N-acetylcysteine
N-acetylcysteine (also known as NAC, acetylcysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine) is a supplement and drug used to increase levels of glutathione (GSH), the most common natural antioxidant in the body.[1][2]
Purpose[edit | edit source]
For this reason, NAC itself is sometimes referred to as an antioxidant. NAC is a pro-drug for cysteine, which is the rate-limiting ingredient in the biosynthesis of glutathione. It is thought that NAC is better than cysteine at increasing GSH in the brain since most cysteine will be consumed by the liver during first-pass metabolism, and NAC may bypass first-pass metabolism. Since orally consumed GSH will be broken down in the stomach, NAC is a more efficient means of enhancing GSH in cells.[2]
Sources[edit | edit source]
Evidence[edit | edit source]
NAC was originally approved as a medicine to breakdown excess mucus in the lungs.[citation needed]
ME/CFS[edit | edit source]
In a presentation to the 2016 IACFS/ME conference Dr Dikoma Shungu of Cornell University gave a presentation on a trial of NAC in ME/CFS patients.[3] Previously his team had found a 36% deficit of the tissue anti-oxidant occipital cortex glutathione (GSH) in the cortical areas of the brains of ME/CFS patients.[4]
The trial supplemented patients (meeting the CDC criteria for CFS) with 1800mg daily of GSH precursor n-acetylcysteine for 4 weeks and looked at levels of cortical GSH. The study found that cortical GSH had increased in patients and that CFS symptoms (as assessed with the CDC CFS symptom inventory) were significantly reduced.[3]
In 2020, a double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial of NAC was registered, and is due to take place at Cornell University in conjunction with NINDS, to measure the effects of 900mg and 3600mg of NAC compared to a placebo in ME/CFS patients.[5] The trial will take part in two different locations, with the principle investigator is Dikoma Shungu.[5] The trial aims to measure the effect of NAC on patients with ME/CFS who have low GSH levels.[5]
Clinical use[edit | edit source]
NAC is clinically used as a mucolytic agent and antidote in case of paracetamol overdose.[citation needed]
AXA1125, also known as LIVRQNac, is an experimental drug, is in clinical trials for a number of different illnesses.[citation needed]
Costs and availability[edit | edit source]
N-acetylcysteine is available as a dietary supplement without a prescription.
Risks and safety[edit | edit source]
When taken orally, NAC is generally considered safe for most adults. The most common side effects with NAC include:
- Nausa
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn or indigestion
Althrough NAC is likely safe for most adults, certain groups of people should exhibit caution:
Allergy: People who are allergic to acetyl cysteine should not use NAC. Signs of allergy include rashes, hives, itchinness, swelling, difficulty breathing. If any signs of an allergic reaction occur, stop taking NAC and seek medical attention immediately.
Asthma: N-acetyl cysteine could trigger bronchospasms in individuals with asthma when inhaled or taken orally. If you have asthma and are using N-acetyl cysteine, it is important to be monitored by your healthcare provider. Symptoms of bronchospasms include wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. Pre-treatment with bronchodilators to lower the risk of these side effects.
Bleeding disorders: NAC could slow blood clotting, which might increse the risk of brusinng or bleeding in those with bleeding disorders.
Learn more[edit | edit source]
- Examine: Glutathione
- Examine: N-acetylcysteine
- Health Rising: Brain on Fire (October 2013)
- N-Acetylcysteine Alleviates Cortical Glutathione Deficit and Improves Symptoms in CFS: An In Vivo Validation Study using Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Dikoma Shungu et al (IACFS/ME Syllabus 2016)
See also[edit | edit source]
- AXA1125
- Glutathione
- Oxidative and nitrosative pathway
- Neuroinflammation
- Center for Enervating NeuroImmune Disease
- Dikoma Shungu
- Martin Pall
- Nitric oxide hypothesis
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Examine: N-acetylcysteine
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Examine:Glutathione
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Weiduschat, N.; Mao, X.; Vub, D.; Blate, M.; Kang, G.; Mangat, H.S.; Artis, A.; Banerjee, S.; Lange, G.; Henchcliff, C.; Natelson, B.H.; Shungu, D.C. (2016). "N-Acetylcysteine Alleviates Cortical Glutathione Deficit and Improves Symptoms in CFS: An In Vivo Validation Study using Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy". IACFS/ME Syllabus. p. 35. Archived from the original on November 21, 2016.
- ↑ Increased ventricular lactate in chronic fatigue syndrome. III. Relationships to cortical glutathione and clinical symptoms implicate oxidative stress in disorder pathophysiology. Shungu et al
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Assessment of N-Acetylcysteine as Therapy for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome". clinicaltrials.gov. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
