Stanford NAC study: glutathione level predicts survival. Clearinghouse, AIDS Newsletter Database, P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD 20849-6003. 800-458-5231 ext. 5714. A fee will apply.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Stanford NAC study: glutathione level predicts survival. Clearinghouse, AIDS Newsletter Database, P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD 20849-6003. 800-458-5231 ext. 5714. A fee will apply.

AIDS Treat News. 1997 Mar 7;(No 266):1-5. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE AIDS/97702533
James JS

Abstract: CD4 cells with low levels of glutathione, a biochemical that protects cells from oxidative stress, have been found to be predictive of poor survival. A randomized study of N-acetyl-cysteine, a drug that helps replenish glutathione, began with in-depth analysis of glutathione levels in different lymphocyte subsets, and correlated these levels with survival. Patients with high glutathione levels had a 3-year 60-80 percent survival rate, compared with as low as 20 percent for those with low glutathione. The second part of the study involved randomizing patients to N-acetyl-cysteine or placebo; patients receiving N-acetyl-cysteine had a statistically significant survival advantage over those receiving placebo. Adverse effects thought to be attributed to N-acetyl-cysteine were also observed in the placebo group. There is controversy as to whether further studies of N-acetyl-cysteine should be conducted for several reasons: N-acetyl-cysteine is readily available and is inexpensive, and studies could compromise patients from being able to obtain it on their own; other drug study results could be subject to interference; and there are no validated surrogate markers for continued study of N-acetyl-cysteine. HIV-infected patients are, however, advised to avoid substances, such as acetaminophen and other pain relievers, that inherently lower glutathione levels.

Keywords: Acetylcysteine/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE/*THERAPEUTIC USE Administration, Oral Dose-Response Relationship, Drug Glutathione/*BLOOD HIV Infections/BLOOD/*DRUG THERAPY/MORTALITY Human Lymphocyte Subsets Placebos Survival Analysis NEWSLETTER ARTICLE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL CLINICAL TRIAL
970830
M9781218

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