Revisiting the reactions of superoxide with glutathione and other thiols

The reaction between GSH and superoxide has long been of interest in the free radical biology. Early studies were confusing, as some reports suggested that the reaction could be a major pathway for superoxide removal whereas others questioned whether it happened at all. Further research by several investigators, including Helmut Sies, was required to clarify this complex reaction. We now know that superoxide does react with GSH, but the reaction is relatively slow and occurs mostly by a chain reaction that consumes oxygen and regenerates superoxide. Most of the GSH is converted to GSSG, with a small amount of sulfonic acid. As shown by Sies and colleagues, singlet oxygen is a by-product. Although removal of superoxide by GSH may be a minor pathway, GSH and superoxide have a strong physiological connection. GSH is an efficient free radical scavenger, and when it does so, thiyl radicals are generated. These further react to generate superoxide. Therefore, radical scavenging by GSH and other thiols is a source of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, and to be an antioxidant pathway, there must be efficient removal of these species.