Hepatoprotective Effect of ψ-Glutathione in a Murine Model of Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Toxicity

Chem Res Toxicol. 2017 Mar 20;30(3):777-784. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6b00291. Epub 2017 Feb 16.

Abstract

Ψ-Glutathione (ψ-GSH) is an orally bioavailable and metabolism-resistant glutathione analogue that has been shown previously to substitute glutathione in most of its biochemical roles. Described here in its entirety is the preclinical evaluation of ψ-GSH as a rescue agent for acetaminophen (APAP) overdose: an event where time is of essence. By employing a murine model, four scenarios commonly encountered in emergency medicine are reconstructed. ψ-GSH is juxtaposed against N-acetylcysteine (NAC), the sole clinically available drug, in each of the scenarios. While both agents appear to be equally efficacious when timely administered, ψ-GSH partly retains its efficacy even in the face of substantial delay in administration. Thus, implied is the ability of ψ-GSH to intercept secondary toxicology following APAP insult. Oral availability and complete lack of toxicity as evaluated by liver function tests and survival analysis underscored ψ-GSH as a safer and more efficacious alternative to NAC. Finally, the pharmacodynamic mimicry of GSH by ψ-GSH is illustrated through the isolation and chemical characterization of an entity that can arise only through direct encounter of ψ-GSH with N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine, the primary toxic metabolite of APAP.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / prevention & control*
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Glutathione / pharmacology*
  • Mice

Substances

  • Acetaminophen
  • Glutathione