Hepatobiliary transport of glutathione and its role in cholestasis

Glutathione is a tripeptide comprised by L-glutamate, L-cysteine, and glycine, that serves antioxygenation and deintoxication functions within the cell. Recent study has found that glutathione is the main driving force for bile salt-independent bile flow, impaired biliary excretion of glutathione can lead to cholestasis. This review focuses on hepatobiliary transport of glutathione and its role in cholestasis. Based on the evidence of choleretic effect of glutathione, enhancement of biliary excretion of glutathione may be a good strategy for prevention and treatment of cholestasis.