N-Acetylcysteine boosts brain and blood glutathione in Gaucher and Parkinson diseases.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study aimed to determine if the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is able to alter peripheral and central redox capabilities in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) or Gaucher disease (GD).

Methods

The study included nondemented adult subjects: 3 with PD, 3 with GD, and 3 healthy controls. Baseline brain glutathione (GSH) concentrations were measured using 7-T magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Baseline blood reduced-to-oxidized GSH ratios were determined for each subject. Brain GSH concentrations and blood redox ratios were then determined during and at specified time points after a single, 150-mg/kg NAC infusion.

Results

N-acetylcysteine increased blood GSH redox ratios in those with PD and GD and healthy controls, which was followed by an increa

SUBMITTER: Holmay MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3934795 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature