A deficiency in cysteine is associated with loss of health, youth, and quality of life. Hence, it is essential to get enough cysteine in our diets. However, our current intake is considered inadequate. In the past decade, NAC has undergone several reviews. Its benefits have been studied for various medical conditions, including infertility, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. It has also been used as a metal chelator and has shown promise in several fields. Browse this link https://www.thorne.com/products/dp/cysteplus-reg to discover more about acetylcysteine.
It improves lipophilicity, membrane permeability, and antioxidant properties.
The antioxidant activity of N-acetylcysteine-amido-N-acetyl glycerol (NAC) is enhanced by its amide form, which is a low molecular weight thiol. It protects human cells by inhibiting tert-butyl-hydroxy peroxide (BuOOH)-induced intracellular oxidation in red blood cells. Furthermore, N-acetylcysteine amide protects hemoglobin by reacting with oxidized glutathione.
Despite the positive clinical results, further studies are needed to confirm the role of N-acetylcysteine in treating non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure. Moreover, N-acetylcysteine has limited clinical application, with its use being restricted to specific patient subgroups. N-acetylcysteine is most useful for patients with coma grade I or II, despite its little therapeutic utility.
This research has been published in several journal articles. Some of the most important recent studies have outlined the benefits of N-acetylcysteine amide. In one study, researchers found that this molecule can improve the ability of cells to resist oxidative stress and inflammatory disease by enhancing their sensitivity to antioxidative and antibacterial compounds.
It inhibits ox-low-density lipoprotein.
Ox-LDL is a member of the C-type lectin family that binds carbohydrates in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Its structure contains four domains: the stalk region, C-type lectin-like fold, and apoB. Researchers investigated the role of ox-LDL in the progression of atherosclerosis by blocking its association with a C-type lectin receptor called CD36. Ox-LDL also interacts with a receptor known as LOX-1, a type II membrane protein with an extracellular domain and short stalk region.
Ox-LDL binds to cell membrane receptors to exert its cytotoxic effects. The extent of cytotoxicity depends on the amount of ox-LDL taken up by the cell. The impact of acetylcysteine on ox-LDL is not due to cytotoxicity per se but rather to signal transduction.
It inhibits urotensin
In a study, Watanabe T et al. showed that acetylcysteine inhibits urotensin II, a significant protein component that regulates blood pressure. The authors also examined the role of urotensin II in the development of carotid atherosclerosis.
The findings were correlated with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the authors found that human urotensin II accelerated the formation of foam cells in macrophages. However, they could not determine whether acetylcysteine could prevent or slow the progression of atherosclerosis in human patients. It’s too early to know whether acetylcysteine is a valuable treatment for atherosclerosis, but NAC can inhibit uric acid and ox-LDL, two pro-oxidants.
It inhibits COVID-19
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a precursor to the powerful antioxidant glutathione, is a promising antiviral agent. It has been used for decades to treat acetaminophen overdose, loosen thick lung mucus, and reduce inflammation. Despite these benefits, N-acetylcysteine has been overlooked during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This is why N-acetylcysteine has been largely ignored during the SARS-Cov and MERS-Cov epidemics.
Recent advances in the field have provided hope for new treatments for COVID-19 infections. Recently, N-acetylcysteine was shown to inhibit COVID-19 by increasing the activity of immune cells. Therefore, this agent is being studied as adjuvant therapy for COVID-19. This may help prevent patients from becoming bedridden or requiring a ventilator. Therefore, N-acetylcysteine may play an essential role in the future of COVID-19 treatment.
Acute COVID-19 infection is associated with high levels of neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio. A high neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio is associated with poorer outcomes and disease progression. Therefore, the treatment of COVID-19 should focus on preventing and controlling inflammation. In addition, Acetylcysteine may help prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
