Effects of Ethanol on Glutathione Metabolism

Abstract

Glutathione (GSH), the most abundant nonprotein thiol in cells, plays a pivotal role in protecting cells against damage from reactive drug metabolites, free radicals, peroxides, and other toxic oxygen species. Within the last decade, there has been substantial progress in understanding the metabolism of glutathione, its functions in cellular detoxification processes, and how these processes are altered by both acute and chronic alcohol consumption. Some evidence suggests that alcohol-related changes in glutathione homeostasis and detoxification may contribute directly or indirectly to the pathogenesis of tissue damage from alcohol. This chapter will summarize briefly the salient features of glutathione metabolism and current understanding of how these are altered by alcohol consumption in experimental animals and in humans