Glutathione (GSH) protects cells against oxidative stress by playing an antioxidant role. Protecting brain endothelial cells under oxidative stress is key to treating cerebrovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. In present study, we investigated the protective effect of GSH on brain endothelial cells against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). We showed that GSH attenuates H₂O₂-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidized form of deoxiguanosine. GSH also prevents H₂O₂-induced reduction of tight junction proteins. Finally, GSH increases the level of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and activates Nrf2-mediated signaling pathways. Thus, GSH is a promising target to protect brain endothelial cells in conditions of brain injury and disease.

Keywords: glutathione (GSH), murine brain endothelial cells (bEnd.3 cells), apoptosis, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), Reactive oxygen species (ROS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)