[Evaluation of the effects of reduced glutathione in subjects with acquired and congenital changes in heme biosynthesis].

In order to evaluate the possible therapeutical effects of reduced glutathione in subjects affected by acquired or congenital heme biosynthesis alterations, two groups of subjects have been considered: the first, of 5 subjects with abnormal lead absorption, the second of 10 patients suffering from porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). The drug was administered i.v. at the dosage of 600-1200 mg for a variable period of 3-5 days in the first group, for 7-10 days in the patients with PCT. In the lead-exposed subjects an increase in the activity of ALA-dehydratases enzyme was observed, with a decrease in the urinary excretion of delta-aminolevulinic acid, and a decrease in the percentage of urinary coproporphyrins as well. In the patients with PCT, after the therapy, a relevant reduction of urinary excretion of porphyrins, prevalently uro- and heptaporphyrins, was noticed. The results of this preliminary study suggest that glutathione can exert an effect of "normalization" on heme biosynthesis when altered in acquired and/or congenital conditions.