Several viral infections, and the progression of virus-induced diseases, especially those associated with COVID-19, are characterized by an alteration in the intracellular redox balance ( FIGURE 8 Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, may be an ideal environment for the high viral replication capabilities of SARS-CoV-2 in human cells, enhancing hyper-inflammation secondary to immune system dysregulation (Figure 9) that leads to adverse outcomes, as shown in patients with cardiovascular risk factors (258, 259)
Gobeil, S., Zhu, X., Doillon, C
Glutathione synthesis occurs in two ATP-dependent steps catalyzed by the enzymes gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL, the rate-limiting step) and glutathione synthetase [2]
With adequate glutathione levels, its antioxidant properties break down free radicals, helping control inflammation by eliminating harmful molecules