Glutathione (GSH) deficiency in patients with HIV infection is a strong predictor of poor survival,according to a report published in today's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Stanford University researchers have also discovered that, when used in combination with CD4 cell counts, Glutathione levels can provide a more accurate means of tracking the progression of HIV disease.
Dr. Leonard A. Herzenberg and colleagues in Stanford, California, report the results of in vitro studies in which they evaluated blood samples from 204 HIV-positive patients. They found subjects with Glutathione deficiency had a markedly decreased survival 2-3 years after baseline data collectionwhen compared with subjects without Glutathione deficiency.
Patients with CD4 T cell counts below 200 per microliter also had lower Glutathione levels compared with subjects in earlier stages of HIV infection.
According to Dr. Herzenberg, this study shows for the first time that people with HIV who have lower Glutathione levels have a much lower probability of surviving over the course of three years than do people with normal Glutathione levels. He has presented preliminary reports of these findings at recent meetings.
Dr. Herzenberg also found that Glutathione levels were replenished following oral administration of the glutathione, which suggests a potential intervention to relieve this impairment. If these findings can be replicated, Dr. Herzenberg writes, "...they will provide the foundation for the use of N-acetylcysteine as an inexpensive, nontoxic adjunct therapy for HIV/AIDS, potentially valuable even in remote locations where only minimal medical supervision is available."
Dr. Herzenberg's group believes that HIV-positive subjects should avoid excessive exposure to UV irradiation, alcohol and drugs, such as acetaminophen, which are known to deplete Glutathione levels. And, based on these findings, Dr. Herzenberg and others have asked the FDA to require drug companies to include labeling on products known to deplete Glutathione because of the potential hazard to HIV-positive patient.
Click here for more about Glutathione and its benefits to our body.
Showing posts with label HIV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HIV. Show all posts
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Dietary supplement helps to keep immune system balanced
Stanford researchers have found that giving patients who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) a daily dose of a dietary supplement can boost their levels of Glutathione a nutrient essential for proper functioning of the immune system. Restoring glutathione levels to those found in healthy people may help HIV-infected patients fight the AIDS-causing virus and fend off other diseases.
"The importance here is that Glutathione is a central component of all cells, and Glutathione deficiency is associated with poor prognosis in many, many diseases," said Leonore (Lee) Herzenberg, PhD, professor of genetics. She is senior author of a paper describing the new study, published in the October 1 issue of the European Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Lee Herzenberg and her colleagues conducted a clinical trial in which 31 HIV-infected patients were given daily doses of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) a substance that is turned into Glutathione in the body. Thirty others were given a benign sugar pill. At the start of the trial all patients had Glutathione deficiency some patients had only half the amount found in healthy people. At the end of the two-month trial, those taking NAC had increased the amount of Glutathione in their bodies to near-normal levels.
"What we've proven is that giving people NAC replenishes the Glutathione stores," said Lee Herzenberg.
At the completion of the eight-week trial, most patients chose to take NAC for the following six months while the researchers continued monitoring the safety of the supplement. They found that patients suffered no ill effects that could be attributed to daily NAC ingestion.
Glutathione is not an anti-retroviral drug, stressed genetics professor Leonard (Len) Herzenberg, PhD. It does not decrease the amount of virus in patients' blood or increase their number of virus-fighting T cells, but it does restore the immune system, the researchers said.
Previous findings by the Herzenbergs and others show that T cells perform better in HIV-infected patients when their Glutathione levels are replenished. Reversal of Glutathione deficiency is also associated with improvement in many other diseases including diabetes, influenza and cystic fibrosis.
"The level of Glutathione is tightly regulated in cells. If nature has gone to the trouble of maintaining those levels, logic says it should be restored to that level if you can," said Lee Herzenberg. "It's like a vitamin deficiency. Any vitamin deficiency would immediately be corrected, and we believe that this is equivalent to a vitamin deficiency."
The Herzenberg team hopes that the benefits of maintaining normal Glutathione levels will encourage people suffering from long-term diseases to avoid lifestyle factors that deplete Glutathione, such as exposure to ultraviolet light and alcohol consumption. They also recommend limited use of acetaminophen the active ingredient in common painkillers such as Tylenol because the risk of liver damage is increased for those with low Glutathione levels.
The Herzenbergs are confident that the new findings will speed the introduction into the U.S. market of medicinal-quality NAC that AIDS patients and others can take to maintain normal Glutathione levels. BY KRISTIN WEIDENBACH
Click here for more about Glutathione and its benefits to our body.
"The importance here is that Glutathione is a central component of all cells, and Glutathione deficiency is associated with poor prognosis in many, many diseases," said Leonore (Lee) Herzenberg, PhD, professor of genetics. She is senior author of a paper describing the new study, published in the October 1 issue of the European Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Lee Herzenberg and her colleagues conducted a clinical trial in which 31 HIV-infected patients were given daily doses of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) a substance that is turned into Glutathione in the body. Thirty others were given a benign sugar pill. At the start of the trial all patients had Glutathione deficiency some patients had only half the amount found in healthy people. At the end of the two-month trial, those taking NAC had increased the amount of Glutathione in their bodies to near-normal levels.
"What we've proven is that giving people NAC replenishes the Glutathione stores," said Lee Herzenberg.
At the completion of the eight-week trial, most patients chose to take NAC for the following six months while the researchers continued monitoring the safety of the supplement. They found that patients suffered no ill effects that could be attributed to daily NAC ingestion.
Glutathione is not an anti-retroviral drug, stressed genetics professor Leonard (Len) Herzenberg, PhD. It does not decrease the amount of virus in patients' blood or increase their number of virus-fighting T cells, but it does restore the immune system, the researchers said.
Previous findings by the Herzenbergs and others show that T cells perform better in HIV-infected patients when their Glutathione levels are replenished. Reversal of Glutathione deficiency is also associated with improvement in many other diseases including diabetes, influenza and cystic fibrosis.
"The level of Glutathione is tightly regulated in cells. If nature has gone to the trouble of maintaining those levels, logic says it should be restored to that level if you can," said Lee Herzenberg. "It's like a vitamin deficiency. Any vitamin deficiency would immediately be corrected, and we believe that this is equivalent to a vitamin deficiency."
The Herzenberg team hopes that the benefits of maintaining normal Glutathione levels will encourage people suffering from long-term diseases to avoid lifestyle factors that deplete Glutathione, such as exposure to ultraviolet light and alcohol consumption. They also recommend limited use of acetaminophen the active ingredient in common painkillers such as Tylenol because the risk of liver damage is increased for those with low Glutathione levels.
The Herzenbergs are confident that the new findings will speed the introduction into the U.S. market of medicinal-quality NAC that AIDS patients and others can take to maintain normal Glutathione levels. BY KRISTIN WEIDENBACH
Click here for more about Glutathione and its benefits to our body.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Glutathione and HIV
Studies have shown that reduced levels of Glutathione and its precursor cysteine play a role in HIV’s progression to AIDS.
In one study, researchers analyzed blood samples from healthy volunteers and HIV positive patients undergoing different antiretroviral regimens.
The study authors then determined the viral load in the HIV patients and levels of cysteine and Glutathione. The results indicated that a decrease in Glutathione and cysteine levels was associated with disease progress.
In fact, the greater the viral load, the lower the level of Glutathione and cysteine. Glutathione also can protect against the free radical damage that occurs as the result of standard treatments used in AIDS patients. By Kimberly Pryor
Click here for more about Glutathione and its benefits to our body.
In one study, researchers analyzed blood samples from healthy volunteers and HIV positive patients undergoing different antiretroviral regimens.
The study authors then determined the viral load in the HIV patients and levels of cysteine and Glutathione. The results indicated that a decrease in Glutathione and cysteine levels was associated with disease progress.
In fact, the greater the viral load, the lower the level of Glutathione and cysteine. Glutathione also can protect against the free radical damage that occurs as the result of standard treatments used in AIDS patients. By Kimberly Pryor
Click here for more about Glutathione and its benefits to our body.
Antioxidant Supports Lung, Liver, Gastric and Cerebral Health while Guarding Against DNA Damage
Glutathione is the king of all antioxidants.
It rules our body’s cells, for without it, they would be helpless during the fatal onslaught of free radicals.
Glutathione plays a prominent role in regulation of cellular events including gene expression, DNA and protein synthesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death), and immune response.
Glutathione deficiency contributes to oxidative stress, which is involved in aging and the development of such diseases as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, HIV and AIDS, cancer, strokes—even H. pylori infections.1-2 Recently, an abundance of research has emerged on Glutathione’s role in health. By Kimberly Pryor
It rules our body’s cells, for without it, they would be helpless during the fatal onslaught of free radicals.
Glutathione plays a prominent role in regulation of cellular events including gene expression, DNA and protein synthesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death), and immune response.
Glutathione deficiency contributes to oxidative stress, which is involved in aging and the development of such diseases as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, HIV and AIDS, cancer, strokes—even H. pylori infections.1-2 Recently, an abundance of research has emerged on Glutathione’s role in health. By Kimberly Pryor
Friday, January 4, 2008
What is Glutathione?
What is it?
Glutathione is a dietary supplement used as an antioxidant to help protect the body from many diseases and conditions. It is also used to treat infertility (difficulty getting pregnant), cancer, cataracts, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Glutathione is used to detoxify various chemicals from the body.
Other names for Glutathione include: Gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine and GSH.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.
Before Using: Tell your doctor if you
are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement) are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
are breastfeeding have other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease
Dosage: Talk with your caregiver about how much Glutathione you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Glutathione.
If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.
To store this medicine: Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.
Warnings:
Before taking Glutathione tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Side Effects:Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.
Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
Chest pain
Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin
Other Side Effects:You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.
Zinc deficiency was seen in long term use of a combination product containing Glutathione
References:
1. Bode U, Hasan C, Hulsmann B et al: Recancostat compositum therapy does not prevent tumor progression in young cancer patients. Klin Padiatr 1999; 211(4):353-355.
2. Cascinu S, Cordella L, Del Ferro E et al: Neuroprotective effect of reduced glutathione on cisplatin-based chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Oncol 1995; 13:26-32.
3. Cascinu S, Labianca R, Alessandroni P et al: Intensive weekly chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer using fluorouracil, cisplatin, epi-doxorubicin, 6S-leucovorin, glutathione and filgrastim: a report from the Italian Group for the Study of Digestive Tract Cancer (GISCAD). J Clin Oncol 1997; 15:3313-3319.
4. Bohm S, Oriana S, Spatti G et al: Dose intensification of platinum compounds with glutathione protection as induction chemotherapy for advanced ovarian carcinoma. Oncology 1999; 57:115-120.
5. Holroyd KJ, Buhl R, Borok Z et al: Correction of glutathione deficiency in the lower respiratory tract of HIV seropositive individuals by glutathione aerosol treatment. Thorax 1993; 48:985-989.
6. Borok Z, Buhl R, Grimes GJ et al: Effect of glutathione on oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Lancet 1991; 338:215-216.
7. Testa B, Mesolella M, Testa D et al: Glutathione in the upper respiratory tract. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1995; 104:117-119.
8. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/altmed/altmed-mono.aspx?contentFileName=ame0400.xml&contentName=Glutathione+&contentId=556
Glutathione is a dietary supplement used as an antioxidant to help protect the body from many diseases and conditions. It is also used to treat infertility (difficulty getting pregnant), cancer, cataracts, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Glutathione is used to detoxify various chemicals from the body.
Other names for Glutathione include: Gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine and GSH.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.
Before Using: Tell your doctor if you
are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement) are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
are breastfeeding have other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease
Dosage: Talk with your caregiver about how much Glutathione you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Glutathione.
If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.
To store this medicine: Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.
Warnings:
Before taking Glutathione tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Side Effects:Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.
Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
Chest pain
Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin
Other Side Effects:You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.
Zinc deficiency was seen in long term use of a combination product containing Glutathione
References:
1. Bode U, Hasan C, Hulsmann B et al: Recancostat compositum therapy does not prevent tumor progression in young cancer patients. Klin Padiatr 1999; 211(4):353-355.
2. Cascinu S, Cordella L, Del Ferro E et al: Neuroprotective effect of reduced glutathione on cisplatin-based chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Oncol 1995; 13:26-32.
3. Cascinu S, Labianca R, Alessandroni P et al: Intensive weekly chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer using fluorouracil, cisplatin, epi-doxorubicin, 6S-leucovorin, glutathione and filgrastim: a report from the Italian Group for the Study of Digestive Tract Cancer (GISCAD). J Clin Oncol 1997; 15:3313-3319.
4. Bohm S, Oriana S, Spatti G et al: Dose intensification of platinum compounds with glutathione protection as induction chemotherapy for advanced ovarian carcinoma. Oncology 1999; 57:115-120.
5. Holroyd KJ, Buhl R, Borok Z et al: Correction of glutathione deficiency in the lower respiratory tract of HIV seropositive individuals by glutathione aerosol treatment. Thorax 1993; 48:985-989.
6. Borok Z, Buhl R, Grimes GJ et al: Effect of glutathione on oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Lancet 1991; 338:215-216.
7. Testa B, Mesolella M, Testa D et al: Glutathione in the upper respiratory tract. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1995; 104:117-119.
8. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/altmed/altmed-mono.aspx?contentFileName=ame0400.xml&contentName=Glutathione+&contentId=556
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