A Rapid Method for the Quantification of GSH and GSSG in Biological Samples

Measurement of O2 consumption, conjugated dienes, and decomposition products of lipid hydroperoxide (LHP) such as malondialdehyde have been extensively used as markers of lipid peroxidation (1 ). Glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) are biologically important intracellular thiols, and alterations in the GSH/GSSG ratio are often used to assess exposure of cells to oxidative stress. GSH plays an important role in scavenging free radicals and protects cells against several toxic oxygen-derived chemical species. A constant supply of reduced glutathione is necessary to repair the effects of spontaneous oxidation of sulfhydryl groups, which results in cell-membrane damage.