Glutathione Supplementation as an Adjunctive Therapy in COVID-19

Abstract

Morbidity and mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are due in large part to severe cytokine storm and hypercoagulable state brought on by dysregulated host-inflammatory immune response, ultimately leading to multi-organ failure. Exacerbated oxidative stress caused by increased levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) along with decreased levels of interferon α and interferon β (IFN-α, IFN-β) are mainly believed to drive the disease process. Based on the evidence attesting to the ability of glutathione (GSH) to inhibit viral replication and decrease levels of IL-6 in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) patients, as well as beneficial effects of GSH on other pulmonary diseases processes, we believe the use of liposomal GSH could be beneficial in COVID-19 patients. This review discusses the epidemiology, transmission, and clinical presentation of COVID-19 with a focus on its pathogenesis and the possible use of liposomal GSH as an adjunctive treatment to the current treatment modalities in COVID-19 patients.

Antioxidants and pentoxifylline as coadjuvant measures to standard therapy to improve prognosis of patients with pneumonia by COVID-19

“…ROS production increases IL-6 production and LPO resulting in cell damage. Early treatment with NAC+Px during COVID-19 may bypass the excessive inflammation and cell damage that leads to the severe form of the infection, since SARS-CoV-2 influences intracellular GSH levels by decreasing the function of intracellular Nrf2 [72] .…”

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ORF3a induces the expression of ACE2 in oral and pulmonary epithelial cells and the food supplement Vita Deyun® diminishes this effect

“…Therefore, it was proposed by Silvagno et al ( 53 ) that restoring GSH levels in patients with severe symptoms of COVID-19 may be a therapeutic alternative to prevent and control the disease. In agreement with this, Guloyan et al ( 54 ) suggested that the use of liposomal GSH could be beneficial in COVID-19 patients.…”

Open Clinical Trial of the Use of Antioxidants and Pentoxifylline as Coadjuvant Measures to Standard Therapy to Improve Prognosis of Patients with Pneumonia and Septic Shock due to Covid-19

“…Early treatment with NAC+Px during COVID-19 may bypass the excessive inflammation and cell damage that leads to the severe form of the infection, since SARS-CoV-2 influences intracellular GSH levels by decreasing the function of intracellular Nrf2[71].On the other hand, the combination of Px with any of the antioxidants used in this study, decreased IL-6 and CRP concentrations. This suggests a synergic effect by decreasing inflammation markers.…”