What is n-acetylcystein?

n-acetylcysteine, also written as n-acetylcysteine ​​or simply NAC, is a compound produced in the body of cysteine, non-essential amino acid. It is used to synthesize glutathione, other amino acids involved in carcinogens detoxification. While these chemicals cooperate synergistically to maintain the body without foreign materials, n-acetylcysteine ​​is a strong antioxidant itself. In fact, it plays a key role in neutralizing reactive oxygen and other free radical molecules. It is attributed to mucolytic properties, which means it acts as a decongestant to help relax and literally spend mucus in the lungs. This is achieved by dissolving certain proteins present in mucus by interrupting the "disulphide bridge" or covalent links that combine their thiol groups. Several clinical trials show this activity, so this substance is valuable treatment of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, emphysema and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).

As a nutritional supplement, N-acetylcystein may have a large range of applications due to its regulation of glutathione and glutamate, which is an important neurotransmitter involved in cellular metabolism. Although there were almost not enough research to justify the validity of the treatment of many conditions that this compound to improve is sufficient evidence that would require further investigation. For example, there are reports that this agent can be a home for a hangover combined with vitamins C and B1. Other statements include the ability of this amino acid to alleviate certain compulsive disorders, especially nail biting and pulling hair. Unlike these unofficial evidence, there is clinical evidence to promote N-acetylcystein's claims improves symptoms of depression, bipolar disorders and schizophrenia.

NAC antioxidant activity leads research workers to suspect that this can play a role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. In addition to inhibitICE oxidative damage to the study showed that this acid discourages the rate of growth and metastases of cancer cells. It has also been shown that this agent can prevent the liver damage caused by acetaminophene poisoning, as well as renal failure caused by radiocontrastic nephropathy (RCN). In the case of NAC acetaminophene toxicity, NAC stimulates an increase in glutathione release, preventing N-acetyl-P-Benzochinone Imin, acetaminophene by the metabolism that damages liver cells.

There are several ways to be administered by n-acetylcysteine. It is available in liquid form and as sparkling tablets in most countries without a prescription. When used to transfer acetaminofenue, it is administered by intravenous injection. When used in mucolytic therapy to alleviate lung overload, it can be administered as an eye or inhalation solution, one of which usually requires a prescription.