Glutathione metabolism in Crohn's disease

Abstract

A statistically significant decrease of glutathione (GSH) and an increase of GSH disulfide (GSSG) both in healthy and ill ileum of patients with Crohn's disease in comparison with the controls (without this pathology) is demonstrated. However, the lowering of these levels was more remarkable in ill ileum in which high levels of GSSG were detected, too. These alterations may be in part explained by the changes obtained in GSH-related enzyme levels. Finally, considering the results that others and we obtained by studies on GSH oral absorption in rat intestine, an oral therapy of GSH in Crohn's disease is suggested.