Glutathione In Respiratory Health and Covid-19 Outcome

If you are interested in antioxidants, you sure have heard of glutathione. If you want to learn more about its possible effects, then you are in for a good read. In this article I will share some recent studies regarding its use, especially against some respiratory diseases.

Role of Glutathione in Enhancing Respiratory Health and Combatting COVID-19

Glutathione (GSH) plays a crucial role in respiratory health and may have implications for COVID-19 management. Here are key points regarding its significance:

Role in Immunity and Inflammation

• Antioxidant Properties: GSH acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can cause cellular damage and inflammation in the lungs. This is particularly important in respiratory conditions where oxidative stress is prevalent.

• Regulation of Immune Response: GSH is involved in regulating immune responses in the lungs. It helps modulate inflammation, which is critical in conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and during viral infections such as COVID-19.

Glutathione Levels and Respiratory Diseases

• Lower GSH Levels: Studies have shown that individuals with respiratory diseases often have reduced levels of GSH. This deficiency can exacerbate inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to worsened lung function and increased susceptibility to infections.

• Therapeutic Potential: Supplementation with GSH or its precursors, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), has been investigated for its potential to improve lung function and reduce inflammation in various respiratory conditions.

Implications for COVID-19

• COVID-19 and Oxidative Stress: COVID-19 is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, which may contribute to the severity of the disease. Low GSH levels could potentially worsen outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

• Research Directions: While there is a need for more robust clinical trials, preliminary studies suggest that enhancing GSH levels may help mitigate the inflammatory response seen in COVID-19, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Find out more about boosting immunity with IV therapy for Covid-19 here: Guide to COVID-19 and IV Therapy

Glutathione, a Monarch Antioxidant

Glutathione is an antioxidant involved in DNA synthesis and repair, prevention of oxidative cell damage, metabolism of toxins and carcinogens, and even immune system function.

It is a tripeptide that plays a key role in the control of pro-inflammatory processes. Several studies show the protective effects of glutathione and its precursors against inflammatory pathologies of the lung.

The lung is unlike other organs, as it is constantly exposed to air and airborne pollutants, including oxidant gasses. Inhaled oxidants initiate a number of pathologic processes, including inflammation of the airways, which may contribute to the pathogenesis and/or exacerbation of airway disease.

Since glutathione not only deals with oxidants but also affects inflammation, changes in alveolar and lung glutathione metabolism are widely recognized as the main features of many inflammatory lung diseases.

Lungs Benefits from Glutathione, Studies Say.

The study on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) patients reported that supplementation of glutathione precursor, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), resulted in the prevention of this aggravating condition which includes lung cell injury and inflammation.

Same is true for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who were subjected to a therapy with NAC to restore depleted pulmonary glutathione levels that turned out better than standard therapy alone. It significantly slows the rate of deterioration and preserves vital capacity for these patients. Incorporating IV therapy protocols that enhance glutathione levels can further improve outcomes.

Higher levels of glutathione have also been associated with better individual responsiveness to viral infections and resistance to viral diseases. A study revealed a significant decrease in the frequency of influenza-like episodes, severity, and length of time confined to bed, especially in higher-risk elderly populations.

CoronaVirus (Covid 19) and Glutathione

Up to this date, no published treatment has been shown to adequately control the inflammation and respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19 aside from oxygen therapy and assisted ventilation but recent studies show great potential.

Polonikov studied four moderate-severe COVID-19 cases and found that patients with normal/ high glutathione plasma levels recovered rapidly, while the ones with low levels experienced the most severe illness. A case study by Horowitz et al. reported using high-dose glutathione in the treatment of two patients with difficulty breathing secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia that improved their dyspnea within 1 hour of use. Repeated use proved to be effective in further relieving respiratory symptoms, according to the study. In another case report, nine severely ill patients were successfully treated with NAC.

These studies, although referring to only fifteen cases, highlight the relevance of poor glutathione levels in COVID-19 clinical progression. Suggesting that low levels of glutathione could be one of the major causes of the excessive inflammatory response linked to severe COVID-19 symptoms and that increasing body glutathione could reduce the number of symptomatic patients.

FAQs

What Are the Benefits of Glutathione for Lung Health?

Glutathione is a vital antioxidant that significantly benefits lung health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. It helps detoxify the lungs, supports immune function, and may improve conditions like cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhaled glutathione has shown promise in enhancing lung function and alleviating respiratory symptoms, making it a valuable therapeutic option for various pulmonary diseases. Maintaining adequate glutathione levels may protect against infections and promote overall respiratory health.

How does Glutathione Influences Lung Inflammation in Respiratory Diseases?

Glutathione (GSH) significantly influences lung inflammation in respiratory diseases through several mechanisms:

1. Antioxidant Defense: GSH neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS), preventing oxidative stress and lung damage.

2. Immune Response Modulation: It supports immune cell function, helping to control inflammation during infections.

3. Inflammatory Marker Reduction: GSH regulates pro-inflammatory cytokine production, mitigating lung inflammation.

4. Clinical Evidence: Replenishing GSH levels has been shown to decrease inflammation in conditions like asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Can Glutathione Supplementation Help in Managing Covid-19 Symptoms?

Glutathione (GSH) supplementation may aid in managing COVID-19 symptoms by:

1. Reducing Oxidative Stress: Restoring antioxidant levels to mitigate oxidative damage.

2. Controlling Inflammation: Regulating the immune response to prevent cytokine storms.

3. Clinical Evidence: Some studies suggest improved outcomes in patients receiving GSH.

Related blog post: ICAM Protocol: A Potential COVID-19 Treatment

Final Thoughts: Glutathione and Respiratory Health

It is important to note that the major risk factors for severe COVID-19 illness are aging, comorbidities, smoking, all characterized by low glutathione level and linked with high oxidative stress. Hence, further depletion of glutathione stores should be carefully avoided.

Glutathione levels should be maintained especially in patients with severe inflammatory response syndrome to counteract oxidative stress and end-organ damage. Further knowledge of the mechanisms of glutathione regulation and balance could lead to the development of novel therapies in preventing lung inflammation and injury.

In this current time, Glutathione and its precursors may give us hope and represent a novel treatment approach in addressing life-threatening systemic inflammation and respiratory distress in patients, like with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Related Blog post: Benefits of Zinc, Glutathione, and Vitamin C IV Infusion

References:

• Ciencewicki, J., Trivedi, S., & Kleeberger, S. R. (2008). Oxidants and the pathogenesis of lung diseases. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 122(3), 456–470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2008.08.004

• Ghezzi P. (2011). Role of glutathione in immunity and inflammation in the lung. International journal of general medicine, 4, 105–113. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S15618

• Horowitz, R. I., Freeman, P. R., & Bruzzese, J. (2020). Efficacy of glutathione therapy in relieving dyspnea associated with COVID-19 pneumonia: A report of 2 cases. Respiratory medicine case reports, 30, 101063.

• Ibrahim, H., Perl, A., Smith, D., Lewis, T., Kon, Z., Goldenberg, R., et al. (2020). Therapeutic blockade of inflammation in severe COVID-19 infection with intravenous N-acetylcysteine. Clin. Immunol. 219, 108544. doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108544

• Polonikov, A. (2020). Endogenous deficiency of glutathione as the most likely cause of serious manifestations and death in COVID-19 patients. ACS infectious diseases, 6(7), 1558-1562.

• Rahman, I., & MacNee, W. (2000). Oxidative stress and regulation of glutathione in lung inflammation. European Respiratory Journal, 16(3), 534-554.

• Sestili, P., & Fimognari, C. (2020). Paracetamol-induced glutathione consumption: is there a link with severe COVID-19 illness?. Frontiers in pharmacology, 11, 1597.

• Silvagno, F., Vernone, A., & Pescarmona, G. P. (2020). The role of glutathione in protecting against the severe inflammatory response triggered by COVID-19. Antioxidants, 9(7), 624.