Glutathione (Reduced) Product Data Sheet

Endogenous Antioxidant | High Purity

Description

Glutathione (GSH) is a ubiquitous, low-molecular-weight tripeptide (L-gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine) found in virtually all mammalian cells. It is recognized as the body's master endogenous antioxidant, playing a critical role in cellular defense mechanisms. GSH maintains the reduced state of critical protein thiols, detoxifies reactive oxygen species (ROS), and acts as a substrate for glutathione S-transferases in the metabolism of xenobiotics.

It is currently extensively investigated across numerous scientific disciplines for its fundamental role in:

• Redox Homeostasis and Signaling: Maintaining the balance between oxidation and reduction states within the cell, which is crucial for signal transduction pathways.
• Detoxification: Conjugating and neutralizing electrophilic compounds, including drugs, environmental toxins, and carcinogens.
• Amino Acid Transport: Participating in the gamma-glutamyl cycle, aiding in the cellular transport of amino acids.
• Protein Synthesis and Regulation: Protecting sulfhydryl groups in proteins and maintaining protein structure and function.

Chemical Properties and Specifications

The following table summarizes the key properties of the offered Glutathione (Reduced) product:

CAS Number: 70-18-8

Molecular Formula: $\text{C}{10}\text{H}{17}\text{N}{3}\text{O}{6}\text{S}$

Molecular Weight: $307.32 \text{ g/mol}$

Purity: (HPLC) $>98%$

Form: Crystalline Powder

Solubility: Soluble in water

Target: ROS / Xenobiotics

Appearance: White or off-white powder

Synonyms: L-Glutathione; gamma-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine

Storage Protocol

The correct handling and storage of Glutathione (Reduced) are essential to maintain its high purity and stability, particularly given its susceptibility to oxidation.

Shipping: Ambient

Powder (Long-term): Store dry at $\text{-80}^{\circ}\text{C}$. Minimize freeze-thaw cycles.

Liquid (In Solution): Store at $4^{\circ}\text{C}$ in a tightly sealed container; Use promptly (within 24-48 hours) to prevent degradation and oxidation to GSSG (oxidized glutathione).

General Handling: Avoid exposure to heat, light, and air.

Mechanism of Action

Glutathione’s action as an antioxidant is centered on the thiol group ($\text{-SH}$) of the cysteine residue. This group acts as a reducing agent to detoxify ROS such as hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, and hydrogen peroxide.

The primary enzymatic defense mechanism involves Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), which catalyzes the reduction of hydrogen peroxide ($\text{H}{2}\text{O}{2}$) and organic hydroperoxides ($\text{ROOH}$), using GSH as an electron donor.

$$2\text{GSH} + \text{H}{2}\text{O}{2} \xrightarrow{\text{GPx}} \text{GSSG} + 2\text{H}_{2}\text{O}$$

In this process, two molecules of reduced glutathione (GSH) are converted to one molecule of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), forming a disulfide bond.

The reduced state (GSH) is then regenerated from the oxidized state (GSSG) by the enzyme Glutathione Reductase (GR), which requires $\text{NADPH}$ as a cofactor. This cycle is critical for maintaining high cellular GSH levels.

Applications in Research

Due to its fundamental role in cellular health and disease, Glutathione (Reduced) is widely used in various biological and chemical research applications:

• Cell Culture Media: Added to media to protect cells from oxidative stress and maintain viability, particularly in demanding culture conditions.
• Enzyme Assays: Used as a substrate for numerous enzymes, including Glutathione S-Transferases (GSTs), Glyoxalase I, and various peroxidases.
• Protein Purification: Utilized in the isolation and renaturation of recombinant proteins (e.g., proteins fused with a GST-tag).
• Redox Studies: Essential component for modeling cellular redox environment
• Toxicity Studies: Employed to investigate drug metabolism, xenobiotic conjugation, and subsequent detoxification pathways.

Safety and Handling

Glutathione (Reduced) is generally considered safe when handled according to standard laboratory protocols for crystalline powders.

• Personal Protection: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including laboratory coats, safety glasses, and gloves.
• Ventilation: Use in a well-ventilated area or under a chemical fume hood to avoid inhalation of powder.
• Waste Disposal: Dispose of waste materials in accordance with institutional guidelines and local environmental regulations.
• First Aid: In case of contact with eyes or skin, flush with plenty of water. If ingested or inhaled, seek immediate medical attention.

Quality Control and Assurance

Our high-purity Glutathione (Reduced) product undergoes stringent quality control testing to ensure consistent performance and reliability for sensitive research applications.

Ordering and Technical Support

For bulk inquiries, custom packaging, or technical assistance regarding the application or handling of Glutathione (Reduced), please contact our dedicated support team.

• Product Catalog Number: [Product Cat. No.]
• Date of Manufacture: Date
• Expiration Date: Date
• Technical Support Contact: Person@File
• Documentation: SDS and CoA available upon request via File

Disclaimer: This product is for research use only and is not intended for human or animal therapeutic or diagnostic use.
Revision Date: Date