Antioxidants (Oct 2023)

N-Acetylcysteine and Its Immunomodulatory Properties in Humans and Domesticated Animals

  • Sophie Tieu,
  • Armen Charchoglyan,
  • Lauryn Paulsen,
  • Lauri C. Wagter-Lesperance,
  • Umesh K. Shandilya,
  • Byram W. Bridle,
  • Bonnie A. Mallard,
  • Niel A. Karrow

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12101867
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 10
p. 1867

Abstract

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N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an acetylated derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, has been widely used as a mucolytic agent and antidote for acetaminophen overdose since the 1960s and the 1980s, respectively. NAC possesses antioxidant, cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucolytic properties, making it a promising therapeutic agent for a wide range of diseases in both humans and domesticated animals. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a major role in the onset and progression of all these diseases. NAC’s primary role is to replenish glutathione (GSH) stores, the master antioxidant in all tissues; however, it can also reduce levels of pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-∝) and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β), inhibit the formation of microbial biofilms and destroy biofilms, and break down disulfide bonds between mucin molecules. Many experimental studies have been conducted on the use of NAC to address a wide range of pathological conditions; however, its effectiveness in clinical trials remains limited and studies often have conflicting results. The purpose of this review is to provide a concise overview of promising NAC usages for the treatment of different human and domestic animal disorders.

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