Abstract
Objective. To perform an extended analysis of literature sources and evaluate biological activities, bioavailability of acetylcysteine and its potential to correct oxidative stress and inflammatory response in miscellaneous pathological conditions and diseases in clinical setting, as well as to assess the effectiveness of its parenteral application in experimental immunogenic uveitis. Material and Methods. Multiple sources of foreign and home literature concerning the problem of oxidative stress and antioxidant protection system, acetylcysteine (NAC) and its biological actions, ability to restore the pool of intracellular glutathione, its perspective use in miscellaneous pathological conditions, including degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the organ of vision were analyzed. Results. NAC is currently one of the most promising and safe pharmacological substances, which can be used for oxidative stress correction in inflammatory diseases, accompanied by glutathione level depletion. NAC possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, detoxifying, cytoprotective and anticarcinogenic properties. Its antioxidant effect is conducted through direct and indirect mechanisms. The indirect antioxidant effect of NAC is realized by replenishing the intracellular pool of glutathione. Conclusions. NAC solves the major problem of intracellular delivery of cysteine as a limiting amino acid for the glutathione synthesis. NAC possesses multi-vector, multidirectional effects and influences on the transcription factors responsible for the development of inflammation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and maintenance of redox homeostasis in the body. Currently NAC is one of the most promising pharmacological agents for the oxidative stress correction in diseases accompanied by intracellular glutathione depletion.
Highlights
N-acetylcysteine expresses powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities resulting in complete improvement of acetic acid-induced colitis in rats / S
The authors declare no conflict of interest
Summary
F. Existing and potential therapeutic uses for N-acetylcysteine: the need for conversion to intracellular glutathione for antioxidant benefits / G. N-Acetylcysteine – a safe antidote for cysteine/glutathione deficiency / K. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Impacts on Human Health / M. Intravenous Administration of Stable-Labeled N-Acetylcysteine Demonstrates an Indirect Mechanism for Boosting Glutathione and Improving Redox Status / J. Interaction of N-acetylcysteine and cysteine in human plasma / K. N-acetylcysteine expresses powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities resulting in complete improvement of acetic acid-induced colitis in rats / S. K. N-Acetylcysteine: A Review of Clinical Usefulness (an Old Drug with New Tricks) / G. Effect of oral N-acetylcysteine treatment on plasma inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in peritoneal dialysis patients: a placebo-controlled study / M. N-acetylcysteine in psychiatry: current therapeutic evidence and potential mechanisms of action / O.
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