Using data form a 14-day double-blind trial with 48 smokers randomized to either N-acetylcysteine (2400 mg) or placebo, we tested the effect of N-acetylcysteine on glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid concentrations in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and on smoking cessation. Smoking related behaviors and neurotransmitter concentrations in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex were assesse...

BACKGROUND An elevated blood level of homocysteine is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. Homocysteine can be lowered by folate and/or vitamin B12 supplementation; antioxidants might also be required for optimal reduction in neurovascular tissue. This report presents clinical and radiological findings from administering the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine together with B vitamins ...

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) a derivative of amino acid L-cysteine is currently used mainly as an antioxidant. Sulfhydryl group (–SH) within its molecule makes possible to directly scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Indirect antioxidant action of NAC rely on augmentation of the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) – a major body’s antioxidant. Since oxidative stress takes a part in pathogenesis of...

BACKGROUND The use of acetylcysteine as a mucolytic agent is controversial. In 1962 it was claimed to be "the most effective agent ... for the liquefaction of ... secretions" but was subsequently taken off the market as a respirator solution. Normal saline, on the other hand, is becoming increasingly popular. A study was undertaken to determine which solution is more effective at clearing retai...

BACKGROUND This study investigated the effect of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) on oxidative liver damage induced in rats with high-dose paracetamol. METHODS Rats for this experiment were divided into the following groups: healthy control, paracetamol control, thiamine + paracetamol, TPP + paracetamol, and N-acetylcysteine + paracetamol. Oxidant and antioxidant parameters and liver function tes...

A quantitative reversed-phase HPLC method has been developed that enables determination of both low endogenous and high therapeutic concentrations of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in plasma. The compound is detected fluorimetrically after derivatisation with ortho-phthalaldehyde in the presence of a primary amine. Validation of the method revealed injection and method repeatability were good. The line...

Recent evidence suggests that endothelium-derived relaxing factor exhibits properties of nitric oxide. Like nitric oxide, it inhibits platelet function and mediates its effects by elevating intracellular cyclic GMP. In this study we have investigated the role of reduced thiol in the mechanism of action of endothelium-derived relaxing factor on platelets. Bovine aortic endothelial cells were gro...

We have shown previously that naturally occurring isothiocyanates derived from cruciferous vegetables and their N-acetylcysteine conjugates inhibit lung adenoma formation induced by tobacco carcinogens in A/J mice at the postinitiation stage. The tumor-inhibitory activity by these compounds is linked with activation of activator protein and induction of apoptosis in lung tissues, suggesting tha...

BACKGROUND N-acetylcysteine is used to treat acetaminophen toxicity and is available in both intravenous and oral formulations. Our report describes a patient treated with intravenous N-acetylcysteine for acetaminophen toxicity who died after an anaphylactoid reaction following initiation of the infusion. OBJECTIVE Clinicians should be aware of potential complications when deciding on which f...

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of high-dose N-acetylcysteine on renal function in cardiac surgery patients at higher risk of postoperative renal failure. DESIGN Multiblind, placebo-controlled, randomized, phase II clinical trial. SETTING Operating rooms and intensive care units of two tertiary referral hospitals. PATIENTS A total of 60 cardiac surgery patients at higher risk of postoperat...