N-acetylcysteine amide (nac amide) in the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with oxidative stress

Abstract

Methods and compositions comprising N-acetylcysteine amide (NAC amide) and derivatives thereof are used in treatments and therapies for human and non-human mammalian diseases, disorders, conditions and pathologies. Pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable compositions of NAC amide or derivatives thereof are administered alone, or in combination with other suitable agents, to reduce, prevent, or counteract oxidative stress and free radical oxidant formation and overproduction in cells and tissues, as well as to provide a new source of glutathione.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A method of increasing levels of thiol antioxidants in an organism, comprising administering NAC amide or derivative of NAC amide to the organism in an amount effective to increase thiol antioxidant levels. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the thiol antioxidant is glutathione or cysteine. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the levels of thiol antioxidant increase in liver and plasma. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein NAC amide or derivative of NAC amide is administered orally in an amount of 500 mg/kg.