| abstract |
Compounds that increase the specific activity of isoforms of glutathione S-transferase are useful in protecting cells against the toxic effects of oxygen-containing free radicals in mammals. Thus, the invention provides a method of treating diseases or cellular damage caused by oxygen-containing free radicals, or of preventing or minimising such damage, which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of one or more glutathione S-transferase elevating compounds. The compounds may also be used for protecting healthy cells during cancer treatments that generate oxygen-containing free radicals in tissues. Such compounds consist of Michael reaction acceptors, compounds convertible to Michael reaction acceptors by oxidation or metabolism, halogenated compounds subject to nucleophilic displacement reaction via glutathione S-transferase, 1,2-dithiol-3-thiones, triphenols with vicinal hydroxyl groups, nifuroxime, and vitamin K-S(II). |