Recent advances in separation methods for characterization of glutathione metabolism and dietary supplementation

Glutathione (GSH) is the most important low-molecular intracellular antioxidant. In addition to its antioxidant properties, it ensures many other biological functions, including the elimination of xenobiotics. Glutathione and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels can be used as biomarkers of oxidative stress associated with many physiological and pathological conditions at which intracellular GSH levels decrease. Thus enhancing intracellular GSH levels has a wide therapeutic potential. A promising candidate for effective elevation of intracellular GSH levels by simple supplementation is gamma-glutamylcysteine. The present review is focused on the description of available methods for characterization of GSH metabolism. Especially, methods utilizing liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the determination of GSH, GSSG, and other thiols and related compounds are reviewed and critically discussed.