it has its own metabolic pathway. This substance plays a crucial role in cell metabolism, participating directly as a main player in maintenance of the redox status, in the processes of detoxification of xenobiotics of endo- and exogenous origin or acts as a substrate for a number of biotransformation enzymes. Age-related changes, stimulation of immune reactions, development of acute and chronic diseases are associated with GSH synthesis. In particular, almost all major human diseases are accompanied by variability in the level of GSH and oxidative status in the cells. The purpose of this review is to summarize accumulated knowledge on the properties of GSH and generalize glutathione participation in different protective reactions.