Influence of clinical factors, diet, and drugs on the human upper gastrointestinal glutathione system

Background: Glutathione (GSH) and the cytosolic glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) protect the gastrointestinal mucosa against the toxic effects of a wide variety of compounds, such as reactive oxygen species and electrophiles. Aims: We wished to investigate the distribution along the upper gastrointestinal mucosa and the influence of clinical variables on components of the GSH system to learn more about factors which control its cytoprotective properties. Methods: Antral and duodenal biopsies of normal appearing mucosa were collected from 202 patients (104 males, 98 females; mean age 62 years) undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. GSH content was examined by high pressure liquid chromatography, GST enzyme activity by 1-chloro-, 2, 4-dinitrobenzene conjugation, and levels of the GST classes alpha, pi, and theta by western blot. Results: GSH, GST enzyme activity, and GST alpha levels were significantly lower (p