Age-related Decline in Immunity

dataEntry — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 02:50:12 +0000

Studies have shown that levels of GSH in the blood decrease with age. GSH functions as an antioxidant along with vitamins C and E to reduce levels of toxins in the blood and tissues. As we age, the levels of GSH decrease along with our ability to fight the diseases associated with aging. The attack of the toxins is often called “oxidative stress” and the lower levels of GSH in the blood and tissue reduce our ability to compensate for exposure to the free radicals. This decline is also associated with age related macular degeneration and diabetes. The generalized oxidation associated with aging may contribute to the development of age-related toxicities and pathology.

GSH serves several physiological functions. It quenches free radicals through direct interaction, helps to degrade harmful peroxides, and acts as a coenzyme. The main relevance of GSH to the aging process is that it provides important defense against oxidative stress, namely the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides. GSH has the dual ability to quench free radical as well as donate electrons to essential cellular functions. It is regarded as the single most versatile antioxidant in cells with broad effects on antioxidant potential. It also maintains a buffer that is critical in most cellular processes including division and protein structure. An age-related loss of GSH can be predicted to have at least two dire consequences. One is the increase of levels of hydrogen peroxide and the second is the formation of molecules that interfere with enzymes in the body. This reduces the body’s ability to adapt under stress. Maintenance of optimal GSH levels in essential for limiting oxidative damage.

Wrinkles are a side effect of aging. Glutathione is a critical component for the body’s defense system. Glutathione provides protection for the cells against stress. Mild effects of stress stimulate glutathione levels, which increases the protection against more severe stress. Aging causes decreases of glutathione in the tissues throughout the body. As a result, cells become more susceptible to stress.

Pro-oxidant shift in glutathione redox state during aging: Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2008: 60(13-14): 1545-1552. Published online Jul 4, 2006

Glutathione in Human Plasma: Decline in Association With Aging, Age-related Macular Degeneration, and Diabetes: Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Vol. 24, No. 5, pp. 699-704, 1998

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15936251

Diabetic Retinopathy and Glutathione

dataEntry — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 02:35:56 +0000

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that causes damage to the blood vessels of the retina. This complication may occur in anyone with types 1 or 2 diabetes. Factors contributing to the development of diabetic retinopathy include the length of time a patient has diabetes and the amount of control the patient has over their blood sugar. Commonly occurring in both eyes, it is not unusual to have early stages of the disease and not know it.

Studies show that glutathione (GSH) levels are significantly lower in patients and rats with diabetic retinopathy. Scientists believe that this GSH deficiency is significant in the manifestation of diabetes mellitus and, over time, the development of the complication diabetic retinopathy.

http://www.nature.com/eye/journal/v14/n5/abs/eye2000193a.html

Glutathione411 » Blood Vessels

Age-related Decline in Immunity

Diabetic Retinopathy and Glutathione