The Cold Atmospheric Plasma Inhibits Cancer Proliferation Through Reducing Glutathione Synthesis

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a safe and effective alternative to radiotherapy for cancer treatment. Its anticancer effects are attributed to increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Glutathione, a key antioxidant derived from glutamine, is critical for cell proliferation. This study investigated whether CAP-induced ROS elevation results from reduced glutamine-glutathione conversion and elucidates the underlying mechanisms.

Citation:
Yang Q, Zhao W, Yang L, Fan Y, Shao C, Wang T, Zhang F. The Cold Atmospheric Plasma Inhibits Cancer Proliferation Through Reducing Glutathione Synthesis. Molecules. 2025;30(13).

Keywords:
Cancer; cold atmospheric plasma; esophageal squamous carcinoma; glutamine metabolism; glutathione

Abstract:
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a safe and effective alternative to radiotherapy for cancer treatment. Its anticancer effects are attributed to increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Glutathione, a key antioxidant derived from glutamine, is critical for cell proliferation. This study investigated whether CAP-induced ROS elevation results from reduced glutamine-glutathione conversion and elucidates the underlying mechanisms.