Medical expert of the article
New publications
Glutathione peroxidase
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Reference values for glutathione peroxidase (GP) activity in erythrocytes are 29.6–82.9 U/g hemoglobin.
Glutathione peroxidase is one of the most important elements of the body's antioxidant system. It converts hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides into harmless molecules before they form free radicals. It is a selenium-dependent enzyme. Changes in selenium concentration in the blood correlate well with the level of glutathione peroxidase activity.
Glutathione peroxidase activity is determined in the following cases.
- In patients suffering from diseases associated with glutathione peroxidase and selenium deficiency.
- In individuals at increased risk of selenium deficiency: old age, poor nutrition, smoking, alcoholism, stress, kidney failure, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy.
- To determine antioxidant potential and assess treatment effectiveness.
[