Intravenous Glutathione: A Promising Therapy for the Alcoholic Liver Disease

Abstract

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and sepsis are life-threatening conditions marked by severe oxidative stress. Chronic alcohol use triggers oxidative stress and inflammation that damages liver cells. Glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide consisting of gamma glutamyl cysteinyl glycine possesses a thiol group and participates in oxidation reduction reactions, acting as a principal cellular scavenger of free radicles. GSH is present in large concentrations in the liver, and its endogenous levels are depleted in ALD, exacerbating the condition. Intravenous GSH supplementation has shown promising results in improving liver function and reducing fibrosis markers in ALD patients. Intravenous GSH treatment has demonstrated the potential to reduce oxidative injury and mortality rates in patients with sepsis in the intensive care unit. The versatility of GSH in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage and proven safety and tolerability profile make it a valuable adjunct to current treatments. Further research is imperative to comprehensively unravel the therapeutic benefits of GSH injection adjunct to standard of care in patients with ALD and sepsis. Keywords: Glutathione, Alcoholic liver disease, Sepsis, Antioxidants, Intensive care unit, Intravenous