Systematic review of ophthalmate as a novel biomarker of hepatic glutathione depletion.

S.A.W.G. Dello*, E.P. Neis, M.C. de Jong, H.M.H. van Eijk, C. H. Kicken, S. Olde Damink, C.H.C. Dejong

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sustainability of hepatic glutathione (GSH) homeostasis is an important cellular defense against oxidative stress. Therefore, knowledge of liver GSH status is important. However, measurement of plasma GSH and tissue is difficult due to its instability. Alternatively, ophthalmate (OPH), an endogenous tripeptide analog of GSH, has been suggested as a potential indicator to assess GSH depletion. AIM: To provide an overview of present knowledge with respect to the usefulness of OPH as a biomarker for oxidative stress and hepatic GSH homeostasis. METHODS: A systematic, computerized search combined with a cross-reference search of the literature described in PubMed (January 1975 to January 2012) was conducted, key words: 'ophthalmate' and 'ophthalmic acid'. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles were included. Hepatic OPH levels increase inversely proportional to a drop in hepatic GSH in mice with paracetamol (PCM) induced hepatotoxicity. Little is known about the stability of OPH in human plasma. To measure the very low physiological concentrations of plasma OPH, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques can be employed. OPH synthesis can be measured in humans, using stable isotope labeling with a deuterated water ((2)H(2)O) load. CONCLUSION: OPH may be a promising biomarker to indicate hepatic glutathione depletion, but the suggested biological pathways need further unraveling.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)325-330
Number of pages6
JournalClinical Nutrition
Volume32
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2013

Keywords

  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Ophthalmate
  • Glutathione
  • LC-MS/MS
  • OXIDATIVE STRESS
  • ACIDIC PEPTIDES
  • LIVER
  • LENS
  • METABOLISM
  • HEPATOTOXICITY
  • TRANSPORT

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