acetylcysteine
A synthetic N-acetyl derivative of the endogenous amino acid
L-cysteine, a precursor of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione.
Acetylcysteine regenerates liver stores of glutathione. This agent also
reduces disulfide bonds in mucoproteins, resulting in liquification of
mucus. Some evidence suggests that acetylcysteine may exert an
anti-apoptotic effect due to its antioxidant activity, possibly
preventing cancer cell development or growth. In addition,
acetylcysteine has inhibited viral stimulation by reactive oxygen
intermediates, thereby producing antiviral activity in HIV patients
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