Study on Glutathione in DS

Another study showing the decreased levels of Glutathione in DS. Reduced levels therefore mess with the whole antioxidant system. There's then more SOD (due to overexpresssion in DS) and excess hydrogen peroxide, creating increased oxidative stress. When the Glutathione levels are reduced it is not able to combat the free radicals and excess hydrogen peroxide. The full text of the study (which can be seen at a link at the bottom of the abstract) is really interesting - full of information, for those who like to read this stuff that can be brain-racking at times ;).

The redox state of glutathione in erythrocytes of individuals with Down syndrome.

Muchova J, Garaiova I, Sustrova M, Liptakova A, Blazicek P, Kvasnicka P, Durackova Z.

Institute of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia. jana.muchova@fmed.uniba.sk

BACKGROUND: The redox state of glutathione has been used as indicator for the redox environment of the cell. OBJECTIVES: To investigate relationships between the redox environments, the SOD activity, total antioxidant status and the oxidation stress markers production (MDA and lipofuscin). METHODS: Individuals with Down syndrome and age-matched healthy controls were enrolled into a study. Some parameters of oxidative stress in serum were determined: reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione, redox potential of this couple (Eh), activity of superoxide dismutase in the red blood cells as well as malondialdehyde and lipofuscin. RESULTS: In the group of persons with DS statistically significant decrease in the GSH concentration was found, however, no differences in the GSSG concentration versus controls was observed. The redox potential values for couple GSH/GSSG are a statistically significantly increased in DS individuals compared to controls. CONCLUSION: In this study we highlighted the different ways of view at the role of GSH in metabolism of persons with DS. It is useful to look at the GSH and GSSG concentrations separately as well as at redox potential value, which influence total redox state of organism (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 30) Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.