Honda Y, et al. – This open–label, single–arm, multicenter, pilot study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of oral administration of glutathione in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). For patients with NAFLD, this study indicated the potential therapeutic effects of oral administration of glutathione in the practical dose. To verify its efficacy, large–scale clinical trials were needed.

• The researchers prospectively assessed 34 NAFLD patients diagnosed using ultrasonography.
• For 3 months, all patients first underwent intervention to improve their lifestyle habits (diet and exercise), followed by treatment with glutathione (300 mg/day) for 4 months.
• Before and after glutathione treatment, they evaluated their clinical parameters.
• Also, they quantified liver fat and fibrosis using vibration-controlled transient elastography.
• The change in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels was the primary outcome.

• The protocol was finished by 29 patients.
• Following treatment with glutathione for 4 months, ALT levels significantly decreased.
• Moreover, with glutathione treatment, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, and ferritin levels also decreased.
• The researchers found that ALT responders were younger in age and did not have severe diabetes compared with ALT non-responders following dichotomization of ALT responders based on a median 12.9% decrease from baseline.
• In ALT responders, the controlled attenuation parameter also decreased.