GGT activity (d) (n = 6 technical replicates from 3 independent experiments) and cell numbers (e) (n = 3 technical replicates for Cys 2 -free or n = 6 technical replicates for Control or Cys 2 -free + GSH from 3 independent experiments) for cells grown in control (208 M cystine
Upon binding of a second equivalent of GSH into a highly energetic intermediate, the oxidized product GSSG is formed, and a ruthenium diamine complex generated
Perhaps, most importantly, when GSH does its job in detoxifying oxidants, the end productwhich is oxidized GSH and is written chemically as GSSH (also called glutathione disulfide)is not itself harmful and is safely and quickly recycled back to GSH
While the exact causes of these erythrocyte changes are due to fibrin amyloid microclots or other factors, such as ROS (which can cause RBC changes as well [367, 368]), remain unclear, they likely contribute to the oxidative stress observed in Long COVID [369, 370]
Oral glutathione supplements, on the other hand, don't always work well because the body doesn't handle them well
