Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVE: We tested whether early dietary supplementation with cysteine could restore a normal GSH concentration and synthesis rate in these children. DESIGN: Erythrocyte cysteine and GSH concentrations and the fractional and absolute synthesis rates of GSH were measured in 2 groups of 16 edematous malnourished children, 10 boys and 6 girls aged 6-18 mo, at 3 times after hospital admission: at approximately 2 d (period 1), when they were malnourished and infected; at approximately 11 d (period 2), when they were malnourished but cleared of infection; and at approximately 50 d (period 3), when they had recovered. Supplementation with either 0.5 mmol. kg(-1). d(-1) N-acetylcysteine (NAC group) or alanine (control group) started immediately after period 1 and continued until recovery. RESULTS: From period 1 to period 2 the concentration and the absolute synthesis rate of GSH increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the NAC group but not in the control group. The increases in the GSH concentration and synthesis rate were approximately 150% and 510% greater, respectively, in the NAC group than in the control group. The increases in the NAC group were associated with a significant effect of supplement (P < 0.03) on erythrocyte cysteine concentration. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the GSH synthesis rate and concentration can be restored during the early phase of treatment if patients are supplemented with cysteine.
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Authors | Asha Badaloo, Marvin Reid, Terrence Forrester, William C Heird, Farook Jahoor |
Journal | The American journal of clinical nutrition
(Am J Clin Nutr)
Vol. 76
Issue 3
Pg. 646-52
(Sep 2002)
ISSN: 0002-9165 [Print] United States |
PMID | 12198013
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Deuterium
- Glutathione
- Glycine
- Acetylcysteine
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Topics |
- Acetylcysteine
(administration & dosage)
- Deuterium
- Dietary Supplements
- Erythrocytes
(metabolism)
- Female
- Glutathione
(blood)
- Glycine
- Humans
- Infant
- Kwashiorkor
(blood, drug therapy)
- Male
- Protein-Energy Malnutrition
(blood, drug therapy)
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