Glutathione (GSH) is extremely important as it protects our cells from toxins. It is an antioxidant produced within cells and acts to breakdown dangerous toxins. Mold, which creates several toxic chemicals, delivers an army of toxins to several of our organ systems aw well as our immune system. Our cells have the capacity to create GSH and very crucial GSH is produced in the liver. Glutathione is usually found in its depleted form. This means that if you had blood testing done to see your GSH levels, it will show up low. If you wanted to look for cellular toxicity, what you want to look at are the levels of Glutathione Disulfide (GSSG) compared to GSH levels. When Glutathione defends against toxins, it combines with Glutathione Reductase to convert to GSSG. This is a sign of that it is performing oxidation, defending against the toxins. An example would be if someone overdosed on medication, GSH levels will deplete further and GSSG would rise. The ratio between GSH to GSSG is a measurement to gage toxicity. GSH is also for protecting immune cells. So you can see the importance of GSH when it comes to the body’s defenses against mycotoxins.
There are many enzymes, ingredients, & processes that take place in the production of Glutathione. The basic elements that it is synthesized from are glycine L-cysteine, & L-glutamine. These are all amino acids. There is also research, which shows that toxins can decrease in the production of Nrf2 (nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 ). Nrf2 regulates detoxification
and antioxidant gene expression. Like previously stated, there is a series of interactions, which go into the production and the capacity for GSH to do its job. What has been observed is that the reduction of Nrf2 led to the reduction of NQO1, GSTP1, GSTM1 and GSTA5, GCLC and AKR7A1. These are GSH transferase protein subunits responsible for the GSH synthesis. There is also research, which shows that some genetically may lack the particular sub unit activity to detox certain toxins. What is called GSTM1 NULL. Basically put, some individuals may lack the capability per their genes to produce the factors necessary so that their GSH can detoxify certain toxins. So if the production of GSH is damaged, or you lack the capability to detox from certain toxins, this is one of the factors, which leads to becoming and staying ill from the toxins produced by molds. Thus, the ability to defend against toxic elements is severely lowered, thus leaving you in a very dangerous position.
On the surface it might make sense to infuse the body with GSH. This has been tried in many ways. Some take it orally. It is said that this has little to no affect. That the body does not absorb GSH very well from the GI tract, so there is little benefit. Taken intravenously is a more direct method to get it to the cells in the blood stream. This is reported to have more benefits then taken orally.
Glutathione deficiency is also known to lead to several neuropsychological affects. Memory loss & confusion are common issues that the toxically injured suffer with. The problem is how to get Glutathione to the Brain cells. The Brain Blood Barrier exists to prevent harmful elements from entering the brain. It prevents most foreign made elements from entering. With mold toxins however,
the ATP’s are reduced, which weakens the BBB, leading to penetration of the toxins. Some researchers such as Dr. Kaye Kilburn has had success in treating patients with Glutathione intra-nasal spray. It is reported that many symptoms subside with it being administered this way. However, it is still unknown as to the long-term effectiveness of Glutathione infusions. Perhaps the elements that produce Glutathione need to be built up. Some physicians use Cholestyramine (CSM), which is reported to bind with toxins, leading to the extraction of them from the body.
Taking precursors to GSH might be the answer. NAC N-acetlycysteine & undenatured whey proteins are said to help raise GSH production. At the end of the day the elements that need to combined need ATP. ATP, which stands for
Adenosine triphosphate, is prodcued by the mithochondria. This is the power plant of all cells. All mold toxin research points to the infiltation of the mitchondria by mold toxins and ATP production is decerased as a result. In the long run, it appears that all of the illnesses created by molds revert back to the mitochondria. Protecting the mitochondria perhaps is where the true cure lies. I will discuss role of the mitochondria future postings.
Glutathione and its processes, which lead to the breaking down of toxins in order to rid these from the body, is a very complex element. I hope that this helps you to understand the importance of GSH and how it ties into the illnesses and the treatment of mold toxicity. It is also possible to hypothesize that GSH also acts in the same way with toxins produced from sources other then mold. Whether made by nature or man, preventing toxin ingestion is key.
14Christophe Cavin et al, ;Reduction in Antioxidant Defenses may Contribute to Ochratoxin A Toxicity and Carcinogenicity: TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES 96(1), 30–39 (2007)doi:10.1093/toxsci/kfl169
9 I. Romieu et al; GSTM1 and GSTP1 and Respiratory Health In Asthmatic Children Exposed To Ozone“: Eur Respir J 2006; 28: 953–959 DOI:10.1183/09031936.06.00114905 Copyright_ERS Journals Ltd 2006
Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker; Mold Warriors. 2005 Gateway Pr. Baltimore, MD: 2005.
