Description
Abstract
Background: Glutathione plays crucial roles in the detoxification and antioxidant systems of cells and has been used to
treat acute poisoning and chronic liver diseases by intravenous injection. This is a first study examining the therapeutic
effects of oral administration of glutathione in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Methods: The study was an open label, single arm, multicenter, pilot trial. Thirty-four NAFLD patients diagnosed using
ultrasonography were prospectively evaluated. All patients first underwent intervention to improve their lifestyle habits
(diet and exercise) for 3 months, followed by treatment with glutathione (300 mg/day) for 4 months. We evaluated
their clinical parameters before and after glutathione treatment. We also quantified liver fat and fibrosis using vibrationcontrolled transient elastography. The primary outcome of the study was the change in alanine aminotransferase
(ALT) levels.
Results: Twenty-nine patients finished the protocol. ALT levels significantly decreased following treatment with
glutathione for 4 months. In addition, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, and ferritin levels also decreased
with glutathione treatment. Following dichotomization of ALT responders based on a median 12.9% decrease
from baseline, we found that ALT responders were younger in age and did not have severe diabetes compared
with ALT non-responders. The controlled attenuation parameter also decreased in ALT responders.
Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates the potential therapeutic effects of oral administration of glutathione
in practical dose for patients with NAFLD. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to verify its efficacy.
Trial registration: UMIN000011118 (date of registration: July 4, 2013).
Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Glutathione, Controlled attenuation parameter
BENEFITS:
- Improves metabolic syndrome, helps to lose weight and lowers BMI
- Reduces TG and FFA accumulation
- Improves insulin sensitivity and controls plasma glucose
- Inhibits Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1 & IL-6)
- Improves mitochondrial function and energy production
- Regulates adiponectin and leptin levels
- Reduces Intrahepatic oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation (MDA)
- Inhibits Kupffer cells activation, HSC activation and Collagen
- formation in fibrogenesis process
Dosage Guideline:
2 Capsules per day for 3 months
