Abstract

Background: Glutathione (GSH) and the cytosolic glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) protect the gastrointestinal mucosa against the toxic effects of a wide variety of compounds, such as reactive oxygen species and electrophiles.

Aims: We wished to investigate the distribution along the upper gastrointestinal mucosa and the influence of clinical variables on components of the GSH system to learn more about factors which control its cytoprotective properties.

Methods: Antral and duodenal biopsies of normal appearing mucosa were collected from 202 patients (104 males, 98 females; mean age 62 years) undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. GSH content was examined by high pressure liquid chromatography, GST enzyme activity by 1-chloro-, 2, 4-dinitrobenzene conjugation, and levels of the GST classes alpha, pi, and theta by western blot.

Results: GSH, GST enzyme activity, and GST alpha levels were significantly lower (p<0.001) in the antrum than in the duodenum (antrum v duodenum: GSH 23.0 (0.7) v 35.0 (1.0) nmol/mg protein; GST activity 626 (19) v 832 (22) nmol/mg protein/min; GST alpha 4.5 (0.5) v 20.0 (0.7) μg/mg protein) while GST pi content was significantly higher (p<0.001) in antral than in duodenal biopsies (16.5 (0.7) v 11.2 (0.5) μg/mg protein). Antral GSH and GST activities were markedly lower in males compared with females (p<0.01). Some drugs (cisapride, diuretics, cortisol, analgesics) increased GST pi and GST alpha content but cytostatic drugs suppressed duodenal GST activity. High intake (>3 days a week) of vegetables enhanced duodenal GST alpha and GST pi and high intake of fruits the antral content of GST theta1.

Conclusions: The gastrointestinal GSH system represents the antitoxic barrier of the mucosa; its activity is influenced by localisation, sex, and drugs, and its enzymes are stimulated by a high intake of vegetables and fruits.