Abstract
Glutathione(GSH)has various important roles in maintaining cell functions. It is a major non-protein tissue thiol, supporting the redox potential of cells, regulating enzyme activities, processing endo-or exogenous substances and protecting cells from deleterious effects of active oxygen species and free radicals. GSH has been shown to be a regulator of gluconeogenesis, glycolysis or cholesterol biosynthesis, and, more recently, a component of several autacoids. Many reactive xenobiotics bind to SH-group of GSH and are transported out of the cells. Elevation of circular or tissue GSH levels is often effective for preventing the development of toxic and pathological processes. Various attempts have been made to explore the defense action of GSH, but our studies have led to an interesting finding that prostaglandin A2 (PGA 2) promotes biosynthesis of GSH and protects cells from oxidative stress. The finding suggests that PGA2 may be involved in regulating the physiological functions of cells by affecting the GSH status. The extension of work on the GSH status should reveal answers to the elaborate mysteries of bioorganisms.
