It is well known that this amazing linear tripeptide of L-glutamine, L-cysteine, and glycine is often referred to as the body's master antioxidant. Once generation of free radicals exceeds the body's capacity to neutralize and eliminate them, oxidative stress occurs, and primary function of glutathione is to alleviate this oxidative stress. Low Glutathione levels are associated with health diseases such as Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, AIDS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Atherosclerosis, Pregnancy Complications, Cataracts, Asthma, Autism, Bronchitis, Fibromyalgia, Insomnia, Male infertility, Migraines, Osteoporosis, Pain, Poor Eyesight, PMS, Psoriasis, Wrinkles, Low Sex Drive, Chronic Fatigue, Balding and Cirrhosis. So can inhibition of GSH breakdown in the stomach or a induction of GSH synthesis be a step towards the fountain of youth?
There is a rule in journalism that I think applies here: Any headline with a question as the title can be answered with "no".
If it was as easy as boosting antioxidant capacity, we'd have solved the problem of aging already.
Just like everything else in biology- antioxidant activity is all about balance. Our cells use free radicals to neutralize pathogens, signal for survival in stressful situations, and as secondary messengers for many pathways associated with metabolism.
Experiments show that increasing superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels don't extend lifespan in mice, and lowering total free radical levels in C. elegans actually DECREASES life expectancy. As more human trials emerge, antioxidant supplements continue to be exposed as a sham.
While all the diseases you listed are linked to free radicals, antioxidant activity can also be linked to diseases. For example many cancers express large amounts of antioxidants, making them resistant to chemotherapeutics.
In summary- we need free radicals, so bombarding our system with antioxidants isn't the answer.
No, I don't accept that inhibition of GSH breakdown or a induction of GSH synthesis would be a step towards the fountain of youth as you think. It depends on several causes and factors of aging such as hormones, glycation, genetics, etc..
When we enhanced antioxidant activity in Drosophila mitochondria (SOD and ectopic catalase), oxidant release was curtailed but the flies also had a decreased life span. Given that oxidants are needed, as Eric said, but some of those oxidizing molecules do cause damage, we need to repair or replace damaged molecules and cells. When it comes to oxidative damage, I have long wondered whether an ounce of cure might be worth a pound of prevention. The reason is that the prevention in this case (antioxidants) inevitably causes other problems.
It should be taken in moderation because the overdose could lead to unattended health consequences such as cancer and other lymphoploriferatives diseases.
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