Redefining the role of the thiol-based agent N-acetylcysteine in human health and disease and elucidating potential advantages of its amide derivative - PubMed
4 hours ago
- #therapeutic applications
- #thiol-redox biology
- #N-acetylcysteine
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is traditionally used as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity and a mucolytic agent.
- It functions as a modulator of thiol-redox biology, affecting glutathione metabolism, redox signaling, immune checkpoints, and ferroptosis susceptibility.
- Clinical applications span pulmonary, hepatic, neuropsychiatric, metabolic, cardiovascular, and oncological disorders, with outcomes influenced by redox state and pharmacogenetics.
- N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA), a lipophilic derivative, offers improved membrane permeability and cellular uptake compared to NAC.
- Emerging uses include long COVID, neurodegeneration, psychiatric disorders, and cancer immunotherapy, with a focus on precision approaches and combination therapies.